Recently, Brother AK*, a Muslim-background believer (MBB) living in Northwest China, took his family to visit other MBBs in a neighbouring town. During the several-hour drive, they listened to the Bible using a USB device connected to their car. When they arrived at a checkpoint on the outskirts of the town, police officers discovered the USB and questioned Brother AK. He courageously admitted, “Because I believe in Jesus, I was listening to the Bible through the USB.”
With the family having several children, including a young baby, the police instructed AK’s wife to take the children away while AK was detained for questioning. His wife and children were temporarily hosted by a Christian family in the small town while waiting his release. However, several days passed without any news of AK’s whereabouts.
Meanwhile, the Christian family who hosted them also received a call from the authorities, questioning their relationship with AK’s family.
Brother AK’s family is one of the families Open Doors’ local partners serve in a Muslim-majority region of China. Over the past two years, through the support, discipleship, and companionship of these local partners, both the parents and children have experienced significant spiritual growth and have gradually become willing to participate in ministry and serve the Lord.
Jason*, an Open Doors local partner who has been discipling AK’s family shares, “The town is under close surveillance. In the past, there have been similar incidents. One believer in the area was discovered listening to the Bible through earphones in a public place. He was taken into custody and interrogated, and local authorities learned that he had attended Christian gatherings. As a result, he was detained for 15 days. Other believers from the same church were also questioned and held for one or two days.
“At present, AK’s situation remains unclear, and we do not yet know what consequences he may face. 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.”
*Name changed for security purposes
Please pray:
- Pray for Brother AK. May the Lord protect him, strengthen his faith, and grant his release soon.
- Pray for Brother AK’s family. May God comfort the wife and children and give them strength.
- Pray for the Christian family who hosted Brother AK’s wife and children. May God protect them and guide them with wisdom and courage.
- Pray for the local gatherings of Muslim-background believers. May God protect them and sustain their faith.
- Pray for the Open Doors’ local partner, Jason, and others serving in the Muslim region. May God grant them wisdom, strength, and protection as they continue their work.
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