‘Dai Wei’ is a youth leader in China, devoted to serving the next generation – despite opposition from the police.
VIDEO SCRIPT
Da Wei* – name changed for security reasons.
On the 25th of December, Christmas Day 2020 we were teaching our students as usual. There were 46 students in three classes. Suddenly, when I was teaching the class, I saw a policeman approaching.
In China, churches are closely regulated by the state. And children under 18 are forbidden from taking part in Christian activities. So when Da Wei helped to set up a Christian school, the risk was that they would be raided by the authorities.
Da Wei
I had to face it because there was no way out. Then I opened the door and saw over 100 police officers and more than ten police cars completely surrounding us. All five of us fellow workers were taken away. They put us in handcuffs and leg shackles and interrogated us for 16 hours in a special interrogation room.
We weren’t released until after 1 a.m. on the 26th. So we were ordered to shut down our school right away.
Da Wei had felt called by God to minister to the next generation. But now the school had been closed. So he started to pray. Without permission.
Da Wei
When we went into the prayer room, we felt overwhelmed with despair, anguish and confusion.
We didn’t know what to do next, where to go, or even if we could keep going with our ministry. After praying, our hearts gradually grew still, we trusted in God’s guidance and resolve to press on.
Continuing a ministry was risky and his team had to move their students to different locations to avoid being discovered.
But they were still found out in Da Wei himself was interrogated for more times. He came close to giving up.
We moved four times in one year and each move was more gruelling than the last. Difficult and painful. Making our lives miserable. As a leader devoted to serving the next generation. I faced tremendous challenges and immense pressure.
I often feel totally alone and helpless, like I can no longer bear the overwhelming mental and emotional stress. So I prayed, “God it’s not that I don’t want to do it anymore. It’s because I really have nowhere left to go.” When I was feeling completely helpless, depressed, desperate, and in great pain, I met the organization.
By a chance encounter or divine appointment it was at this moment that Open Doors local partners came across Da Wei. They connected him with other Christians who could offer companionship, encouragement and prayer support.
Your prayers and help were like the wings of angels, like a light in the dark, like burning coals in winter. All these have truly and powerfully warmed my heart, strengthened us to serve the Lord, comforted us in times of pain, and solved a lot of real problems for us. I just want to say thank you.
People Interviewed and their Titles
Da Wei – name changed for security reasons
Recording Location
China
Organization featured in this Story
Open Doors UK – www.opendoorsuk.org
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