While so many of us attend church free from persecution, free from fear of being arrested as we meet for worship, it is not so around the world. While more and more churches in the West are bolting the door during services, those locked doors are meant to protect against possible violence from a deranged individual. In many parts of the world, however, doors are no deterrent to a government determined to deprive people of freedom of faith.
The following is a preface to the letter written by Pastor Wang Yi, who was arrested along with members of his church this past Sunday. You can read his letter by clicking on the link. I think it will strengthen your faith as you read his thoughts in regard to persecution of the church. It is very clear from his letter how we need to pray for him and his church, as well as for those around the world who are under persecution for their faith.
Over 100 members of Early Rain Covenant Church in Chengdu, China, were arrested beginning Sunday, December 9. At the time of publication of this translation, arrests are still being made. Among those taken away were Pastor Wang Yi, senior pastor of Early Rain, and his wife, Jiang Rong, who have not been heard from since Sunday.
Foreseeing this circumstance, Pastor Wang Yi wrote the declaration below to be published by his church should he be detained for more than 48 hours. In it he explains the meaning and necessity of faithful disobedience, how it is distinct from political activism or civil disobedience, and how Christians should carry it out.
