Bits & Bobs

CHINA ARRESTS 270 UNDERGROUND PROTESTANT PASTORS

Chinese police forces recently arrested 270 Protestant house church pastors in an eastern province, reported a Chinese Christian human rights organisation. The pastors were gathering in the district of Hedeng in Shandong province when about 50 policemen from 12 different towns raided the meeting place, blindfolded and handcuffed attendees and took them to the local police station for questioning, according to US-based China Aid Association (CAA.). CAA’s president, Bob Fu, told Christianity Today that 70 Christian leaders remain in prison (as at December 2007).

Christianity Today.com

RICH, HEALTHIER, HAPPIER

A new book explains how giving not only makes you rich – it makes you healthier and happier. There is now scientific evidence supporting the scriptures that discuss the benefits of charitable giving.

CBS News.com

(Editor’s comment – while this is an interesting piece of research we should bear in mind that the scripture does not teach that trusting Christ will bring automatic prosperity to the believer. In fact many believers are poorer in the short term as the price for ‘leaving all’ to follow the Saviour)

FIVE STAND TRIAL FOR BIBLE-STUDY MURDERS

The trial has begun of five men accused of the brutal murders of a German Christian and two Turkish converts midway through a Bible study on 18 April 2007. The process is being viewed as a test case of how Turkey will protect the rights of its minorities at a time of fierce and rising nationalism. Orhan Kemal Cengiz, the lawyer representing Susanne Geske, widow of one of the victims, said, ‘Hatred towards missionaries has been actively cultivated’. He said the accused, all aged between 19 and 20, were typical of others who have been ‘indoctrinated’. It was vital to find who is behind them in order to avoid further murders.

Source: The Guardian (24/11/07)