12 NEW MISSIONARY TRAINING BASES OPEN IN CHINA DESPITE PERSECUTIONThis year 12 new missionary training bases have opened in China, bringing the total number of Bible institutes and theological seminaries that indigenous missionaries have set up to 116 with at least one in every province. Many of the larger schools conduct satellite sessions in surrounding towns where night classes are offered to young people eager to prepare for Christian service. The total number of full-time and short-term trainees trained nationwide each near now exceeds 40,000. In some areas where Bible institutes are associated with church congregations of more than 1,000, the schools are allowed to flourish with no opposition. The pastors, elders and leaders in these churches are Christ-centered Bible believers. At other locations, however, severe persecution continues for Chinese believers. Local police often demolish the buildings of unregistered house churches, imprison ministry leaders and place homes under surveillance. One of the main reasons communist leaders have lessened their opposition to the Bible schools is because of the compassionate work accomplished by students and graduates in Chinese communities.From the news flow of Intercessors Network
