Churches Burned, Bibles Banned… Yet FAITH Grows Stronger in CHINA

being arrested just for owning a Bible or gathering with friends to sing worship. then watching the church building bulldozed. Welcome to China in 2025, where the Communist Party wants the gospel silence, yet the underground church keeps growing. In spring 2025, Chinese authorities launched a sweeping crackdown on underground Catholic and Protestant house churches across the country,

raiding homes, arresting pastors, and confiscating worship materials. In Jang Su Ji Jang Province,

Pastor Wong Yeezy and four church members were detained in June, with some still held behind closed doors without clear charges. At least 50 pastors and church leaders were arrested or sentenced in 2023 alone, many receiving prison terms of 5 years or longer. Communist regulations now prohibit

unregistered gatherings. House churches are illegal. Church buildings are monitored, vandalized or demolished outright. The early rain covenant church in Changdu was banned and its pastor Wang Yi remains in prison for subversion. The Beijing Zion Church and Shiaolong Church have been forcibly

closed. Leaders forced under house arrest. Members pressured weekly to renounce faith. Internet religion laws prohibit posting Christian content online unless approved, effectively banning most

digital teaching and worship. Experts note something remarkable. The underground church is growing bolder and larger than ever, particularly among educated middleclass Chinese university

students and entrepreneurs. Some observers say persecution isn’t necessary for growth, but it often fuels revival as believers gather in hidden places, pray with greater unity, and trust Jesus more deeply. Members of the All Ranges Church, South China Church continue to meet despite severe penalties.

Their former leader was sentenced to life for refusing to disband. House churches like Early Rain,

Shaolong, and others have upheld gospel teaching even after being raided, fined, and watched, trusting that God’s word cannot be silenced. An American missionary reflected recently how mission work once flourished quietly in China until 2025 when the government just turned a blind eye until they didn’t. The righteous may be persecuted, but the church cannot be erased. Jesus said, “Blessed

are those persecuted for righteousness’s sake.” Matthew 5:10. Chinese Christians echo Psalm 82:3.

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. Many cannot testify publicly, but their faith testifies powerfully. Ecclesiast reminds us, “Vanity of vanities. All is vanity. Without Christ, institutions crumble, but gospel-rooted communities endure eternally. So the question remains, can China ban faith, burn churches, jail pastors? Yes, but they cannot extinguish what God is growing in hearts. Will you pray for the invisible church in China today? Stand with them in spirit. Support ministries providing Bibles and training under the radar. And remember, where persecution is worse, revival echoes loudest.