Although he causes grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love; for he does not willingly afflict or grieve anyone. Lamentations 3:32-33 (NRSV)
Yan Weiping (1994)
Seized at Home
Yan Weiping, a priest and administrator of the Diocese of Yixian, Hebei, was arrested on 13 May 1994 by Chinese security forces. They burst into his home, where he was worshipping with fellow Christians, and took him away for interrogation. That same evening he was found dead in a Beijing street. As he had no known health problems, the local Christian community see the security police as his murderers.
In China the authorities often crack down on Christians, especially those in the underground “house church” movement, often with the aim of closing down these unregistered groups. Christians can be beaten, arrested, imprisoned, tortured or even killed.
Against the persecution of a tyrant the godly have no remedy but prayer.
John Calvin (1509-64)