Ministry / More students, more harassment

More students

“We have two new students in my class on the Gospel of John,” Barnabas, our liaison, announced at a meeting this morning (August 26).

“In addition to the groups of students we serve in several Chinese cities, we are seeing more individual students from across the country,” he added. Those students are finding 316NOW’s online Bible institute through sister Confessional Lutheran organizations that work in China and through the contacts Barnabas is making.

More harassment

At the same time, the Chinese government is increasing its threats against any Christians who speak of their faith online. That has been the law for many years, but now China is strengthening its efforts to monitor and stamp out online Christian groups that gather for religious purposes. Using its powerful AI engines, Christian graphics are blocked and chatrooms are shut down.

Because 316NOW uses a secure online teaching platform, our classes have not been disrupted. At least not yet. But China’s increased surveillance does give some of our Mainland China students concern for their safety.

More grace

In the face of such kingdom advances and kingdom opposition, 316NOW finds unquenchable comfort in the truth of Psalm 66:2-4, Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious. Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you. All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing the praises of your name.”