Dozens of Chinese fishing vessels bearing crosses in China’s Zhejiang province were banned from leaving the port. The Communists forcibly removed their crosses before allowing the fishermen to return to work, reports International Christian Concern.
According to China Aid, in Zhoushan Island, more than 50% of the people believe in Jesus Christ. The Christian fishermen decorate their vessels with Christian symbols such as the cross and the word “Emmanuel” to give them a sense of peace, hope, and protection.
On July 28, the Qushan Township government threatened the fishermen that “if the cross [on the vessel] is not removed, we will not give you authorization, not allow you to pump gas, and not allow you to depart.” When the Christian fishermen asked for the legal basis for such action, the task force did not provide any justification, yet they forcibly boarded the vessels to remove the crosses and paint over the word “Emmanuel.”
While the Christians were targeted, vessels with religious symbols from other faiths were left untouched. Since the fishermen had nowhere to turn, they shared their anger online. They accused the Communists of being unreasonable, since these vessels are personal property.
Of the 130 Christian fishing vessels in Zhoushan Island, more than 90 had their crosses removed.
This story sounds eerily like Acts 4:13, 16-20. “When [the Sanhedrin] saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.” Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.”
