Dear brothers and sisters:
Peace in the Lord! On Nov 6th, Shouwang had her thirty-first Sunday outdoor worship service. In the past week, many believers were detained at home since Saturday. On Friday night, police from Guangying Police Station took a sister to a hotel for detention. And on Saturday morning before dawn, police from Zhongguancun Police Station took a sister and her baby away from home for detention. As far as we know, at least seventeen 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 sister from Xinshu Church). Except one believer who was released on the way, the rest of them were sent to six local police stations of their respective area. Till 22:30, all the eighteen believers who were detained were released home.
We give thanks to our God, for he continuously raises up new people to join the outdoor worship service and to accompany those who are detained. Although we experience weakness and weariness, God comforts his own people. Although we are still in deserts, God makes deserts like Eden. Although we are still in battlefield, God makes wastelands like his garden, in which joy, gladness, thanksgiving and the sound of singing are found (Isaiah 51:3). We are truly thankful to our God for his faithfulness and protection. When we pass through the waters and the fire, he sustains us with his right hand, so that we can stand firm.
We also continue to pray to our God, and ask him to have mercy on this country. May God turn the king’s heart so that the king will not harden his heart but will return to God, govern the country with justice, and give a place for God’s people to worship. You are the LORD our God, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar, the LORD Almighty is your name (Isaiah 51:15). The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of you, is it not true? May you have mercy on this country and on this city, turn the king’s heart to you, but do not allow this land to become more violent and desolate.
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
11/08/2011
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
