Pray for China

(167) Bibles at the Olympics

This was carried by ChristianToday. China won't ban Bibles at Olympics, assures Palau

Many of you may have heard the story back in November: "China bans Bibles during the Olympics". I have outlined the story in the extension to this post. Do read it if you have time as gives some good insight for prayer.

The Palau story is encouraging - even though Palau's encouragement was saying what had already been made clear by the Chinese.  Luis Palau is someone who has honoured the Chinese authorities, and won a place of trust with them. He has even had a best seller released in China:  A Friendly Dialogue Between an Atheist and a Christian: by Luis Palau and Zhao Qizheng.

Be clear: Bible are allowed.  Be quick to give thanks in prayer for this, pray for them to be well used, and also pray for the full truth to be upheld as everone seeks to get their views across in this challenging year.

(173) Pray for the Catholic Church in China

Two encouraging reports on the Catholic Church in China and Hong Kong over the past few days give us good cause to pray for the church in China this year.

China repents and seeks to woo Pope - Times Online.

Church leader to search for closer ties with China

The relationship has been up and down this past year, but there has been a lot more up than down. Pray it continues, and sets a trend for this year. Pray also for the many Catholics in China.

Update:  Catholic China: Beijing woos the Pope, a new bishop for Hong Kong and a nun's gay crusade

Some links to recent movements in the relationship are on the extension.