“We are a family.” These words echo within many churches in China. Today, let’s explore the story of Redemption Lutheran Church here in Hong Kong.
The history of churches in China is complex. It involves dedicated missionaries. It also involves periods of upheaval.
In 1846, evangelists from Europe arrived in Shenzhen. They were sent by the Protestant Basel Mission and Germany’s Rhenish Missionary Society. The Rhenish group established a presence in Luohu District in 1898.
Through changes of government the church persevered. In 1949, the People’s Republic of China was founded. The church found a new home on Heping Road.
During the Cultural Revolution, services were stopped. Pastors were sent to work on farms. Other units took over the church building.
In 1978, a government meeting restored religious freedom. This meeting also kick-started reforms. By 1983, the Heping Road location was reclaimed. In 1984, it became the first church in Shenzhen to resume services after the Cultural Revolution.
The congregation grew despite being forced to move. The government granted them land. In 2002, the Shenzhen Christian Church opened. It was designed to resemble Noah’s Ark.
While the Heping Lu church is gone, a Christian Peace Church lives on. Also a third building was converted into Christian Luohu Church in 2011.
Some congregations faced harassment. In 2012, Pastor Pan Yongguang founded Shenzhen Holy Reformed Church. By October 2012, the harassment had begun. Police interrogations increased. The Timothy School, run by the church, was also harassed.
In 2018, the government issued revised regulations on religious activities. Pastor Pan and others condemned the regulations. Police disrupted Pastor Pan’s life. They pressured his landlord to evict him. They demanded he disband the church.
Police would show up on Sundays to stop worship services. One member recalled being scared. All the kids were crying. In China, police don’t need a reason to take you away.
In 2019, Pastor Pan was prevented from leaving for seminary training. Church leaders began discussing leaving China.
Leaving China was difficult. However, the pressure was too great. Many voted to leave. They arrived in South Korea in January 2020.
Some families were refused entry. Those who arrived faced challenges. They had cramped living conditions. They also faced language barriers. The South Korean government rejected their asylum claims.
Despite these challenges, church members are grateful. They can worship freely at last. There is no one watching them. They are safe.
The future is uncertain for some churches. However, they believe their future is in God’s hands. Being able to worship freely feels like a miracle.
So remember the stories of perseverance. Remember the dedication to faith. The Redemption Lutheran Church stands as a testament. It embodies hope and community.