China Questioned Christian Schoolchildren About Their Churches. How Do We Pray for Kids Under Pressure?

By Dr. Layne McDonald

We pray for these children the way Jesus sees them. They are precious to Him, and no pressure placed on a small heart can take them out of His hands. We ask God to keep their faith soft and strong, and to give their parents wisdom and courage every day.

What happened

Christian rights activists report that authorities in China questioned Christian schoolchildren, including first graders, for hours. The activists report that the children were pressured to sign statements saying their churches were brainwashing them.

These reports come during a wider crackdown on churches in China. Many churches there already meet under close watch, and Christian families often raise their children in faith under real pressure.

Think of how small a first grader is. Think of being asked hard questions by strangers, away from mom and dad. Our hearts should ache for these kids, and our prayers should rise for them.

What does the Bible say?

God gave parents a clear and gentle assignment. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 says His words are to be on our hearts, and we are to teach them to our children, talking of them at home and on the road, morning and night. No pressure from outside can cancel what God plants at a family table.

Jesus spoke His heart for children in Matthew 19:14. He said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Children under pressure still belong to Jesus. He calls them His own, and He watches over them.

And there is an old story worth retelling to our own kids. In Daniel chapter 3, three young men named Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were told to bow to a false god or be punished. They stood firm, in a kind and brave way. And God stood with them in the fire, and they were not harmed. What God did for three young men long ago, He can do for children today. He still stands with His own.

How does a Christian go about this?

We may live far from China, but prayer is not measured in miles. Here is how we lift these children up.

Put it into practice

• Pray for the children by their season of life. Ask God to calm their hearts and keep their faith tender and strong.

• Pray for their parents, that God would give them wisdom, courage, and the right words at the right time.

• Pray for the churches in China, that God would protect them and keep their doors of hope open.

• Tell your own children this story in gentle words, and pray together for kids their age around the world.

• Fill your own home with God's words at the table and on the road, like Deuteronomy teaches, while you have the freedom to do it.

Carry this with you

A child may be small, but a child is never small to God. The same Jesus who took children into His arms is near to a first grader in China tonight. When you pray, you join Him in that room. Let us not forget them, and let us teach our own children with grateful, open hands.

Questions people ask

Can children really hold on to faith under that kind of pressure?

Yes. Children often trust God with a simple, strong heart that shames the rest of us. The faith planted by loving parents and a faithful church goes deep, and the Holy Spirit knows how to guard what He has planted.

Should I tell my own kids about this?

In gentle, simple words, yes. Tell them some children in China got asked hard questions because their families love Jesus. Skip the heavy parts. Then pray together. It builds courage and compassion in your child, and it tells heaven your family cares.

Need prayer right now? Text 1-901-213-7341 and someone will pray with you. Boundless is an online church family for people who cannot get to a building. You can belong here, and we will help you find a local Assemblies of God church near you. Visit boundlessonlinechurch.org.