Volume 1 – Part 1
*The Perilous Times is a periodical report on the trials and tribulations that the followers of Jesus Christ and ministries of the Gospel are experiencing around the world. We ask for prayer and God’s protection for those involved in our Lord’s Great Commission*
Matthew 24:9-12 NKJV — “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. “And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. “Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. “And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.
China –Pastor Jin Mingri and his Zion Church in Beijing, one of the largest unofficial congregations in the communist country, has come to a close after the Chinese government had it demolished. The church was destroyed without any notice and officials sent Jin a bill for 1.2 million yuan, which equals around $170,000 as reported by The Guardian.
The Chinese government’s crackdown on Zion Church started in August 2018, when communist officials first threatened to shutdown the 1,500-member church after the congregation refused to install closed-circuit surveillance cameras in the sanctuary.
It remains to be seen if the church building will ever be rebuilt but Pastor Mingri is planning to continue his ministry, “Of course we’re scared;” he added, “We’re in China, but we have Jesus.”
Nigeria – Some 27 Christians, including a pastor, have drowned after fleeing Islamist attackers in northeast Nigeria. According to a report by the World Watch Monitor, the attacks took place between September 13th through the 16th and involved communities based along the Benue river. A local pastor explained how, upon hearing gunfire, many of the villagers fled into the bush, or drowned as they attempted to swim across the river. More than 45 others were reported to have been injured in the attack.
The attacks have become increasingly common in this region, with the Fulani militants attempting to eradicate Christianity from the land. The state chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Bishop Stephen Mamza, said that believers were continuing to be “killed by these so-called herdsmen on a daily basis.” Security forces continue to leave and abandon the area leaving the Christian community vulnerable to attack.
It is estimated that over 250 people have been killed in this “eradication of Christians” campaign over the past two months. With the horrific number of fatalities mounting, the Nigerian government has been accused of being complacent because of the lack of security being provided.
Jesus foretold of the persecution that the followers of Christ would have to endure before His return. We must continually pray for God’s protection for these dedicated believers and missionaries that are called to minister the Gospel to the world, especially to the regions and countries that may be opposed to the salvation power of Jesus Christ.
Matthew 24:13-14 NKJV — “But he who endures to the end shall be saved. “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.
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Photo: “Beijing, China” – Courtesy of AP
Photo: “Benue River, Nigeria” – Courtesy of AP