There were several incidents of attacks on Christians in China during Christmas week, according to reports from ChinaAid.

On the afternoon of December 24, approximately 40 police officers raided a construction site in the village of Jingjia, Sichuan province where Christian volunteers were helping to rebuild homes destroyed in the massive May 12 earthquake. The allegedly intoxicated officers beat and swore at those present and seized Bibles, hymnals, televisions, and other items belonging to the Christians. They refused to present legal documents giving reason for the raid. One of the earthquake victims and several of the Christian volunteers were eventually taken into custody by officials.

Also on December 24, nine Christian women were arrested in Yucheng county, Henan province while leading a Christmas celebration. Five of the women were released the next day after their families paid fines ranging from 1,500 to 3,500 Yuan (approximately $270-$625 CAD) while the others, at last report, remained in detention.

At least two Chinese house churches were raided while holding holiday celebrations on Christmas Day. Several leaders were arrested in the raids -- two in Bozhou city, Anhui province and seven in Qitai county, Xinjiang Autonomous Region. At last report, all of these Christians were still imprisoned.

Pray for the release of those detained. Pray that Christians in China will continue to stand firm in their faith in the face of violence and intimidation (Acts 5:29).

For more information on the persecution facing Christians in China, go to China's Country Report.