Shenzhen Reformed Holy Church

In late 2019, a group of 60 Christians belonging to the unregistered Shenzhen Reformed Holy Church (SRHC), fled China to seek asylum on South Korea's Jeju Island. Their desperate hope of achieving asylum in Korea had been very slim as traditionally very few Chinese Christians have had requests granted. 

The church has placed China and South Korea in an awkward situation. Of course, China does not want its citizens fleeing across its borders. It would only inflict loss of face on the government and their policies.  South Korea, on the other hand, does not wish to deal with the consequences of upsetting its powerful neighbour and trade partner. Nor does it wish to cope with an influx of asylum seekers, encouraged by others who have made a home in their free country. So unfortunately it is not surprising that the Shenzhen church's application was rejected. 

In China, the lack of freedom to practice their faith, and the level of harassment from authorities attempting to coerce them to join the state church or give up meeting altogether, had become unbearable. Now that their application has been rejected,  their situation has become very grave according to Bob Fu of China Aid. He warned, "They were called traitors. This is the highest political crime, worse than the subversion of state power." According to Fu, "If they get deported back to China by Korean officials, every member of this church will face extreme punishment like torture, arrest, and forced disappearance." It is hoped that South Korea will allow the congregation to remain in Jehu.

An American private Christian School in Dallas has been providing online schooling to the children, and they are raising funds to assist the church. ChinaAid is seeking a diplomatic solution from the U.S. government for their resettlement, and has asked the wider church to intercede for them.

Prayer Points

Pray that a resolution is made for the church that does not cause friction between South Korea and China.
Pray that families will not be separated.
Pray for wisdom for those involved in decision making and assisting the church.
Pray that funds will come in where needed.
Thank God for those who have reached out to help with the children's education, legal aid and other assistance.