In January Chinese authorities used explosive charges to demolish the Golden Lampstand Church in Linfen, Shanxi, destroying the place of worship for 50,000 believers. Voice of the Martyrs has supported the church since the building’s construction in 2009, and church members have faced ongoing persecution. Hundreds of church members were badly beaten as they slept at the church site during construction, and some of the church’s leaders have spent years in prison.

With this demolition, the destruction of other churches and the removal of crosses from church buildings in recent years, many Christians in China are deeply concerned about the future. Pray that the Linfen church members will remain united and devoted to Jesus despite the destruction of their church building, and pray for peace and joy in their hearts. Pray that nonbelievers and government officials will see God’s love lived out through their lives and be drawn to Jesus.

New York Times – Chinese Police Dynamite Christian Megachurch

The Guardian – China church demolition sparks fears of campaign against Christians