Thomas Jefferson once affirmed, “the constitutional freedom of religion is the most inalienable and sacred of all human rights.”
Freedom of religion? Here in America, you’re able to attend church, watch church livestreams, listen to Gospel music, go to Christian artists’ concerts, read and buy Bibles, and celebrate Easter and Christmas without second thought. Our freedom of religion and worship is overlooked, forgotten, and very much so taken for granted. We may be in the 21st century, but that doesn’t prevent Satan to attempt to keep prospects away from God through world leaders. Some countries where persecution is most common include Afghanistan, North Korea, Somalia, Pakistan, India, and China. Each country persecutes in their own ways; while Pakistan is where Christians face most violence, China shuts down more churches than any other country. Many don’t believe this is occurring or don’t care because they don’t know these Christians; they don’t hear their stories, as they are well across the world. But I here have brought a story to tell, a testimony of persecution my family and I first-handedly witnessed when we lived in China.
I grew up in China; until we came to the USA; going to church in secret was the norm. The church was hidden in a location only known to church attenders; no pictures or videos were allowed to be taken of anything involving the church, nothing was to be posted on social media about it, and every few years, they would move the church to a different location. For a few years, our church congregation met in a private school in a wealthy neighborhood. They rented the school building on Sundays and converted the gym into a congregation room.
After a couple of years, they moved into a movie theatre in a secluded shopping mall as a precaution. After a few months, the police found the church. They guarded the entrance doors, and once even stormed into the theatre while the pastor was speaking. As a matter of safety, church members were all given name lanyards to wear at all times, identifying the congregation by name.
Two years later, the church received a warning from the city officials. They responded by hiding in an expensive conference center for businessmen. The only reason the church was not immediately shut down (and instead received a warning) was because it was founded and run by foreigners. Foreigners were “allowed” to attend church, but Chinese attendees were strongly discouraged by the city.
Gathering in homes for church services or Bible studies are most common for Chinese Christians, especially in the countryside. Not only were the churches being hunted down, Christmas was essentially not allowed. During Christmas 2021, strict laws came out locally where stores could not sell Christmas decor. In China, students do not even receive Christmas Day off. It is also discouraged, as because it’s viewed as a “foreigner holiday,” and has no place in Chinese society.
This is only a part of what the millions of Christians worldwide are going through, a mild persecution compared to those martyred or tortured simply for their faith.
Now that we are more informed, can this be applied to everyday life? It’s simple. Appreciating your freedom of religion more (a lot more), researching Christian persecution, praying for those living in harsh countries, and especially finding ways to support Christians, churches, and missionaries in other countries known for their persecution.
“The constitutional freedom of religion is the most inalienable and sacred of all human rights” -Thomas Jefferson
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
He said, “Go and tell this people: “ ‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’
Isaiah 6:8-9 NIV
Jiaqi
94:18 Studios
WOW!!! this is really well said!