Praying for winter to end: How you can walk alongside Chinese believers

China (MNN) — Chinese believers continue to need strategic prayer from Christians around the world. And the World Day of Prayer for the Church in China, observed every May 24, provides a helpful opportunity to focus on the needs of the Chinese Church.

China Partner‘s Erik Burklin says: “I think God loves when his people come to talk to him or to pray, and that’s what we’re doing also on behalf of the body of Christ in China.”

On this year’s World Day of Prayer, Pope Leo XIV prayed that Chinese believers would be witnesses of hope and peace.

Burklin also reflects on conversations with church leaders in China, who say that despite restrictions, they believe God can open a window even when all the doors seem closed.

“It was his way of saying, ‘We’re not going to give up. We’re going to look for a way in and stay encouraged because Christ is the head of the Church. No matter what happens with the government restricting us, we will stay faithful,’” says Burklin.

Still, many believers in China long for greater religious freedom.

Man and woman standing in the flower field in Anfu, Ji’an, China (photo courtesy of Jaddy Liu via Unsplash)

“They call it winter time, and they’re praying for spring, they’re praying for summer, for a better time,” Burklin says.

Despite this season of “winter,” churches continue to grow and bring the hope of Christ to their communities.

“In the midst of what we would consider persecution, by far the majority of believers are still able to freely worship Christ and go to church,” he adds.

Please pray for the Church in China to remain faithful and continue shining the light of Christ throughout the nation. Pray also for greater religious freedom and for a season of spring after this long winter.

“Overall, just make it a habit to, when you pray, also remember China and the Christians in China,” Burklin says.

Visit China Partner to learn more about the challenges facing the Chinese Church and how leaders faithfully minister despite ongoing restrictions.

Header photo: Lijiang, Yunnan, China; Naxi woman carrying the typical baskets of the region; scene from a public perfomance in Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Open Air Theatre (Photo courtesy of CEphoto, Uwe Aranas via Wikimedia Commons).