China:
Our church supports our American/Chinese brother living
in mainland China. He works with other leaders to help give oversight to
many underground Chinese churches across China and Inner Mongolia. Our
brother also gives much of his time training leaders in different networks of
the underground church movement in China. Church planting is also an
important aspect, starting 10 new churches in 2002.
No names can be given, as our contacts would be put in even greater danger if they were ever found out. One of the brothers our missionary works closely with was imprisoned for 15 months in 2001 for sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. Imprisonment, torture, and even death are continual threats to church leaders in China's underground churches.
Paul said this way, "Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my share on behalf of His body, which is the church, infilling up that which is lacking in Christ's afflictions" (Col. 1:24). The implication is that He allows us to go through sufferings for the same reasons that He did - they are meant to help release redemptive authority into the world. That is why, when defending his authority, Paul pointed to his tribulations. Every suffering that a believer endures has a redemptive purpose.
One of the great trials that David had to pass, and one that in some ways was the greatest demonstration of his character, was when he was unjustly persecuted by the civil authority of his nation. This is also the test that those who are going to reign with Christ must pass. This is also one reason why churches that are persecuted by civil government tend to thrive spiritually.
Our co-worker was released from prison this past Spring of 2003. Following are several quotes from a letter he wrote while in prison that was smuggled out:
"We, the church can reign with Him if we are willing to suffer with Him."