Sunday, June 22, 2008

While You're Watching the Olympics


I know some people are die-hard olympic fans, but this year I'd like to ask you to reconsider. China's government violates human rights, with a history of violence towards Christians. The persecution has intensified in preparation for the olympics. There have been heavy crackdowns, including the expulsion of 100 suspected missionaries. China has banned Bibles from the Olympic village. A Christian was even jailed for walking too near an olympic hotel.

From WorldNetDaily:

A Chinese man has been taken into custody and faces a possible sentence of death for charges alleging "subversion of the national government and endangering national security." But several Christian organizations that monitor human rights activities in China say Alimujiang Yimiti could face the penalty simply because he is a Christian.

"In the months now leading up to the Olympic Games, we actually see things getting worse," said Todd Nettleton, a spokesman for Voice of the Martyrs. "There are more raids, foreign Christians are not having their visas renewed and are being forced to leave the country. There are numerous circumstances where the churches are under attack by the government."

If you do choose to support the olympics this year, please let it remind you to pray for our brothers and sisters who are suffering severe persecution, imprisonment, and even martyrdom in China.

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