Dear brothers and sisters:
Peace in the Lord! On Oct 2nd, Shouwang had her twenty-sixth Sunday outdoor worship service, which was during the long holiday we take off to celebrate the National Day. Many believers went on trips visiting families or traveling during this holiday. However, no matter where we are, we continue to seek and worship our God as disciples of Christ on this past Sunday, which was sanctified by God.
In the past week, each police station put more force into watching over believers because of this long holiday. Many believers were detained at home since Saturday. As far as we know, at least ten believers were taken away on Sunday morning for going to the planned location to join the outdoor service, either at the spot or on their way there (including a brother from a church in another city). Except one believer who was released on the way to police station, all the rest of them were sent to three local police stations of their respective area. Till 18:00 on Sunday, nine believers were released home. The last brother who was detained at Guangying Police Station was not released until 11:30 on the 3rd.
While people usually go on vacation with family during this long holiday, these believers are willing to sacrifice for the sake of worshiping the Lord; being detained, they had to endure temporary separation from their families. We especially give thanks to the Lord for them. We believe that those who are willing to forsake everything for the Lord will receive far more blessings from the Lord; they will receive more respect and love from members in the big family of the Lord.
We pray that as God rests our body during this holiday, he also gives us rest in mind and soul, so that we will get strengthened and continue to follow him in the next stage. May God also help us to have a better reflection on what we have gone through in the past, so that we can see more clearly his guidance for his church. May God prepare us, make a way out for us, and gather us together to praise him and to worship him soon.
May peace and grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the mercy and love of Father God, and the console and guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, be with each brother and sister of Shouwang Church and all the churches who remember Shouwang Church in prayers, from this time on and forevermore! Amen.
Beijing Shouwang Church
10/04/2011
China Aid Contacts
Rachel Ritchie, English Media Director
Cell: (432) 553-1080 | Office: 1+ (888) 889-7757 | Other: (432) 689-6985
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.chinaaid.org
