Smiles emerge from sadness through presence ministry in China

Often the ministry of Open Doors local partners to our persecuted family involves simply being present to sit, listen and pray with them. It’s what Jinyi from China received – and it had a profound impact.

Jinyi* was isolated and distant, hesitant to open up to anyone. Her husband, Jianhong*, was in prison for his faith, leading to severe hardship, including rejection by their local church because they feared being targeted by association.

“When we first reached out to her, she was very unwilling to meet us,” says Li*, an Open Doors local partner. “It could be that she decided to close her heart as a defence mechanism after being rejected by her churchmates.”

Why is Jianhong in prison?

When Jianhong* and his co-worker, Zirui*, founded their youth group, there were about 20 people. It saw incredible growth, with 200 people attending regularly. But the authorities got wind of it, advising the group to register with the government-controlled Three-Self Patriotic Movement. Jianhong and Zirui refused, concerned that the oversight would compromise their work.

It was a remarkably brave thing to do, putting the whole group at risk of persecution – and so it proved.

Two years ago, police raided a church service and arrested almost 90 people. Most were released after 24 hours, but Jianhong and Zirui – whose homes were also searched – were taken away and detained under accusations of fraud. Jianhong is serving a three-and-a-half-year sentence and must pay the equivalent of around £6,500. Zirui is also in prison, but the length of his sentence is unclear.

“I can finally see a big smile on her face”

When Li and his team were alerted to the situation, they reached out to Jinyi and the couple’s school-aged children. After her initial reticence, they spent time praying for the family. “Praise God for opening up Jinyi’s heart!” says Li. “Finally, she was willing to meet us.”

Initially, the conversation was minimal. “Jinyi only gave very short answers when we asked questions,” recalls Li. “Gradually, Jinyi opened up her heart more and more, as building rapport and trust takes effort through communication and time.” Jinyi has since returned to work and church. “Thank you for visiting us,” she often tells Li.

“I can finally see a big smile on her face,” says Li. “I feel encouraged to witness the change. Her gratitude to us shows us the importance of presence ministry.”

Your prayers and support enable local partners, like Li and his team, to be present to believers affected by persecution, both in China and beyond. Coming alongside them to provide comfort, a listening ear and prayer is a crucial part in helping our persecuted family to stand strong in their faith. Thank you!

*Names changed for security reasons