For many of us, lighted Christmas trees awaken our tender holiday hopes and memories: quiet moments of family togetherness, child-like anticipation of special gifts, and shared celebrations across generations. However, there is another story in each strand of Christmas lights, told in the little paper tag on the cord, Made in China. Chinese pastors and believers, imprisoned for sharing their faith, perform much of the tedious manual labor. For these Chinese pastors and believers, the same Christmas lights are a harsh reminder of prison, pain and beatings.

The Facts

Most of the world is unaware of the torture that Chinese believers suffer.

• While China presents a picture of increasing religious tolerance, Christians face constant harassment and the most intense persecution in the world.

• Since September 8, 1999, the Public Security Bureau has classified house churches in China as “illegal cults.”

• Christians are often thrown into prison without trial.

• Prisoners exist on 500 calories per day, the equivalent of two small bowls of soup and one roll.

• While in prison, believers work hard labor for 16-20 hours per day and must try to meet impossible quotas.

• When believers do not meet quota, they are beaten and sent back to finish the job, even if they must start the next day’s work without sleep.

• Some imprisoned believers have reported receiving only one glass of water each day; it was their choice to drink it or use it for a shower.

What is so Torturous About Making Christmas Lights?

Imagine sitting on cold or muddy ground with only a huge box of lights and wire in front of you. Without tools of any kind, you must assemble 3000–5000 lights per day. Quickly, your fingers become numb and bloody. Your teeth serve as your only crimping tools. Even as you work to complete your tasks, you know that you will be beaten severely if you don’t get it all done.

Should We Boycott the Sale and Use of Christmas Lights?

These Pastors say no, let the lights be reminders to pray. If believers aren’t making lights, they will be mining coal, making syringes or bricks, or performing other forms of hard labor. They turn their focus onto the eternally significant message of Christ, and we are asking you to do the same.

In the Midst of this Hardship, How Do They Persevere?

While we pray diligently for their release, many persecuted believers testify, “I want the world to know I am willing to suffer for the Lord Jesus Christ.” Even in prison, they share the Gospel with others. Many even leave prison tearfully because they leave behind new believers that they led to Christ while in prison together.

Despite the rise of suffering, the Chinese underground church has experienced its most dramatic surge ever, with upwards of 80 million believers following Christ today. The brave servants declare, “We are not about self, but rather we are about the kingdom of God and bringing Him glory!”

BE AN ADVOCATE:

You can help support these prisoners of faith by the following ways:

– Support the families of the prisoners left behind. You can donate at: http://worldserve.org/Donate.html

– Help send Bibles at www.biblesunbound.com

– You can write prisoners letters and scriptures that get translated into their language at www.prisoneralert.com

And most of all, when you see the Christmas lights, remember our brothers and sisters in prison for their faith, and pray for them.

Hebrews 13:3 Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.