By Open Doors
A believer in China has been detained in prison just for listening to the Bible through a USB stick plugged into his car.
‘Brother AK’ comes from a Muslim background and lives in the north west of the country.
During a long drive with his family to visit other believers, they listened to the Bible using a USB device connected to the car.
However, at a checkpoint, they forgot to remove the device and it was spotted by police officers.
‘BECAUSE I BELIEVE IN JESUS, I WAS LISTENING TO THE BIBLE”
“Because I believe in Jesus, I was listening to the Bible through the USB,” Brother AK courageously told the officers.
But they weren’t impressed and took AK into custody.
Because the family has several children, including a baby under a year old, the police instructed AK’s wife to take the children away while he was detained for questioning.
His family was temporarily hosted by a Christian family in the small town while awaiting his release.
CHINA’S CRACKDOWN ON CHRISTIANS EXTENDS TO WHAT THEY LISTEN TO IN PRIVATE
However, several days passed without any news of AK’s whereabouts
Meanwhile, the family who hosted AK’s wife and children also received a call from the authorities, who questioned them about their relationship with AK’s family.
Incidents like these are becoming more common in China, as the authorities tighten their grip on any religious activity deemed a threat to the regime’s ideological control.
That even extends to the Christian media that believers consume in private, which many rely on for discipleship and fellowship.
OPEN DOORS HAS BEEN DISCIPLING THE FAMILY
Brother AK’s family is one of the families served by Open Doors‘ local partners in a Muslim-majority region of the country.
Through their support, discipleship and companionship over the past two years, both the parents and children have grown significantly in their faith and their willingness to participate in ministry.
“The town is under close surveillance,” shares ‘Jason’, an Open Doors local partner who’s been discipling the family.
“In the past, there have been similar incidents.”
ANOTHER BELIEVER CAUGHT LISTENING TO THE BIBLE THROUGH EARPHONES
“One believer in the area was discovered listening to the Bible through earphones in a public place.” Jason revealed.
“He was taken into custody and interrogated, and local authorities learned that he had attended Christian gatherings.”
“He was detained for 15 days.”
“Other believers from the same church were also questioned and held for one or two days.”
BROTHER AK’S SITUATION UNCERTAIN
“At present, AK’s situation remains unclear, and we do not yet know what consequences he may face,” Jason explained.
“We were recently informed that AK will be detained for 15 days.”
“However, no specific charge or official basis for his detention has been disclosed by the authorities.”
“We urgently need to pray.”
INCREASING SURVEILLANCE, EVER-TIGHTENING LAWS
Open Doors writes: “There are so many Christians throughout China, like AK and his family, who are under intense pressure because of the increasing surveillance of the authorities alongside ever-tightening religious laws.”
“It’s forcing believers further underground and deeper into the shadows.”
“Despite this, they are looking to stand firm, but to do so, your prayers and support are critical.”
“Please come alongside them today.”
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