China

Stats
•Population – 1,338,612,968
•Percentage of Evangelicals – 6%
•Total Number of People Groups – 462
•Number of Unreached People Groups – 388
•Language Spoken – Mandarin, Cantonese, Shanghainese
•Major Religion – Daoist (Taoist), Buddhist, Christian, Muslim
•Human Development Rank – 92
•Persecution Index – 13

China is one of the oldest civilizations and for centuries one of the most advanced. Until the 19th century, China was advancing quicker in science and arts than most other countries. However, the 19th and 20th centuries were plagued with civil unrest, famines, military defeats, and foreign occupation. These events led to upheaval of the emperor in China and the eventual establishment of a communist state in 1949. Under the leadership of Mao Zedong, China instated what is widely known as the Cultural Revolution where all threats to the state were highly restricted or even banned including news media, religion, and even forms of education. Christian missionaries were kicked out, churches were deemed illegal, and believers were forced to worship the Lord in secret. Believer who were caught by authorities were beaten, imprisoned, and at times sent to “re-education camps”. In the last few decades, such restrictions have become more relaxed. However, persecution still remains for believers who are a part of unregistered churches (a.k.a. house churches). In addition, some believers who are a part of the ethnic minority face persecution from their family and culture. It is said that there are more Christians in prison or under detention in China than in any other country. So even though China has experienced new freedoms, many Chinese Christians still endure persecution.

•Pray for those who have been imprisoned and persecuted for their faith.
•Pray for the church in China to be further established in the Scriptures.
•Pray for the 259 people groups who do not have a gospel witness among them.
•Ask the Lord to work in the hearts of the government leaders and draw them to Himself.
•It is illegal to work in China as a Christian missionary. Pray for missionaries in China to be able to remain there while they spread the gospel and strengthen the church.