CHINA: 14-YEAR-OLD XIAOGU SEES GOD ANSWER HER PRAYERS

In China, it’s officially illegal for under 18s to be involved in church activities. Yet, despite thE ban, it’s not stopped one 14-year-old from encountering Jesus, and seeing their prayers answered.

Jason* and his wife Zhi* are Open Doors local partners. They have faithfully served God for many years in a Muslim region in north west China, where Christian activities are closely monitored and restricted. Despite this, they have found creative ways to communicate the Christian faith, strengthening the faith of local believers and even seeing children’s lives transformed.

This includes a reading club for local children, where they provide engaging and spiritual books for them to read, share and chat about. Using a biblical perspective, they help the children reflect on the stories and their deeper meaning, ultimately pointing them to Jesus.

Following several visits by Jason and Zhi to her family, 14 year-old Xiaogu noticed a transformation in her parents’ lives and decided to follow Jesus, too. She went to secret youth camps and got involved with the reading club.

“Recently, Xiaogu finished reading some books I lent her… and even wrote me a letter excitedly sharing her testimony,” explains Jason. “She has grown to love reading the Bible more and more, and has learned to rely on God through prayer.”

Image: Xiaogu’s letter

The unbreakable scooter

This is the letter Xiaogu wrote…

“Now I prefer the Bible over my phone and TV. I realise how important the Bible is for Christians. Reading God’s Word is changing me little by little. Before, when I had problems, I tried to fix things myself. Now, I pray to Jesus and ask Him to help me.

“One day recently, the tire on my electric scooter broke on the way to school. It was shaking and wobbling when I rode it. I prayed, ‘Lord, please help me get to school safely. I don’t want to be late.’ And I did get there safely, right on time. Even though the scooter was broken, it kept moving and didn’t stop halfway. I was so happy.

“That night after school, I prayed again: ‘Lord, the scooter looks really bad. I’m afraid it won’t make it.’ In my heart I prayed again, ‘Lord, please help me get to the repair shop safely.’ And I did! I reached the shop, left the scooter there, and later my dad came with me to get the fixed scooter, and we went home safely. I was so thankful the scooter didn’t stop on the road. If it had, I would’ve had to walk a long way and figure things out myself. But it didn’t. Jesus is everywhere. He watches over me, helps me and never leaves me.

“I’m really thankful He chose me. I’m just an ordinary kid. My grades aren’t good, sometimes I’m a bit slow. When I was younger, I was invisible in class, not smart, not one of the good students. But Jesus never gave up on me. He comforted me, listened and answered my prayers. I’m thankful He chose me. I’m thankful He helps me grow day by day and lets me hear more testimonies. And I’m thankful to you (Jason) for giving me books with testimonies. They make me happy. My heart feels full of Jesus’ love.”

Under pressure but encouraged

Xiaogu’s letter has really inspired Jason and Zhi, providing an enormous encouragement as they seek to serve Jesus in an environment where believers are coming under increasing pressure, with many forced further underground.

“Seeing the fruit of the ministry, my wife and I are both grateful and excited,” says Jason. “Xiaogu continues to grow spiritually, and she often shares the love of Jesus with others.”

“I am so blessed to witness first-hand how God works amid hardship in my ministry – transforming hearts, restoring families and calling young souls like Xiaogu to His truth. Every testimony encourages me, even as I serve in an area where Christianity is strictly controlled and opposed. Truly, there is no fear in love. God is love,” says Jason.

Thank you for the role you play in the testimonies of people like Xiaogu. Because of your generosity and prayers, local partners like Jason and Zhi are empowered to come alongside people to lead them to Jesus and help them stand strong in their faith, even as hostility circles. The kingdom of God is growing in China – helped by you.

*Names changed for security reasons