Written by: Open Doors SA
Article source: JOY! Magazine
In a dark alley Ming*, a secret believer, loads heavy boxes into the trunk of his car. If he is caught, he’ll be arrested and probably sent to prison. He pulls out his phone and texts his contacts. “I’m on my way to the old place,” he types. Then he turns off his phone and removes the SIM card so his location can’t be tracked. No one is watching – except for the street cameras that are everywhere in China. What he is doing could be considered a crime by the authorities, as his cargo is Bibles…
Digital persecution
In China, authorities are using the ever-more sophisticated technology of surveillance cameras to keep eyes on the unregistered, underground Church. In the region of China where Ming is from, digital control is at an all-time high. Citizens’ phones are monitored and their social media apps are tightly controlled. Therefore, even in his text messages, Ming is careful. Any wrong word could cost him his freedom.
A new beginning
When Ming became a Christian, he was forced to relocate to another city and start from scratch. Over the years, he became a business owner and fell in love with and married a beautiful woman, Hua*, with whom he built a home and had a daughter, Mei Mei*.
At church, Ming grew deeper in his faith in Jesus. “Learning about Jesus made me realise that my friends and community back home needed Him too. The Lord prompted me: ‘Go back to your hometown. Tell people about Me there.’”
Ming praying with two Open Doors partners who visited him to encourage him in his faith.
Obedience to the Lord
In faithful obedience, Ming gave up everything he owned and moved back to the city where every move was scrutinised, the authorities ruled with an iron fist, and neighbours were forced to spy on each other.
He began leading small groups secretly, meeting believers in inconspicuous places to study God’s Word. He set up a new company with other believers, which also served as a cover business to deliver Bibles. The business thrived until it was exposed.
Losing everything for his faith
Ming and his business partners were arrested. Miraculously, he was set free and cleared of all charges, but he lost his company and cover. Since his arrest, the authorities often show up randomly and search his house.
He sent his wife and daughter to his in-laws’ home to protect them. “I needed to protect my family,” he says. “But because of my belief in Jesus, my father-in-law then prevented me from seeing my wife and daughter. Now he is pushing us to divorce.”
Open Doors’ involvement
Amid everything, God sent Brother Hao Ran*, an Open Doors local partner who has been praying with him, discipling him, and journeying with him through his struggles. “Brother Hao Ran visits me on a regular basis and has been mentoring me for years. At least twice a month, we pray and study the Bible together and walk in faith. He cares and nourishes my relationship with the Lord.”
Thanks to the gifts and prayers of Open Doors partners, believers like Ming can continue to serve God, even as their faith comes under surveillance, putting their own lives and freedom at risk.
Today, use your freedom to stay informed and stand in prayer with those believers. Visit opendoors.org.za/sign-up to sign up for Open Doors’ digital communication.
Geopende Deure – Open Doors NPC | Nedbank | Branch: 198765 | Acc: 113 750 4552 (Business) | Ref: JE2309
Geopende Deure – Open Doors NPC | Capitec Business | Branch: 450105 | Acc: 1051150132 (Current) | Ref: JE2309
*Names changed and representative images used for security reasons. | Photos: © 2023 Open Doors International
Click here to KEEP UPDATED on the latest news by subscribing to our FREE weekly newsletter.
Date published: 27/08/2023
Feature image: Ming loading some boxes in the car for his Bible smuggling activities.
DISCLAIMER
JOY! News is a Christian news portal that shares pre-published articles by writers around the world. Each article is sourced and linked to the origin, and each article is credited with the author’s name. Although we do publish many articles that have been written in-house by JOY! journalists, we do not exclusively create our own content. Any views or opinions presented on this website are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the company.
