China's Underground Churches #1

Despite severe persecution, Christians in China are flourishing and churches are growing.

China is a magnificent country, full of history, mystery and captivating beauty. But behind the wall lies a terrible truth, a truth about which many Westerners are unaware. Chinese Christians suffer unimaginable brutality and suffering because of their faith. Meet first-hand those who live, work, and sacrifice daily for their belief in Christ.

Underground Christians report brutal beatings and other torture, including a method seemed designed for Christians that entails crushing the ankles of victims while they are forced to kneel--this "Christian" torture was applied to Liu Zhenying, one of the eight arrested in Henan in March, breaking his ankle.

On Sept. 24, 1996, in Tanghe, Henan, police arrested Elder Feng, Brother Zheng, Brother Xin, Sister Li, and Sister Luo. According to a note smuggled from prison, the authorities bound Sister Luo's arms behind her in an agonizing position and she was beaten unconscious. One of the men almost died from being beaten "for nine days and nights." Members of the group were also poked with electric cattle prods, often while bound. They have been sentenced to three years' labor camp.

In Sichuan the police have been arresting and fining Christians once or twice a year as a form of extortion. If the family can't pay, the police beat the detainee, sometimes while he is suspended from the ceiling. Often they will do this in the presence of the family until the family is ready to do anything to pay.

VIDEO CREDIT: worldservetube
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