Prayer Requests

Pierre

I am sharing this on behalf of a sister, with relatives in China. They are believers who are undergoing persecution in China because of their faith and adherence with a Christian church, Shen Jia church, in China. The siblings are in jail, leaving their elderly parents without care and their medication.

Below is the message that Joy shared with us. Thank you for your prayers.

Though the fig tree should not blossom,nor fruit be on the vines…yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength; Habakkuk 3:17-19

Dear brother and sister in Christ,

Thank you for praying for my siblings and others in persecution in China. Your prayers are precious and deeply appreciated.

My two siblings Linda and John (and two others) have been in the detention center for four months since May 24. My third sibling Nathan has been there for 45 days since Aug 9.

It’s been a very difficult and overwhelming week for our family and we could relate to Job's sufferings in many ways. Firstly, Nathan’s “Request for Bail” was denied. It will be increasingly difficult to be released. Secondly, the lawyer reported Linda was injured while doing forced labor work in jail and she couldn’t sleep. Thirdly, my parents, John’s wife and Nathan's wife were all sick with high fevers, my mom had a fall, and my Dad showed signs of Alzheimer’s. I felt ”hard pressed on every side”, desperate, helpless, and could hardly sleep. BUT YOUR PRAYERS lifted me up from the pit. Your labor in prayer and love in action reminded me of God’s steadfast love and changed my perspective. “You have granted me life and steadfast love, and your care has preserved my spirit.”(Job 10:12)

GOD IS GOOD and MERCIFUL in the midst of all these trials. HE IS SOVEREIGN! HIS STEADFAST LOVE NEVER ENDS! HIS MERCIES ARE NEW EVERY MORNING! HE made it possible for Nathan’s wife to see a cardiologist. She was advised to have a heart surgery as soon as possible. My mom’s fall turned out not too bad, she got some stitches and was sent home. God sent His people to support the care of my parents. Praise be to GOD!!!

Hebrews 13:3 says “ Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” Therefore, I appeal to you, all prayer warriors, please join me in continuously pleading for God’s grace, mercy, and peace, the wellbeing of everyone involved, so that we all grow closer to God and witness to His name. Please pray for Nathan’s wife’s heart surgery arrangements, my parents' health, Linda’s recovery from injury and sleep, and the following items.

Please continue to pray for:

1. The detained FIVE ( Linda, John, Nathan, Deng and Wang,) their elderly parents and family members would remain faithful under persecution and share the hope they have in Jesus. They would feel the presence of God, be strengthened and encouraged, supported by God's people.

2. ShengJia church, that all members may have wisdom and courage from God to stand firm during interrogation, and that someone will respond to the need of preaching/Bible teaching in this situation.

3. All the financial needs, especially legal fees, financially support the families of those who are imprisoned, and church ministry costs in this difficult context.

4. The lawyers would be protected by God, and they have the courage and wisdom to advocate and uphold justice.

5. The police and other officials involved in this case may have a clear conscience to fairly just the case and have a chance to hear and respond to the gospel.

Please feel free to forward this letter so that more Christians could join in pleading for God's mercy and grace. Thank you for your precious prayers for them, as we are one with our brothers and sisters in their persecution.

In Christ,

Joy

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12

Received: September 24, 2023