What would it be like to worship with a Chinese house church? Most are fairly small—under 100 people. People pray a LOT and for a long time. It’s common to start prayer meetings at 5 o’clock a.m., before work. Chinese Christians love to sing! They sing Chinese songs. They also sing American worship songs translated into Chinese, says Hannah Nation. They love to use music to share the gospel.

We can learn from Chinese Christians. Here are three things the Chinese church can teach us.

1. Prayer is doing something. There is much brokenness in the world. Prayer is the first response the church should take. Prayer is not passive. It’s not “doing nothing.” When we pray, we come before the King of the universe.

2. The church offers the best gift we can give to our community. Despite facing persecution, Chinese Christians love China. “They see the gospel as the best gift they can give,” Mrs. Nation says. Evangelism (sharing about Jesus as Savior) and church planting are how they give that gift.

3. Pressure and persecution remind us to repent. When the Chinese church comes under pressure, it calls for both individuals and the whole group to repent of sin. Early Rain Covenant Church wrote a public prayer after four years of being attacked. The members repented of thinking too much about themselves. They saw the need to pray for others who are also oppressed.

Our Chinese sisters and brothers aren’t “super Christians.” They’re sinners dealing with everyday problems. But their trust in God means they are hopeful. They are not discouraged or defeated.

Pray for Chinese Christians seeking to serve God while facing persecution. Pray for Christians in your country as well.

What is persecution?

Persecution is punishing or harassing a person or a group, particularly because of what that person or group believes.