CHINA: CHRISTIAN ARRESTED FOR LISTENING TO BIBLE IN THEIR CAR

When was the last time you listened to the Bible or a Christian podcast whilst travelling? A believer in China was doing just that recently – and it’s landed him in prison.

Brother AK* comes from a Muslim background and lives in the north west of the country. During a long drive with his family to visit other believers, they listened to the Bibe using a USB device connected to the car. However, at a checkpoint, the device was spotted by police officers.

“Because I believe in Jesus, I was listening to the Bible through the USB,” Brother AK courageously told the officers.

Because the family has several children, including a baby under a year old, the police instructed AK’s wife to take the children away while he was detained for questioning. His family were temporarily hosted by a Christian family in the small town while waiting his release. However, several days passed without any news of AK’s whereabouts.

Meanwhile, the family who hosted AK’s wife and children also received a call from the authorities, who questioned them about their relationship with AK’s family. 

Incidents like these are becoming more common in China, as the authorities tighten their grip on any religious activity deemed a threat to the regime’s ideological control. That even extends to the Christian media that believers listen to or watch in private, which many rely on for discipleship and fellowship.

Town under close surveillance

Brother AK’s family is one of the families served by Open Doors local partners in a Muslim-majority region of the country. Through their support, discipleship and companionship over the past two years, both the parents and children have grown significantly in their faith and their willingness to participate in ministry.  

“The town is under close surveillance,” shares Jason*, an Open Doors local partner who’s been discipling the family. “In the past, there have been similar incidents. One believer in the area was discovered listening to the Bible through earphones in a public place. He was taken into custody and interrogated, and local authorities learned that he had attended Christian gatherings. He was detained for 15 days. Other believers from the same church were also questioned and held for one or two days. 

“At present, AK’s situation remains unclear, and we do not yet know what consequences he may face. We were recently informed that AK will be detained for 15 days. However, no specific charge or official basis for his detention has been disclosed by the authorities. We urgently need to pray.”

Under pressure and underground

There are so many Christians throughout China, like AK and his family, who are under intense pressure because of the increasing surveillance of the authorities alongside ever-tightening religious laws. It’s forcing believers further underground and deeper into the shadows. Despite this, they are looking to stand firm, but to do so, your prayers and support are critical. Please come alongside them today. Thank you.

*Names changed for security reasons