China Compass

Today’s podcast covers a wide range of topics, starting with the Pakistani “Peace Talks”, China’s motives in the Iran conflict, hacking China, a few China travel related stories including the longest flight in the world, comparing the cost of “everyday” items in China vs. US, China’s take on Taiwanese “independence”, and finallyall the Chinese cities to pray for this week.  Welcome to China Compass on the Fight Laugh Feast network! I'm your China travel guide in exile, Missionary Ben. Follow me on X (@chinaadventures) where I share a new Chinese city or county to pray for every single day.  Feel free to write anytime: [email protected]. All my books, substack, patreon, and everything else can be easily found at PrayGiveGo.us!   The Autobiography of John G. Paton (JohnGPaton.com) Borden of Yale: The Millionaire Missionary (BordenofYale.com) Unbeaten: Arrested, Interrogated, and Deported from China (Unbeaten.vip) The Memoirs of William Milne: First Protestant Missionary to Malaysia (PrayGiveGo.us)   The World's Longest One-Stop Flight Is Up To 29 Hours https://simpleflying.com/worlds-longest-one-stop-29-hours-flight-explained/ 20 flights: Some Chinese travellers stockpiled air tickets before fuel surcharge hike https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/he-booked-over-20-flights-some-chinese-travellers-stockpile-air-tickets-before-fuel-surcharge-hike The Cost of Everyday Things in China vs. the U.S. https://www.visualcapitalist.com/cp/cost-of-living-in-china-vs-us/   Xi declares Taiwan independence a threat to peace https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2026/04/10/beijing-ramps-up-pressure-as-xi-declares-taiwan-independence-a-threat-to-peace/215822 Xi Jinping meets new face of Taiwan's opposition as US and Japan watch https://asia.nikkei.com/politics/international-relations/taiwan-tensions/xi-jinping-meets-new-face-of-taiwan-s-opposition-as-us-and-japan-watch   This coming week's Pray for China (PrayforChina.us) cities… https://chinacall.substack.com/p/pray-for-china-apr-12-18-2026 Thank you for listening! Subscribe + leave a review on your preferred podcast platform! If you’d like to support our China ministry, that, and everything else can be found @ PrayGiveGo.us. Luke 10, vs 2: the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few, so let's ask the Lord for more!

I'm your China travel guide in exile, Missionary Ben, currently in Indonesia as this podcast drops. Follow me on Twitter/X (@chinaadventures) where I share a new Chinese city to pray for every single day. Feel free to email anytime: chinacompass @ privacyport.com. Check out PrayGiveGo.us for everything else, incl. Patreon, Substack & books…   The Memoirs of William Milne (PrayGiveGo.us)   Why the Prison Pulpit?  The goal is to remind people to pray for persecuted believers as Hebrews 13:3 teaches: “Remember those who are in prison, as bound with them.” We’ve looked at Wang Yi and Early Rain Church’s writings in the aftermath of their arrest and attack in 2018, but I’ve also regularly turned to other persecuted ministers who have gone before, such as Richard Wurmbrand, to give us a voice literally from prison.  (Here are some free PDF books from Richard Wurmbrand: https://richardwurmbrandfoundation.org/)   If Revival Comes: A Major Shake-Up Awaits China’s Church https://www.chinasource.org/articles/if-revival-comes-a-major-shake-up-awaits-chinas-church/   How to Give? MCI3.org  We have a major project this year to help the missionary arm of China's underground church. $50k need!   Follow China Compass Thank you for listening! Subscribe & leave a review on your preferred podcast platform! And don’t forget to visit PrayGiveGo.us for books + Heb. 13:3: Remember those who are in prison, “as bound with them”!

This week I had a conversation with an old buddy of mine from South Africa who nearly died (froze to death) with me 20 years ago this week. We talked through what happened, recounting the difficulties, but glorifying God for his providence.   Welcome to China Compass on the Fight Laugh Feast network! I'm your China travel guide in exile, Missionary Ben. Follow me on X (@chinaadventures) where I share a new Chinese city or county to pray for every single day.  Feel free to write anytime: [email protected]. All my books, substack, patreon, and everything else can be easily found at PrayGiveGo.us!   The Autobiography of John G. Paton (JohnGPaton.com) Borden of Yale: The Millionaire Missionary (BordenofYale.com) Unbeaten: Arrested, Interrogated, and Deported from China (Unbeaten.vip) The Memoirs of William Milne: First Protestant Missionary to Malaysia (PrayGiveGo.us)   A Mission in the Mountains of Tibet (Mar 28, 2006) https://chinacall.substack.com/p/into-hidden-valleys Runaway Van in Tibet @ 14,700 Feet (Dec 29, 2010) https://www.patreon.com/posts/146773358 This coming week's Pray for China (PrayforChina.us) cities… https://chinacall.substack.com/p/pray-for-china-apr-5-11-2026   Thank you for listening! Subscribe + leave a review on your preferred podcast platform! If you’d like to support our China ministry, that, and everything else can be found @ PrayGiveGo.us. Luke 10, vs 2: the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few, so let's ask the Lord for more!

I'm your China travel guide in exile, Missionary Ben, at home in Malaysia. Follow me on Twitter/X (@chinaadventures) where I share a new Chinese city to pray for every single day. Feel free to email anytime: chinacompass @ privacyport.com. Check out PrayGiveGo.us for everything else, incl. Patreon, Substack & books…   The Memoirs of William Milne (PrayGiveGo.us) The Autobiography of John G. Paton (JohnGPaton.com) Borden of Yale: The Millionaire Missionary (BordenofYale.com) Unbeaten: My Arrest, Interrogation, and Deportation from China (Unbeaten.vip)   Why the Prison Pulpit?  The goal is to remind people to pray for persecuted believers as Hebrews 13:3 teaches: “Remember those who are in prison, as bound with them.” We’ve looked at Wang Yi and Early Rain Church’s writings in the aftermath of their arrest and attack in 2018, but I’ve also regularly turned to other persecuted ministers who have gone before, such as Richard Wurmbrand, to give us a voice literally from prison.  (Here are some free PDF books from Richard Wurmbrand: https://richardwurmbrandfoundation.org/)   Nigeria Back in the News (Church Attacks) https://www.opendoorsus.org/en-US/stories/Palm-Sunday-Attack-Shakes-Nigerian-Community/ Kidnapped Pilot in Niger Still Missing (Kevin Rideout) https://www.christianpost.com/news/kidnapped-missionary-kevin-rideout-remains-missing.html   The Savior’s Thirst + A Reminder to Remember Kidnapped Kevin Rideout https://chinacall.substack.com/p/the-saviors-thirst   How to Give? MCI3.org  We have a major project this year to help the missionary arm of China's underground church. $50k need!   Follow China Compass Thank you for listening! Subscribe & leave a review on your preferred podcast platform! And don’t forget to visit PrayGiveGo.us for books + Heb. 13:3: Remember those who are in prison, “as bound with them”!

After a few personal updates from these past couple of days since returning to Malaysia, I begin by talking about the new Hong Kong security law that empowers gov’t to search phones and other devices, and why this isn’t quite the big deal as some want to make it seem. Also, I talk about Canada’s search of my phone. (7:54). Next, we take a few minutes for a fascinating look at global gasoline prices (22:05). Then, we look at the REALITY of China’s energy consumption (Hint: its not as Green as it seems)(26:50). Another well-written article from India provides a helpful take on the two things China lacks as it attempts to grow into a world superpower (32:19). Next to last, we work through an eye-opening take by a Chinese writer for a Japanese newspaper, comparing China’s current economic state to Japan’s back before the real-estate bubble burst 30+ years ago (38:50). Last but not least, while looking briefly at this week’s Pray for China cities, I tell the story of the one and only time I was caught red-handed smuggling Christian literature from Hong Kong into China (47:04).    Welcome to China Compass on the Fight Laugh Feast network! I'm your China travel guide in exile, Missionary Ben. Follow me on X (@chinaadventures) where I share a new Chinese city or county to pray for every single day.  Feel free to write anytime: [email protected]. All my books, substack, patreon, and everything else can be easily found at PrayGiveGo.us!   The Autobiography of John G. Paton (JohnGPaton.com) Borden of Yale: The Millionaire Missionary (BordenofYale.com) Unbeaten: Arrested, Interrogated, and Deported from China (Unbeaten.vip)   China may have all the attributes of a superpower—but it lacks two things https://www.theweek.in/columns/prasannan/2026/03/21/china-a-sleeping-kumbhakarna.html China’s housing crisis is worse than it seems https://www.japantimes.co.jp/commentary/2025/07/06/world/chinas-housing-crisis-is-worse-than-it-seems/   Now let's take a look at this coming week's Pray for China (PrayforChina.us) cities… https://chinacall.substack.com/p/pray-for-china-mar-29-apr-4-2026   Thank you for listening! Subscribe + leave a review on your preferred podcast platform! If you’d like to support our China ministry, that, and everything else can be found @ PrayGiveGo.us. Luke 10, vs 2: the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few, so let's ask the Lord for more!

I'm your China travel guide in exile, Missionary Ben, finally back home with my family in Malaysia. Follow me on Twitter/X (@chinaadventures) where I share a new Chinese city to pray for every single day. Feel free to email anytime: chinacompass @ privacyport.com. Check out PrayGiveGo.us for everything else, incl. Patreon, Substack & books… The Memoirs of William Milne (PrayGiveGo.us) The Autobiography of John G. Paton (JohnGPaton.com) Borden of Yale: The Millionaire Missionary (BordenofYale.com) Unbeaten: My Arrest, Interrogation, and Deportation from China (Unbeaten.vip)   Why the Prison Pulpit?  The goal is to remind people to pray for persecuted believers as Hebrews 13:3 teaches: “Remember those who are in prison, as bound with them.” We’ve looked at Wang Yi and Early Rain Church’s writings in the aftermath of their arrest and attack in 2018, but I’ve also regularly turned to other persecuted ministers who have gone before, such as Richard Wurmbrand, to give us a voice literally from prison.    Richard Wurmbrand’s birthday was yesterday, March 24th (1909).  Today we will look at some of his “birthday writings” from prison… Richard Wurmbrand Remembers Birthdays in Communist Romania https://chinacall.substack.com/p/a-pastors-prison-birthday And find out more about Michael Wurmbrand’s ongoing ministry (and free books!)... https://richardwurmbrandfoundation.org/   How to Give? MCI3.org ($50k need!) We have a major project later this year to help the missionary arm of China's underground church.    Follow China Compass Thank you for listening! Subscribe & leave a review on your preferred podcast platform! And don’t forget to visit PrayGiveGo.us for books + Heb. 13:3: Remember those who are in prison, “as bound with them”!

Today’s podcast begins back home in Malaysia, then picks up in Calcutta (3:58), followed by dispatches from both Agartala (12:22) and later Siliguri. After making fun of North Korea and China’s national “elections” (15:50), we take a deeper look at China and India’s relationship (25:52), followed by China’s efforts to (literally) silence the languages of the minorities in China (43:51). Lastly, our brief look at this week’s Pray for China cities happens to include (without prior planning) a call to pray for Tibet (55:17). Welcome to China Compass on the Fight Laugh Feast network! I'm your China travel guide in exile, Missionary Ben. Follow me on X (@chinaadventures) where I share a new Chinese city or county to pray for every single day.  Feel free to write anytime: [email protected]. All my books, substack, patreon, and everything else can be easily found at PrayGiveGo.us!   The Autobiography of John G. Paton (JohnGPaton.com) Borden of Yale: The Millionaire Missionary (BordenofYale.com) Unbeaten: Arrested, Interrogated, and Deported from China (Unbeaten.vip)   Who Won North Korea’s Recent “Elections”?  https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/kim-jong-un-wins-99-93-votes-in-north-korea-parliamentary-elections-remaining-0-07-went-to-11236508 China’s dispute with India over Arunachal Pradesh https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/china-s-dispute-india-over-arunachal-pradesh Tibet in India’s China Calculus https://www.orfonline.org/research/tibet-in-india-s-china-calculus China’s new language law could prove fatal for minority tongues https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-putonghua-china-common-language-law/ China Requires Minorities to Learn Mandarin https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp9meeek051o   Now let's take a look at this coming week's Pray for China (PrayforChina.us) cities… https://chinacall.substack.com/p/pray-for-china-mar-22-28-2026 Thank you for listening! Subscribe + leave a review on your preferred podcast platform! If you’d like to support our China ministry, that, and everything else can be found @ PrayGiveGo.us. Luke 10, vs 2: the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few, so let's ask the Lord for more!

I'm your China travel guide in exile, Missionary Ben, recording today in downtown Dhaka, the overcrowded capital of Bangladesh. Follow me on Twitter/X (@chinaadventures) where I share a new Chinese city to pray for every single day. Feel free to email anytime: chinacompass @ privacyport.com. Check out PrayGiveGo.us for everything else, incl. Patreon, Substack & books…   The Memoirs of William Milne (PrayGiveGo.us) The Autobiography of John G. Paton (JohnGPaton.com) Borden of Yale: The Millionaire Missionary (BordenofYale.com) Unbeaten: Arrested, Interrogated, and Deported from China (Unbeaten.vip)   Why the Prison Pulpit?  The goal is to remind people to pray for persecuted believers as Hebrews 13:3 teaches: “Remember those who are in prison, as bound with them.” We’ve looked at Wang Yi and Early Rain Church’s writings in the aftermath of their arrest and attack in 2018, but I’ve also regularly turned to other persecuted ministers who have gone before, such as Richard Wurmbrand, to give us a voice literally from prison.    Thoughts on Bangladesh and How to Pray… When I first started learning about Bangladesh in 2002, there were only about 130+ million people. Today that number is closer to 180! Let me help you with an example of just how crowded it is… similar in size to Georgia, Iowa, and Alabama, but with 15 or 25x more people!s **Bangladesh is the most densely populated sovereign nation larger than 1,000 square miles** - It has a population density of roughly 3,538 per sq. mile (1400/km)! - Virtually all higher-density entries are tiny city-states, territories, or micro-nations far below 1,000 square miles, including:  Macau (~33 km², ~22,000/km²), Monaco (~2 km², ~19,000/km²),  Singapore (~710 km², ~8,225/km²), and Hong Kong (~1,100 km², ~7,000/km²).  - Among sovereign countries (or comparable large entities) exceeding the size threshold, no other nation surpasses Bangladesh. Next in line for larger countries include places like Taiwan (~636/km²), the Netherlands (~548/km²), and South Korea (~529/km²).  Islam growing faster than anything else Christians converted from Islam are growing, but still a tiny minority (200k) Pray for more laborers, open doors, boldness, and protection from the evil one As always, put yourself “in their shoes” as you pray…   How to Give? MCI3.org ($50k need!) We have a major project later this year to help the missionary arm of China's underground church.    Follow China Compass Thank you for listening! Subscribe & leave a review on your preferred podcast platform! And don’t forget to visit PrayGiveGo.us for books + Heb. 13:3: Remember those who are in prison, “as bound with them”!

This week we start by looking at Rocket Man’s latest missile launch, and why China lets him stay around, followed by more thoughts on China and Iran, and then China’s attempts to hack Starlink. Lastly, this week’s Pray for China cities includes a ton of stories and memories. Welcome to China Compass on the Fight Laugh Feast network! I'm your China travel guide in exile, Missionary Ben. Follow me on X (@chinaadventures) where I share a new Chinese city or county to pray for every single day.  Feel free to write anytime: [email protected]. All my books, substack, patreon, and everything else can be easily found at PrayGiveGo.us!   The Autobiography of John G. Paton (JohnGPaton.com) Borden of Yale: The Millionaire Missionary (BordenofYale.com) Unbeaten: Arrested, Interrogated, and Deported from China (Unbeaten.vip)   North Korea Launches Missiles Towards Japan https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/10-launches-raise-alarm-all-about-north-korea-ballistic-missile-firings-towards-the-sea-of-japan-101773476107021.html Xi Torn Between Iran and US https://asia.nikkei.com/editor-s-picks/china-up-close/analysis-xi-torn-between-long-ties-with-khameneis-and-us-relations Starlink Creates Hurdles In China’s Plans to Someday Overwhelm Taiwan https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/starlinks-role-in-ukraine-war-set-the-chinese-thinking-about-hurdles-to-its-possible-seizure-of   Now let's take a look at this coming week's Pray for China (PrayforChina.us) cities… https://chinacall.substack.com/p/pray-for-china-mar-15-21-2026 Thank you for listening! Subscribe + leave a review on your preferred podcast platform! If you’d like to support our China ministry, that, and everything else can be found @ PrayGiveGo.us. Luke 10, vs 2: the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few, so let's ask the Lord for more!

I'm your China travel guide in exile, Missionary Ben. Follow me on Twitter/X (@chinaadventures) where I share a new Chinese city or county to pray for every single day of the week. Feel free to email anytime: chinacompass @ privacyport.com. Visit PrayGiveGo.us for Patreon, Substack, Books & everything else!    The Memoirs of William Milne (PrayGiveGo.us) The Autobiography of John G. Paton (JohnGPaton.com) Borden of Yale: The Millionaire Missionary (BordenofYale.com) Unbeaten: Arrested, Interrogated & Deported from China (Unbeaten.vip)   Why the Prison Pulpit? To remind people to pray for persecuted believers as Hebrews 13:3 teaches: “Remember those who are in prison, as bound with them.” We’ve looked at Wang Yi and Early Rain Church’s writings in the aftermath of their arest in 2018, but I’ve also regularly turned to other persecuted ministers who have gone before, such as Richard Wurmbrand, to give us a voice literally from prison.    Let me recommend a little book (Return of the Raider/The Amazing Story of Sergeant Jacob Deshazer), that I was tempted to cover in a full Prison Pulpit episode: https://jacobdeshazer.com/return-of-the-raider   The Middle East continues to be in the spotlight this week. There is obviously much we do know to pray for, but I want to remind you that there is also so much we DO NOT KNOW. For instance, Iran’s regime-induced internet blackout keeps us from hearing much at all from the majority of Iranians who are cheering on the potential fall of the Islamic regime. Let’s not forget them. My guess is if communication were functioning normally, we’d be inundated with positive messages from within Iran. One report I saw estimated that in Iran it's more like 95% against the Ayatollahs and 5% for. But we really just don’t know.   Finally, we come to our topic of the day, Chinese Christians in Exile and Serving Abroad… I have to be careful here. I simply cannot give up too much info about the folks I’m going to mention, so bear with me as I search for the right words… - Chinese missionaries are being sent to most of western China, almost all of Asia (sans India), and much of the Middle East, and they “fit in” much better than Westerners in many of these places - They are being trained in much the same way Western missionaries are trained to work cross-culturally, not in a matter of days, but years, in strategic places both inside and outside of China - Some of them struggle to leave China (passports confiscated), but others cannot return, as they will be arrested upon arrival with their passports confiscated for the foreseeable future - We have a major project later this year to help the missionary arm of the Chinese Underground Church Strategic Opportunity to Give: MCI3.org ($50,000 need!)   Follow China Compass Thank you for listening! Subscribe & leave a review on your preferred podcast platform! And don’t forget to visit PrayGiveGo.us for books +. Heb. 13:3: Remember those who are in prison, “as bound with them”!

This week we begin by looking at an in-depth piece by an astute Japanese observer about China’s current bargaining strategy with the US, balancing Iran and its own internal struggles (3:51), followed by a more cynical view from China hawk Gordon Chang (19:53). Then, after taking a break to look at one aspect of China’s current real-estate troubles (24:57), I try to explain the motivation behind all that China does (or does not do) in the world (40:25). Lastly, we look at all of the Pray for China cities for the coming week (48:18). Welcome to China Compass on the Fight Laugh Feast network! I'm your China travel guide in exile, Missionary Ben. Follow me on X (@chinaadventures) where I share a new Chinese city or county to pray for every single day.  Feel free to write anytime: [email protected]. All my books, substack, patreon, and everything else can be easily found at PrayGiveGo.us!   Book Recommendation: “I'm currently reading [The Millionaire Missionary] and am really enjoying it. What a powerful story of radical obedience and sacrifice. I'm planning to recommend it to the young men I'm currently mobilizing for the 10/40 Window—I think Borden's example will be incredibly inspiring for them as they consider their own call to the unreached.” The Autobiography of John G. Paton (JohnGPaton.com) Borden of Yale: The Millionaire Missionary (BordenofYale.com) Unbeaten: Arrested, Interrogated, and Deported from China (Unbeaten.vip)   Why Xi Can’t Say No To Trump Despite Iran Strikes (Paywall) https://asia.nikkei.com/editor-s-picks/china-up-close/analysis-why-xi-can-t-say-no-to-trump-visit-despite-the-iran-strikes Gordon Chang is (Mostly) Right This Time https://www.foxbusiness.com/media/gordon-chang-urges-us-treat-china-enemy-combatant-warns-subs-operating-very-close-us I Miss China’s Cheap Apartments https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/03/03/cheap-apartments-spawn-retire-early-trend-amid-chinas-slowing-economy/   Now let's take a look at this coming week's Pray for China (PrayforChina.us) cities… https://open.substack.com/pub/chinacall/p/pray-for-china-mar-8-14-2026   Thank you for listening! Subscribe + leave a review on your preferred podcast platform! If you’d like to support our China ministry, that, and everything else can be found @ PrayGiveGo.us. Luke 10, vs 2: the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few, so let's ask the Lord for more! Thank you for listening! Subscribe + leave a review on your preferred podcast platform! If you’d like to support our China ministry, that, and everything else can be found @ PrayGiveGo.us. Luke 10, vs 2: the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few, so let's ask the Lord for more!

I'm your China travel guide in exile, Missionary Ben. Follow me on Twitter/X (@chinaadventures) where I share a new Chinese city or county to pray for every single day of the week. Feel free to email anytime: chinacompass @ privacyport.com. Visit PrayGiveGo.us for Patreon, Substack, Books & everything else!  Why the Prison Pulpit?  The goal is to remind people to pray for persecuted believers as Hebrews 13:3 teaches: “Remember those who are in prison, as bound with them.” We’ve looked at Wang Yi and Early Rain Church’s writings in the aftermath of their arrest and attack in 2018, but I’ve also regularly turned to other persecuted ministers who have gone before, such as Richard Wurmbrand, to give us a voice literally from prison.    A lot has happened in the Middle East this week. There is much to pray for, but I want to focus specifically on reminding us all to pray for the believers in the various countries in the middle of (or even in the periphery of) the current conflict:  Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Oman, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Israel, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (those are just off the top of my head, although I think that covers most of the nations either bordering Iran or somehow involved in the conflict).  I took a few minutes to put these nations into four groups, based on the similarities as to how they treat local Christians, or missionaries, within their borders. (Note: I am not an “expert” on the Middle East).  Listen to the full podcast or read more for free on my Substack:  https://chinacall.substack.com/p/pray-for-persecuted-christians-in   Follow China Compass Thank you for listening! Subscribe & leave a review on your preferred podcast platform! And don’t forget to visit PrayGiveGo.us for books +. Heb. 13:3: Remember those who are in prison, “as bound with them”!

On this special bonus episode we take a look at how China is responding to the decapitation of Iran’s leadership (from its official propaganda media outlet), as well as who Grok sees as the world leaders who have the most in common with Iran’s now dead former leader.  Welcome to China Compass on the Fight Laugh Feast network! I'm your China travel guide in exile, Missionary Ben. Follow me on X (@chinaadventures) where I share a new Chinese city or county to pray for every single day.  Feel free to write anytime: [email protected]. All my books, substack, patreon, and everything else can be easily found at PrayGiveGo.us!   Book Recommendation: “I'm currently reading [The Millionaire Missionary] and am really enjoying it. What a powerful story of radical obedience and sacrifice. I'm planning to recommend it to the young men I'm currently mobilizing for the 10/40 Window—I think Borden's example will be incredibly inspiring for them as they consider their own call to the unreached.” Borden of Yale: The Millionaire Missionary (BordenofYale.com)   Grok’s “Who’s Who” of Dictators https://chinacall.substack.com/p/which-world-leaders-are-most-like   China was not notified in advance regarding US military action, says Foreign Ministry Lady https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202603/1356092.shtml China condemns killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202603/1356045.shtml Chinese AI: Intl community should take a clearer and firmer stand in opposing law of the jungle https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202603/1356042.shtml Analyst: US plans weeks-long assault on Iran, but can its ammunition stockpile sustain it? https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202603/1356074.shtml Open Letter of Chinese Islamic Association President https://un.china-mission.gov.cn/eng/chinaandun/securitycouncil/regionalhotspots/mideast/ylk/200902/t20090214_8417803.htm   Now let's take a look at this coming week's Pray for China (PrayforChina.us) cities… https://chinacall.substack.com/p/pray-for-china-mar-1-7-2026 Thank you for listening! Subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! There’s also a Paypal link at PrayforChina.us if you’d like to give to our China ministry. Last but not least, for (almost) everything else we’re doing visit PrayGiveGo.us. Luke 10, vs 2: the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few, therefore ask the Lord for more. Talk again soon!

This week we begin by looking at who imports the most from China (5:17), why Chinese spend so much money on food (13:30), and Dictator Xi’s next CCP purge (18:38). Then, we take a deep dive (23:00) into the breaking story of the former US Air Force pilot who was arrested in February after returning from 2+ years of sharing military secrets with the Communist regime in Beijing. Lastly, we look at this week’s diverse list of Chinese cities to be praying for (42:36)! Welcome to China Compass on the Fight Laugh Feast network! I'm your China travel guide in exile, Missionary Ben. Follow me on X (@chinaadventures) where I share a new Chinese city or county to pray for every single day.  Feel free to write anytime: [email protected]. All my books, substack, patreon, and everything else can be easily found at PrayGiveGo.us!   Book Recommendation: “I'm currently reading [The Millionaire Missionary] and am really enjoying it. What a powerful story of radical obedience and sacrifice. I'm planning to recommend it to the young men I'm currently mobilizing for the 10/40 Window—I think Borden's example will be incredibly inspiring for them as they consider their own call to the unreached.” The Autobiography of John G. Paton (JohnGPaton.com) Borden of Yale: The Millionaire Missionary (BordenofYale.com) Unbeaten: Arrested, Interrogated, and Deported from China (Unbeaten.vip)   How Dependent is Each Country on Chinese Imports? https://www.visualcapitalist.com/mapped-countries-most-dependent-china-imports/ Why Chinese People Spend So Much On Food (Paywall) https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2026/02/26/why-chinese-people-spend-so-much-on-food Xi’s Next Purge Immanent (Paywall) https://asia.nikkei.com/editor-s-picks/china-up-close/analysis-rumors-abound-over-xi-s-next-purge-target-ahead-of-npc Former US Airforce Pilot Arrested for Training Chinese Military Pilots https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/former-us-air-force-pilot-arrested-providing-defense-services-chinese-military   Here's a look at this coming week's Pray for China (PrayforChina.us) cities… https://chinacall.substack.com/p/pray-for-china-mar-1-7-2026   Thank you for listening! Subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! There’s also a Paypal link at PrayforChina.us if you’d like to give to our China ministry. Last but not least, for (almost) everything else we’re doing visit PrayGiveGo.us. Luke 10, vs 2: the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few, therefore ask the Lord for more. Talk again soon!

I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben. Follow me on Twitter/X (@chinaadventures) where I share a new Chinese city or county to pray for every single day. Please send any questions or comments to our new, secure email: [email protected]. You can also find China Compass on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/c/chinacompass), which allows for donations as well as podcast “collections.” Last but not least, nearly everything else we are involved in can be found at PrayGiveGo.us!    Why the Prison Pulpit?  The goal is to remind people to pray for persecuted believers as Hebrews 13:3 teaches: “Remember those who are in prison, as bound with them.” We’ve looked at Wang Yi and Early Rain Church’s writings in the aftermath of their arrest and attack in 2018, but I’ve also regularly turned to other persecuted ministers who have gone before, such as Richard Wurmbrand, to give us a voice literally from prison.    This week we are at a camp in Thailand for MKs; that is, missionary kids. Our youngest daughter is participating and it strikes me how fast the time has gone… I crossposted today's podcast to my Substack, if you'd like my notes: ChinaCall.Substack.com   Follow China Compass Thank you for listening! Subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! There’s also a donation link at PrayforChina.us if you’d like to support our China ministry. For everything else, visit PrayGiveGo.us. Hebrews 13:3: Remember those who are in prison, “as bound with them”!

On this week’s China Compass, after looking at China’s newly opened (visa-free) door to Canadian and British nationals, as well as a personal admonition to visit China, we work through what might as well be a Chinese propaganda article from Wired.com, listing 23 ways we are (supposedly) already living in the Chinese century. I sure do hope they got most of these wrong! Welcome to China Compass on the Fight Laugh Feast network! I'm your China travel guide in exile, Missionary Ben. Follow me on X (@chinaadventures) where I share a new Chinese city or county to pray for every single day.  Feel free to write anytime: [email protected]. All my books, substack, patreon, and everything else can be easily found at PrayGiveGo.us!   My Missions Resources: The Autobiography of John G. Paton (JohnGPaton.com) Borden of Yale: The Millionaire Missionary (BordenofYale.com) Unbeaten: Arrested, Interrogated, and Deported from China (Unbeaten.vip) The Memoirs of William Milne: First Protestant Missionary to Malaysia (PrayGiveGo.us)   China Grants Visa-Free Access to Canadian and British Nationals https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2026/02/15/china-to-grant-visa-free-policy-to-canadian-and-british-nationals-from-feb-17 As Trump Retreats from Climate Goals, China is Becoming a Green Superpower https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources/idt-8d2b6944-4f7a-45b4-96fd-2d92499ff97d 23 Ways You're Already Living in the Chinese Century https://www.wired.com/china-issue/   Now let's take a look at this coming week's Pray for China (PrayforChina.us) cities… https://chinacall.substack.com/p/pray-for-china-feb-22-28-2026 Thank you for listening! Subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! There’s also a Paypal link at PrayforChina.us if you’d like to give to our China ministry. Last but not least, for (almost) everything else we’re doing visit PrayGiveGo.us. Luke 10, vs 2: the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few, therefore ask the Lord for more. Talk again soon!

I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben. Follow me on Twitter/X (@chinaadventures) where I share a new Chinese city or county to pray for every single day. Please send any questions or comments to our new, secure email: [email protected]. You can also find China Compass on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/c/chinacompass), which not only allows for donations, but also lets me sort episodes into various collections, making it easier to find all the shows on a certain topic or person.  Last but not least, nearly everything else we are involved in can be found at PrayGiveGo.us!    Why the Prison Pulpit?  The goal is to remind people to pray for persecuted believers as Hebrews 13:3 teaches: “Remember those who are in prison, as bound with them.” We’ve looked at Wang Yi and Early Rain Church’s writings in the aftermath of their arrest and attack in 2018, but I’ve also regularly turned to other persecuted ministers who have gone before, such as Richard Wurmbrand, to give us a voice literally from prison.    Receive prayer requests like the following in your inbox by subscribing @ ChinaPartnership.org: This week, we’ll pray for imprisoned Christians in Northwest China. Sister J is the wife of Pastor S, who was arrested in 2023. She shared that on the arrest day they were “terrified—really scared,” and said, “I couldn’t even pray. All day I just kept repeating: ‘Lord, what should I do? Please help me.’” Pray that the Lord would meet Sister J with His peace, calm her fear, and gently guide her one step at a time. Sister J shared an update: the appeal has concluded, and the original sentence was upheld. Please pray for Pastor S as he enters this next season in prison—pray for endurance and hope, and that the Lord would open practical doors for communication, needed support, and opportunities to encourage others. Sister J described the early detention hardships of her husband: “During the first three months—the lawyer wasn’t allowed to meet him,” and “he didn’t have proper clothing and supplies. The first year he was in, his hands and feet and ears were all frostbitten.” Pray that God would protect Pastor S physically. Sister J also said her prayers for Pastor S have changed: “Lord, please let him be light and salt in detention and in prison—let him live out the likeness of Christ.” Pray that the Lord would strengthen Pastor S’s faith and make his life a clear witness of Christ in detention and prison. Sister J asked for prayer for her own spiritual stability: “My faith fluctuates a lot… so that in any environment I won’t be shaken, even in fear and anxiety I will still stand firm.” Pray that God would root Sister J in His Word, steady her emotions, and give her enduring faith and courage. Sister J shared that when she once asked who could help if her husband were arrested, Pastor S said, “There’s no one. Let me pray. Let me ask God.” She later testified that God provided caring believers and reminded her, “I’m not alone.” Pray that God would continue to surround Sister J with strong fellowship. Sister J shared: “Right now, the business can sustain me and my child’s living expenses.” But she also said, “My child’s body is very weak… almost once a month—fever and colds. So please pray for her health.” Thank the Lord for providing their daily needs, and pray that He would heal and strengthen her child’s body, giving her health and strength.   Follow China Compass Thank you for listening! Subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! There’s also a donation link at PrayforChina.us if you’d like to support our China ministry. For everything else, visit PrayGiveGo.us. Hebrews 13:3: Remember those who are in prison, “as bound with them”!

On this week’s China Compass, we start by looking at the current Olympics medal count and how China attempts to “compete”, including their purchasing of Chinese-American Eileen Gu. Then we look a little more at the horrors of the North Korean regime, followed by a longer look and some stories from a few of the Pray for China cities of the week (Xining, Baoshan).  Welcome to China Compass on the Fight Laugh Feast network! I'm your China travel guide in exile, Missionary Ben. Follow me on X (@chinaadventures) where I share a new Chinese city or county to pray for every single day.  Feel free to write anytime: [email protected]. All my books, substack, patreon, and everything else can be easily found at PrayGiveGo.us!   The Millionaire Missionary (BordenofYale.com) - Available on Kindle/Amazon (free PDF) Unbeaten: My Arrest, Interrogation, and Deportation from China (Unbeaten.vip)   Eileen Gu is the Poster Child for the Post-Nationalist Olympics https://thefederalist.com/2026/02/11/eileen-gu-is-the-poster-child-for-the-post-nationalist-olympics/ North Korea Executes Teens for Watching Squid Game, Listening to K-Pop https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/rest-of-world/north-korea-executes-teens-for-watching-squid-game-and-listening-to-k-pop/articleshow/128027845.cms   Now let's take a look at this coming week's Pray for China (PrayforChina.us) cities… https://chinacall.substack.com/p/pray-for-china-feb-15-21-2026   Thank you for listening! Subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! There’s also a Paypal link at PrayforChina.us if you’d like to give to our China ministry. Last but not least, for (almost) everything else we’re doing visit PrayGiveGo.us. Luke 10, vs 2: the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few, therefore ask the Lord for more. Talk again soon!

I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben. Follow me on Twitter/X (@chinaadventures) where I share a new Chinese city or county to pray for every single day. Please send any questions or comments to our new, secure email: [email protected]. You can also find China Compass on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/c/chinacompass), which not only allows for donations, but also lets me sort episodes into various collections, making it easier to find all the shows on a certain topic or person.  Last but not least, nearly everything else we are involved (including my little book UNBEATEN) in can be found at PrayGiveGo.us!    Why the Prison Pulpit?  The goal is to remind people to pray for persecuted believers as Hebrews 13:3 teaches: “Remember those who are in prison, as bound with them.” We’ve looked at Wang Yi and Early Rain Church’s writings in the aftermath of their arrest and attack in 2018, but I’ve also regularly turned to other persecuted ministers who have gone before, such as Richard Wurmbrand, to give us a voice literally from prison.    Miracle: Chinese-Korean Pastor Released from North Korean Prison after 14 Years https://www.opendoorsuk.org/news/latest-news/north-korea-pastor-released/   Follow China Compass Thank you for listening! Subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! There’s also a donation link at PrayforChina.us if you’d like to support our China ministry. For everything else, visit PrayGiveGo.us. Hebrews 13:3: Remember those who are in prison, “as bound with them”!

On this week’s China Compass, we cover a number of varied news items (and personal stories), including the ones in the title. The Chinese pot bust is at about ½ way point, and my story of running from the Chinese police (for the sake of my little children!) is about ¾ way to the end.  My kids are currently in the middle of their first solo trip into China, and things seem to be going well so far. Here’s what we had to do (practically) to get them ready to survive in 2026 China… VPNs for every device Configure Chinese payment apps (Oops!) Fill out electronic arrival form Go over subway and high speed train schedules   Welcome to China Compass on the Fight Laugh Feast network! I'm your China travel guide in exile, Missionary Ben. Follow me on X (@chinaadventures) where I share a new Chinese city or county to pray for every single day.  Feel free to write anytime: [email protected]. All my books, substack, patreon, and everything else can be easily found at PrayGiveGo.us!   The Millionaire Missionary (BordenofYale.com) - Available on Kindle/Amazon (free PDF) Unbeaten: My Arrest, Interrogation, and Deportation from China (Unbeaten.vip)   20 Arrested for Illegal Pot Farms in Oklahoma https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/crime/2026/02/03/20-arrested-after-investigation-of-illegal-oklahoma-pot-farms-ag-says/88480633007/ Dragon in the Cab: How China Quietly Embedded Itself in American Trucking https://www.freightwaves.com/news/dragon-in-the-cab-how-china-quietly-embedded-itself-in-american-trucking What Tariffs? Inside China’s Rerouted Supply Chains https://thediplomat.com/2026/01/inside-chinas-rerouted-supply-chains/   Now let's take a look at this coming week's Pray for China (PrayforChina.us) cities… https://chinacall.substack.com/p/pray-for-china-feb-8-14-2026   Thank you for listening! Subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! There’s also a Paypal link at PrayforChina.us if you’d like to give to our China ministry. Last but not least, for (almost) everything else we’re doing visit PrayGiveGo.us. Luke 10, vs 2: the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few, therefore ask the Lord for more. Talk again soon!

Today we look at how we can pray for the persecuted Christians in Iran, and other Muslim-majority nations, where believers are isolated and word is scarce. Hebrews 13:3 is a good reminder in these situations, as well. I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben. Follow me on Twitter/X (@chinaadventures) where I share a new Chinese city or county to pray for every single day. Please send any questions or comments to our new, secure email: [email protected]. You can also find China Compass on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/c/chinacompass), which not only allows for donations, but also lets me sort episodes into various collections, making it easier to find all the shows on a certain topic or person. Everything else we are involved in can be found at PrayGiveGo.us!    Why the Prison Pulpit?  The goal is to remind people to pray for persecuted believers as Hebrews 13:3 teaches: “Remember those who are in prison, as bound with them.” We’ve looked at Wang Yi and Early Rain Church’s writings in the aftermath of their arrest and attack in 2018, but I’ve also regularly turned to other persecuted ministers who have gone before, such as Richard Wurmbrand, to give us a voice literally from prison.    Unrest in Iran: How to Pray https://www.opendoors.org.hk/en-US/news/latest/iran-unrest-prayer/ Iran is Killing Christians https://email.revelationmedia.org/iran-is-killing-christians Living as Secret Christians in Iran https://www.opendoorscanada.org/living-as-secret-christians-in-iran/ Christians in Somalia Who Do Not Hide Their Faith https://www.opendoorsus.org/en-US/stories/christians-in-somalia-aweis-will-not-hide-his-faith/   Follow China Compass Thank you for listening! Subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! There’s also a donation link at PrayforChina.us if you’d like to support our China ministry. For everything else, visit PrayGiveGo.us. Hebrews 13:3: Remember those who are in prison, “as bound with them”!

On this week’s China Compass, we take a more in-depth look at all of the cities to pray for this coming week, focusing on Anhui (Beheading of the Stam’s + Watchman Nee’s Imprisonment), Lintan (Coal Fired Tuk Tuks, Circular Roads), and Tangshan (Deadliest Earthquake Ever).  Welcome to China Compass on the Fight Laugh Feast network! I'm your China travel guide in exile, Missionary Ben. Follow me on X (@chinaadventures) where I share a new Chinese city or county to pray for every single day.  Feel free to write anytime: [email protected]. All my books, substack, patreon, and everything else can be easily found at PrayGiveGo.us! I’m about to fly back to Malaysia this weekend after a whirlwind trip to LA, Houston, and OKC. And we’ll be joined in Malaysia in the coming few weeks by our two oldest children (as well as another missionary friend). And don’t forget, my kids will be taking their first solo trip into China next week. Exciting times! I wish I could say more, but probably best to wait until everything shakes out and there are stories to tell on the back end.  Oh, in case I haven’t said so already, I did NOT make it into China last weekend, but I did talk to a new friend in China just this evening.   The Millionaire Missionary (BordenofYale.com) - Available on Kindle/Amazon (free PDF)   Now let's take a look at this coming week's Pray for China (PrayforChina.us) cities… https://open.substack.com/pub/chinacall/p/pray-for-china-feb-1-7-2026   Tangshan Earthquake https://disasterhistory.org/tangshan-earthquake-1976 https://www.iccsafe.org/building-safety-journal/bsj-dives/the-great-tangshan-earthquake-one-of-the-worst-earthquakes-in-modern-history-destroys-chinese-city/   Thank you for listening! Subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! There’s also a Paypal link at PrayforChina.us if you’d like to give to our China ministry. Last but not least, for (almost) everything else we’re doing visit PrayGiveGo.us. Luke 10, vs 2: the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few, therefore ask the Lord for more. Talk again soon!  

Today we look at the the final part of an interview with a Chinese pastor recently released from prison, followed by some specific prayer requests for members and friends of Early Rain Church who have recently been arrested and harrassed. In China, it seems, persecution never sleeps. Let's pray for our brothers and sisters, as bound with them! I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben. Follow me on Twitter/X (@chinaadventures) where I present a new Chinese city or county to pray for every single day. Please send any questions or comments to a new, secure email: [email protected]. Everything else can be found at PrayGiveGo.us!    Why the Prison Pulpit?  The goal is to remind people to pray for persecuted believers as Hebrews 13:3 teaches: “Remember those who are in prison, as bound with them.” We’ve looked at Wang Yi and Early Rain Church’s writings in the aftermath of their arrest and attack in 2018, but I’ve also regularly turned to other persecuted ministers who have gone before, such as Richard Wurmbrand, to give us a voice literally from prison.    Interview with an Imprisoned Chinese Pastor (Part III) https://chinapartnership.org/blog/2026/01/persecuted-church/   Early Rain Church Prayer Requests (January 25-31) This week, we will pray for believers associated with Early Rain Covenant Church. Earlier this month, there was a series of large scale arrests similar to those in 2018. Seven church members were arrested and confined, while five other members were brought in for questioning and then released. Several of the people arrested are elders of the church. Pray for those who have been arrested and their families… Pray for brothers and sisters in Chengdu and Deyang who have been taken away, are missing, or are under surveillance at home. Pray for God to grant them peace and protection, and to experience God’s presence and strength amidst uncertainty and hardship. Especially pray for the families and children to experience God’s comfort and love in suffering. Pray for the Lord to preserve brothers and sisters in the church, to love one another, and to be united and show the witness of Christ in times of trouble.  Pray for Sister Z, who was taken to jail with her husband. Their two children were taken in with them, and spent the first night at the police station. Now they have been temporarily placed with their grandmother. Pray for a seminary student who was arrested and beaten in Chengdu recently. Pray for God’s comfort and grace to be with him, that he would know the presence of the Lord even in suffering. Pray for comfort and strength for his wife, and for him to be released soon.  Continue to pray for Pastor Wang Yi, who was arrested in 2018 and continues to serve time in prison. Pray for the Lord’s presence to be with him in prison, that he may even be a witness to those with him in jail, and for his family and church on the outside.   Follow China Compass Thank you for listening! Subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! There’s also a donation link at PrayforChina.us if you’d like to support our China ministry. For everything else, visit PrayGiveGo.us. Hebrews 13:3: Remember those who are in prison, “as bound with them”!

I just flew back to the States, after just a week of re-adjusting to the time here in Malaysia. When this podcast dropped on the 24th, I'll was somewhere between Macau, HKG and LAX.  This week we discuss China’s current tourist climate, as well as the transit-without-visa (TWOV) scheme, followed by a short look at whether China’s role is as a David (Underdog) or Goliath. Then, after working through a pro-China propaganda piece about one of my favorite cities, Macau, we look at all of the cities to pray for this coming week, including the one where my China career nearly ended as soon as it had begun.  I'm your China travel guide in exile, Missionary Ben. Follow me on X (@chinaadventures) where I share a new Chinese city or county to pray for every single day. Email anytime: [email protected]. All my books, substack, patreon, and everything else can be easily found at PrayGiveGo.us!   The Millionaire Missionary (BordenofYale.com) - Available on Kindle/Amazon (free PDF)   China Inbound Travel Info https://mize.tech/blog/inbound-travel-china-a-massive-opportunity-unfolds/ Is China a David, or a Goliath? China is already the economic Goliath it does not want to be seen as Andrew Sharp, Nikkei Asia opinion editor China’s year-end numbers underscored the brute force of its export machine: a trade surplus tipped at about $116 billion…according to JPMorgan economist Tingting Ge. But there was no victory lap. Exports have defied the gloom for 2025, but the domestic economy is still sputtering. Henny Sender writes that China "does not see itself as a giant imposing its mighty production machine on its neighbors and partners. Instead, it sees itself as frail and vulnerable; a country with neither the resources for food security nor energy security; a David rather than a Goliath." Pro-CCP Macau Propaganda https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202412/1325081.shtml   Now let's take a look at this coming week's Pray for China (PrayforChina.us) cities… https://chinacall.substack.com/p/pray-for-china-jan-26-31-2026 (Available Jan 25)   Thank you for listening! Subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! There’s also a Paypal link at PrayforChina.us if you’d like to give to our China ministry. Last but not least, for (almost) everything else we’re doing visit PrayGiveGo.us. Luke 10, vs 2: the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few, therefore ask the Lord for more. Talk again soon!

I'm sitting at the Hong Kong airport and due to some technical issues in uploading this week's podcast, which I recorded Friday in Malaysia, I am sharing an older episode that has been on my mind today as I just finished reading another biography of Eric Liddell. I'll be talking more about him in the near future. Enjoy!   Welcome to China Compass on the Fight Laugh Feast Network! I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben. You can follow me on X (@chinaadventures) where I post daily reminders to pray for China (PrayforChina.us). You can also email me with any questions or comments @ bfwesten at gmail dot com. You can also find easy links to everything we are involved in @ PrayGiveGo.us!   Summary Today I begin by discussing Jimmy Lai (the Hong Kong Tucker Carlson) and his bold comments about Xi Jinping (2:11), followed by looking at the Chinese dictator's struggle with his military and his weaponization of China's endemic corruption (12:42). Next we look at China's flip flopping its private tutor laws (22:18), which I know quite well. Finally I talk all about Shandong (29:50) and share fascinating stories of the missionaries and martyrs who lived and died there, including the famous “Chariots of Fire” Olympian Eric Liddell (41:29).   In the News:  Jimmy Lai’s Criticism of Xi Jinping: https://hongkongfp.com/hong-kongs-jimmy-lai/ https://hongkongfp.com/2024/12/19/chinas-problems-with-the-west-could-only-be-resolved-by-xi-jinping-stepping-down-jimmy-lai-tells-security-law-trial/ Xi Jinping’s Military Troubles: https://asia.nikkei.com/Editor-s-Picks/China-up-close/Analysis-China-military-in-disarray-over-Xi-s-monopoly-on-power https://www.cfr.org/blog/six-takeaways-pentagons-report-chinas-military https://www.cnn.com/2024/01/05/china/china-xi-military-purge-analysis-intl-hnk Xi Jinping’s Tutoring Ban Backfires https://asia.nikkei.com/Editor-s-Picks/China-up-close/Analysis-How-Xi-Jinping-s-tutoring-school-ban-backfired   Pray for China Province of the Week: Shandong (East of the Mountains) Shandong on China’s Eastern Seaboard is matched up with the state of Virginia for prayer. See which Chinese province your state is praying for @ PrayforChina.us! Wikipedia Profile: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shandong Asia Harvest Overview & Intro: https://www.asiaharvest.org/china-resources/shandong https://www.asiaharvest.org/china-resources/shandong/introduction-to-shandong-province   Shandong Missionaries & Martyrs: https://www.asiaharvest.org/china-resources/shandong/1899-sidney-brooks https://www.asiaharvest.org/china-resources/shandong/1945-eric-liddell https://www.asiaharvest.org/china-resources/shandong/1967-pastor-tian https://www.asiaharvest.org/china-resources/shandong/2003-zhang-hongmei   Recommended Resources:  Shandong: The Revival Province (China Chronicles #1) https://www.asiaharvest.org/bookstore/Shandong-The-Revival-Province-The-China-Chronicles-N%C2%BA1-p283331051 UNBEATEN: Arrested, Interrogated, and Deported from China  www.Unbeaten.vip

Today on the Prison Pulpit we go even deeper with the Chinese pastor we quoted from last week, who recently spent a couple of years in prison (and is now on probation). In today’s longer interview, he tells us how to better pray for persecuted pastors, especially their families and churches, and more. I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben. Follow me on Twitter/X (@chinaadventures) where I present a new Chinese city or county to pray for every single day. Please send any questions or comments to a new, secure email: [email protected]. Everything else can be found at PrayGiveGo.us!  One last thing: I’m now set up on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/c/chinacompass), which now only allows for donations, but also lets me sort podcast episodes into various collections, making it easier to find all the episodes on a certain topic or person, like Tibet, Pastor Wang Yi, or Richard Wurmbrand.   Today in passing I mentioned my little autobiographical memoir, Unbeaten, a few times. You can read the story of my 2018 arrest, interrogation, and deportation by getting the little book here: Unbeaten.vip   Why the Prison Pulpit?  The goal is to remind people to pray for persecuted believers as Hebrews 13:3 teaches: “Remember those who are in prison, as bound with them.” We’ve looked at Wang Yi and Early Rain Church’s writings in the aftermath of their arrest and attack in 2018, but I’ve also regularly turned to other persecuted ministers who have gone before, such as Richard Wurmbrand, to give us a voice literally from prison.    Interview with a Pastor on Probation Today we are going to take a look at the situation in China through the eyes and words of a house church pastor in a smaller Chinese city. The interview, published by China Partnership, can be read in full below: https://chinapartnership.org/blog/2026/01/the-cost-of-following-jesus-to-jail/ https://chinapartnership.org/blog/2026/01/witness-to-persecutors/   Follow China Compass Thank you for listening! Subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! There’s also a donation link at PrayforChina.us if you’d like to support our China ministry. For everything else, visit PrayGiveGo.us. Hebrews 13:3: Remember those who are in prison, “as bound with them”!

I just flew into Malaysia from the States, so I am almost too drowsy to talk today, and it shows. After a longer-than-usual introduction, we work through three big stories today, followed by a couple of other fun off-the-cuff stories, including my near-deportation from Canada in 2016.  Welcome to China Compass on the Fight Laugh Feast network! I'm your China travel guide in exile, Missionary Ben. Follow me on X (@chinaadventures) where I share a new Chinese city or county to pray for every single day.  Feel free to write anytime: [email protected]. All my books, substack, patreon, and everything else can be easily found at PrayGiveGo.us!   Now Available on Amazon Kindle and Paperback (+ free on PDF & via Substack):  The Millionaire Missionary (BordenofYale.com)   China Rewriting Korean History https://asiatimes.com/2025/04/chinas-strategy-in-korea-rewriting-history-to-weaponize-it/# Biden DOD Spent $2.5 Billion Collaborating with the CCP https://washingtonstand.com/article/report-bidens-dod-spent-25-billion-collaborating-with-ccp- Canadians Soon To Enter China Visa Free https://visasnews.com/en/canadians-soon-exempt-from-visa-requirements-to-travel-to-china/   Now let's take a look at this coming week's Pray for China (PrayforChina.us) cities… https://chinacall.substack.com/p/pray-for-china-jan-19-25-2026   Thank you for listening! Subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! Well, I've finally set up Patreon for those who are interested. There’s also a Paypal link at PrayforChina.us if you’d like to give to our China ministry. Last but not least, for (almost) everything else we’re doing visit PrayGiveGo.us. Luke 10, vs 2: the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few, therefore ask the Lord for more. Talk again soon!

Today on the Prison Pulpit we listen to Elder W, a Chinese pastor who recently spent time in prison, teach us how to better pray for China’s persecuted believers. Then we once again let Richard Wurmbrand teach us (in an unpublished message) about the “prison tea” that he and others drank often under Communism. https://open.substack.com/pub/chinacall/p/the-seven-herbs-of-prison-tea   I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben. Follow me on Twitter/X (@chinaadventures) where I present a new Chinese city or county to pray for every single day. Please send any questions or comments to a new, secure email: [email protected]. Everything else can be found at PrayGiveGo.us!  One last thing: I’m now set up on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/c/chinacompass), which now only allows for donations, but also lets me sort podcast episodes into various collections, making it easier to find all the episodes on a certain topic or person, like Tibet, Pastor Wang Yi, or Richard Wurmbrand.   Pray for Venezuela (and Iran, too)!  And just how much are 800 old Venezuelan Bolivares worth? (according to Grok, much less than 1/100th of 1 cent!)   Why the Prison Pulpit?  The goal is to remind people to pray for persecuted believers as Hebrews 13:3 teaches: “Remember those who are in prison, as bound with them.” We’ve looked at Wang Yi and Early Rain Church’s writings in the aftermath of their arrest and attack in 2018, but I’ve also regularly turned to other persecuted ministers who have gone before, such as Richard Wurmbrand, to give us a voice literally from prison.    Follow China Compass Thank you for listening! Subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! There’s also a donation link at PrayforChina.us if you’d like to support our China ministry. For everything else, visit PrayGiveGo.us. Hebrews 13:3: Remember those who are in prison, “as bound with them”!

Today we start with a bit of China/Venezuela news, followed by my conversation with Luke, the Podcast Ninja (see notes below), and lastly a few minutes on how to pray for China this week (esp. Yugan)! Welcome to China Compass on the Fight Laugh Feast network! I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben. Follow me on X (@chinaadventures) where I share a new Chinese city/county to pray for every day. Send any questions/comments to [email protected]. Everything else can be easily found at PrayGiveGo.us! Also, I’m now on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/c/chinacompass), which not only allows for donations, but also conveniently lets me sort podcast episodes into various collections.    Now Available on Amazon (+ free PDF): The Millionaire Missionary (BordenofYale.com)   Venezuelan Oil & China: Four Things to Know https://asia.nikkei.com/business/energy/venezuelan-oil-and-china-4-things-to-know How to Pray for Venezuela (via Mr. Marquez) For churches and pastors to be used by God and bring words of encouragement to the lives of believers, as many are fearful and unsure of what to do during these times of tension. For peace, and a peaceful transition in Venezuela, without innocent victims. For believers to trust not in man, but in Jesus Christ, and remember that His kingdom is above any human kingdom. That God may protect His church, the evangelists, pastors, and those who visit the sick in Venezuela, as armed groups are intimidating citizens 24 hrs a day in many parts of the country.   Conversation with the Podcast Ninja I met with the Podcast Ninja again the other day to catch up on our respective hunting seasons, basketball teams, and Indiana’s best-in-the-country college football team. We took some time to discuss the blessings (and possible pitfalls) of praying for the persecuted.  After our conversation which was recorded in the middle of the week, I came back and updated everyone on a couple of things that were discussed… The hunt was fun, but no meat!  The Podcast Ninja informed me that he did talk to his kids about Hebrews 13:3 at dinner  Indiana University rolls over Oregon (gave me a chance to watch Thunder comeback)   Now let's take a look at this coming week's Pray for China (PrayforChina.us) cities… https://chinacall.substack.com/p/pray-for-china-jan-12-18-2026 Thank you for listening! Subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! Well, I've finally set up Patreon for those who are interested. There’s also a Paypal link at PrayforChina.us if you’d like to give to our China ministry. Last but not least, for (almost) everything else we’re doing visit PrayGiveGo.us. Luke 10, vs 2: the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few, therefore ask the Lord for more. Talk again soon!

On today's Prison Pulpit, we start and finish with Venezuela, as my Venezuelan teammate writes in with four ways to pray for his country at this time of both joy and uncertainty. But the bulk of today's podcast is a story from my good friend Uncle Bundo about what happened in Thomson Prison on New Year's Day 2025. Let his testimony warm and encourage you to pray for all those believers who are in prison!  (Scroll down for more notes...)   I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben. Follow me on Twitter/X (@chinaadventures) where I present a new Chinese city or county to pray for every single day. Please send any questions or comments to a new, secure email: [email protected]. Everything else can be found at PrayGiveGo.us!  One last thing: I’m now set up on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/c/chinacompass), which now only allows for donations, but also lets me sort podcast episodes into various collections, making it easier to find all the episodes on a certain topic or person, like Tibet, Pastor Wang Yi, or Richard Wurmbrand.   (2:43) Venezuela no longer a prison: We have very close friends and teammates from Venezuela, so I understand the situation there better than most, however it dawned on me today that after the liberation of Venezuela from the dictator Maduro, I probably should have been praying for the people (Christians, especially) much more than I have. Their situation these past 10+ years especially has been very much akin to being in a prison cell. Hence, nearly ⅓ (8+ million) “escaped” during that time for survival’s sake.  I may have more to say on a future podcast, but for now I want to point out that although we probably haven’t been praying for Venezuela as we ought to have done, I guarantee you that Venezuelan Christians (esp. those who had found freedom abroad) were quote “Remembering those in prison (back in Venezuela) as if they themselves were still bound with them”. In other words, they knew what it was like in that failed socialist state, and could pray as the author of Hebrews intended; not vague, faraway prayers, but knowledgeable, precise prayers as those who understood suffering and all that was at stake.  For all those who prayed in such a way, whether Venezuelan refugees, concerned Christians around the world, or the Venezuelan people themselves, how awesome it is to see God so clearly answer prayer! (Note: with the current power vacuum there, we ought to continue to pray God would raise up humble, godly leadership during this dangerous transition time.)   (7:26) Uncle Bundo’s New Year’s Prison Preaching Plan: In the summer of 2024, I interviewed a few of my friends who were being sentenced by the Biden DOJ for their participation in a peaceful prayer vigil while blocking the entrance to a (now shuttered) abortion clinic in Nashville back in 2021. Uncle Bundo was given 6 months in Federal Prison, which he served in rural Illinois. I share this by way of introduction, because I want to read you a story, a testimony, that Uncle Bundo shared on his Facebook page on New Year’s Day about what happened on LAST YEAR’S New Year’s Day.   (23:07) Pray for Venezuela: 1) Churches/Pastors 2) Peaceful Transition 3) All Believers 4) Safety   Follow China Compass Thank you for listening! Subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! There’s also a donation link at PrayforChina.us if you’d like to support our China ministry. For everything else, visit PrayGiveGo.us. Hebrews 13:3: Remember those who are in prison, “as bound with them”!

Welcome to China Compass on the Fight Laugh Feast network! I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben. Today I tell a few stories that I've never told before, especially the one about the temptation... Follow me on X (@chinaadventures) where I share a new Chinese city/county to pray for every day. Send any questions/comments to [email protected]. Everything else can be easily found at PrayGiveGo.us! Also, I’m now on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/c/chinacompass), which not only allows for donations, but also conveniently lets me sort podcast episodes into various collections.    Now Available on Amazon (+ free PDF): The Millionaire Missionary (BordenofYale.com)   Also, check out last week’s episode where I talk about the Runaway Van @ 14,000 Feet https://chinacall.substack.com/p/runaway-van-14700-feet   Now let's take a look at this coming week's Pray for China (PrayforChina.us) cities, which include the city in Black Dragon River where I was tempted back in 2003… https://open.substack.com/pub/chinacall/p/pray-for-china-jan-5-11-2025   China's Family and Divorce News… Issues Chinese Women Face Today https://chinapartnership.org/blog/2025/03/issues-todays-chinese-women-face/ Divorce No Longer Taboo in China https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/divorces-in-china-on-the-rise-again-despite-mandatory-cooling-off-period https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/there-is-no-shame-divorce-less-of-a-taboo-for-women-in-china-as-attitudes-shift   Thank you for listening! Subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! Don’t forget to follow me on X (@chinaadventures) and email [email protected] with any questions or comments. Also, I've finally set up Patreon, but my favorite thing isn't the (potential) support, but the ability to create Collections of podcasts by topic, location, etc… There’s also a Paypal link at PrayforChina.us if you’d like to give to our China ministry. Last but not least, for (almost) everything else we’re doing visit PrayGiveGo.us. Luke 10, vs 2: the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few, therefore ask the Lord for more. Talk again soon!

Welcome to this final episode of the year of the Prison Pulpit on the China Compass podcast! I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben. Follow me on Twitter/X (@chinaadventures) where I present a new Chinese city or county to pray for every single day. Please send any questions or comments to a new, secure email: [email protected]. Everything else can be found at PrayGiveGo.us!  For much of the past year we have been working through a book by Richard Wurmbrand, entitled “Sermons in Solitary Confinement”. His past writings speak to us on behalf of those of the persecuted church who are currently, actively, being imprisoned and tortured for Christ, reminding us to pray for them. We haven’t gone through every Prison Sermon from this book, but probably more than half. And today is the final one. Sermons in Solitary Confinement (Free PDF): https://richardwurmbrandfoundation.com/pdfs/ssc-english.pdf By the way, for those who don't know who Richard Wurmband is, here's a brief introduction: Lutheran minister in Romania. 14 years in prison, including 3 in solitary confinement. After “escaping” abroad in the 1960s, published ”Tortured for Christ" and testified to Congress.  Helped start Voice of the Martyrs (but his son Michael doesn’t trust VOM). Michael Wurmbrand’s VOM letter: https://www.billionbibles.com/michael-wurmbrand-vom.html Michael Wurmbrand’s ministry (more free books!): https://richardwurmbrandfoundation.com/ Clean Every Whit (China Call Substack) https://chinacall.substack.com/p/clean-every-whit   Follow China Compass Thank you for listening! Subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! Follow me on X (@chinaadventures) or email [email protected] with any relevant questions or comments.  I’m now set up on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/c/chinacompass), which now only allows for donations, but also lets me sort podcast episodes into various collections, making it easier to find all the episodes on a certain topic or person, like Tibet, Pastor Wang Yi, or Richard Wurmbrand. One last thing: There’s also a donation link at PrayforChina.us if you’d like to support our China ministry. For everything else, visit PrayGiveGo.us. Hebrews 13:3: Remember those who are in prison, “as bound with them”!

After looking back at the most (and least) popular episodes from the past year or so, I share the story of almost dying when I lost my brakes (with five South African friends in tow) going down a 14,700 ft. mountain pass in Tibet. Then, we run through a few China stories that have been sitting on the backburner for awhile, followed by the final Pray for China of the year (Dec 29-Jan 4). Check out all the links/details below!   Welcome to China Compass on the Fight Laugh Feast network (Christian Podcast Community)! I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben. Follow me on X (@chinaadventures) where I share a new Chinese city or county to pray for every day. Send any questions or comments to [email protected]. Everything else can be easily found at PrayGiveGo.us! Also, I’m now on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/c/chinacompass), which not only allows for donations, but also lets me sort podcast episodes into various collections, making it easier to find all the episodes on a certain topic or region, like Tibet, North Korea, or Hong Kong.    Check out this past week’s bonus Christmas episode with my wife and daughter… Speaking of old episodes, I want to do a sort of Year-End Round Up of the episodes which received the most downloads (and which ones were listened to the least). And since I didn’t do this at the end of last year, I’ll also give the top and bottom three from 2024 (my first year):    Top 3 Episodes from 2025: Dec 5: Doug Wilson Joins China Compass (2286) Sept 13: Charlie Kirk: “America Must Shape Up, or China Wins” (1745) Virtual Tie- Apr 20: Easter in a Chinese Church │"Ignorant Hillbilly" Vance Insults China's Peasants (1551) Virtual Tie- Aug 30: Are All Chinese Students Commies and Spies? (Deace Says Yea, I Say Nay) (1548) Bottom 3 Episodes from 2025:  Jan 1: More Prostitutes or Pastors in China? / Near Death on New Year's (Prison Pulpit)(967) Feb 7: In the Face of a Secret Trial, What Will I Do? (Prison Pulpit)(952) July 24: Syrian Pastor/Family Massacred (They Shot Patients In Bed) (Prison Pulpit) (903) Top 3 Episodes from 2024: Aug 24: Tim Walz: China Asset?  + Black Dragon River & Double Duck Mountain (1864) Aug 17: From Chinese Reality TV to NSA, Chatting with Brent in Moscow (ID) (1743) Sep 14: Millions of Unadoptable Babies + China's 3 Forbidden "Ts" (& Martyrs of Tianjin) (1680) Bottom 3 Episodes from 2024: 11-21: Wang Yi on God's Use of China's "Unrighteous Politics" (Prison Pulpit #5) (1077) 11-15: Wang Yi on God Raising Up and Deposing Dictators (Prison Pulpit #4) (1006) 12-5: Wang Yi's Pre-Arrest Family Newsletter (Prison Pulpit #7) (1005) Bonus: Top 3 States (TX, CA, VA + WA) & Nations (CA, UK, AU) (+ Bottom States (WY, RI, DE) (Obscure stats: Fiji, Vanuatu, Georgia, 100+ total, 16 in Africa, China=WY, Romania vs Bulgaria)   15 Years Ago This Week (Dec 29): Runaway Van in Tibet @ 14,000 Feet https://chinacall.substack.com/p/runaway-van-14700-feet   Now Available on Amazon (+ free PDF): The Millionaire Missionary (BordenofYale.com)   Borden’s Missed Opportunity? Borden had a very fruitful ministry both at Yale and Princeton during his tenure as a student, and it strikes me that student ministry in China may have been a better use of his talents than what had been planned for him among the unreached Muslims of NW China. But hindsight is 20/20, and Borden never made it back to China at all (besides his first tour as a teenager).  Campus ministry in China has been very fruitful for the past 40+ years, but has become much more difficult recently. Here’s a new article from within China that explains the current situation: Chinese Campus Ministry Troubles https://chinapartnership.org/blog/2025/12/changchun-reaching-campus/ No Tibetan in Chinese Schools https://www.rfa.org/english/tibet/2025/01/02/tibet-china-enforces-restrictions-students/ Chinese Refugee Church Planters? https://chinapartnership.org/blog/2024/12/immigrant-church-in-southeast-asia/ Is China Still a Developing Country? https://www.voanews.com/a/is-china-still-a-developing-country/7244652.html Taiwan Survives Another New Year Celebration https://asiatimes.com/2025/01/note-from-taiwan-the-players-on-the-eve-of-destruction/   Finally, let's take a look at this coming week's Pray for China (PrayforChina.us) cities… Dec 29-Jan 4: https://chinacall.substack.com/p/pray-for-china-dec-29-jan-4-2025   Thank you for listening! Subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! Don’t forget to follow me on X (@chinaadventures) and email [email protected] with any questions or comments. Also, I've finally set up Patreon, but my favorite thing isn't the (potential) support, but the ability to create Collections of podcasts by topic, location, etc… There’s also a Paypal link at PrayforChina.us if you’d like to give to our China ministry. Last but not least, for (almost) everything else we’re doing visit PrayGiveGo.us. Luke 10, vs 2: the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few, therefore ask the Lord for more. Talk again soon!

Merry Christmas from China Compass! After a few minutes to talk about The Millionaire Missionary's Last Christmas, my wife and youngest daughter join me to (mostly) talk about Christmas overseas, but also hit the following topics (and more)... Eating Chinese fish (or not) Internet Cafes on Christmas Eve Chinese Christian Christmas Talent Show Christmases long ago, including our first in China   I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben. Follow me on Twitter/X (@chinaadventures) where I present a new Chinese city or county to pray for every day. Also, I’m now set up on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/c/chinacompass), which not only allows for donations, but also lets me sort podcast episodes into various collections, making it easier to find all the episodes on a certain topic or region, like Tibet, North Korea, or Hong Kong. Send any questions or comments to [email protected]. Everything else can be easily found at PrayGiveGo.us!    Now Available on Amazon (+ free PDF):  The Millionaire Missionary (BordenofYale.com)   The Millionaire Missionary's Last Christmas The Millionaire Missionary, William Borden, of all people(!) could have stayed home an extra week to be with his family (his mother!) for Christmas. But he boarded his ship in New York on December 17th, determined to land in Egypt by New Year’s Day to begin his life overseas. https://chinacall.substack.com/p/a-mothers-final-farewell-part-i https://chinacall.substack.com/p/mothers-final-farewell-part-ii Kevin Belmonte’s biography of William Borden, Beacon-Light, which mostly borrows from early Borden biographies by close friends, as well as Mary Taylor’s Borden of Yale (the unabridged version of The Millionaire Missionary), provides a few more details from the trip (pgs 227-230).   Christmas for Missionaries https://mailchi.mp/radiusinternational/was-the-great-commission-only-for-the-original-apostles-9217919?e=baba53761c As an adult, I’ve spent far more Christmases overseas than at home. Looking back, there is some sadness in what I missed, especially with loved ones who have since passed away. But there are no true regrets. And there are many happy memories, especially when God provided for loved ones to visit us and spend Christmas (or Thanksgiving) with us on the mission field!  Thank you for listening! Subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! Don’t forget to follow me on X (@chinaadventures) or email [email protected] with any questions or comments. Also, I've finally set up Patreon, but my favorite thing isn't the (potential) support. There’s also a Paypal link at PrayforChina.us if you’d like to give to our China ministry. Last but not least, for (almost) everything else we’re doing visit PrayGiveGo.us. Luke 10, vs 2: the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few, therefore ask the Lord for more. Talk again soon!

Christmas in Room Number Four: https://chinacall.substack.com/p/christmas-in-room-number-four-the Just as we did on Thanksgiving a few weeks ago, today I want to read a special story from Richard Wurmband’s book In God's Underground (https://richardwurmbrandfoundation.com/pdfs/IGU-english.pdf).   Welcome to China Compass on the Fight Laugh Feast Network (and the Christian Podcast Community)! I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben. Follow me on Twitter/X (@chinaadventures) where I present a new Chinese city or county to pray for every single day. Please send any questions or comments to a new, secure email: [email protected]. Everything else can be found at PrayGiveGo.us!  One last thing: I’m now set up on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/c/chinacompass), which now only allows for donations, but also lets me sort podcast episodes into various collections, making it easier to go back and find all the episodes on a certain topic or region, like Tibet, North Korea, or Hong Kong.    Now Available: The Millionaire Missionary (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G94FKJJW/)   For those who aren’t familiar with Richard Wurmband, here's a brief intro: Lutheran minister in Romania. 14 years in prison, including 3 in solitary confinement. After “escaping” abroad, published ”Tortured for Christ" in the 60s and testified to Congress.  Founded Voice of the Martyrs with his son, but Michael Wurmbrand doesn’t trust VOM today. Michael Wurmbrand’s VOM letter: https://www.billionbibles.com/michael-wurmbrand-vom.html Free books (PDF) by Richard Wurmbrand: https://richardwurmbrandfoundation.com/   Follow China Compass Thank you for listening! Subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! Follow me on X (@chinaadventures) or email [email protected] with any questions or comments. There’s also a Paypal link at PrayforChina.us if you’d like to support our China ministry. For everything else, visit PrayGiveGo.us. Hebrews 13:3: Remember those who are in prison, “as bound with them”! Feliz Navidad

The Millionaire Missionary is now available on Amazon! (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G94FKJJW/) Today's episode takes another long look at the life and times of Jimmy Lai, Hong Kong's most famous pro-democracy advocate, who is facing life in prison by the Chinese regime that he dared to criticize.  (Also, the UK get's critiqued for not only doing nothing for Jimmy Lai, but instigating on British soil similar attacks against free speech!) We also take a deep look at a couple of spiritually needy areas in China, the special administrative regions of Tibet and Inner Mongolia, respectively.  Pray for China (Dec 22-28): https://chinacall.substack.com/p/pray-for-china-dec-22-28-2025   Welcome to China Compass on the Fight Laugh Feast Network (Christian Podcast Community)! I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben. Follow me on Twitter/X (@chinaadventures) where I present a new Chinese city or county to pray for every day. Send your questions or comments to [email protected]. Everything else can be easily found at PrayGiveGo.us!   China Executes Former Senior Banker For Taking $156 Million In Bribes https://www.nst.com.my/world/world/2025/12/1333334/china-executes-former-senior-banker-taking-us156m-bribes#google_vignette Hong Kong Mogul Jimmy Lai Convicted by Pro-CCP Kangaroo Court Last year's Jimmy Lai episode: https://pubtv.flfnetwork.com/tabs/audio/podcasts/30293/episodes/49 Hong Kong media tycoon and pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai was convicted in a landmark trial seen by critics as a symbol of the financial hub's deteriorating freedoms. Found guilty of colluding with foreign forces under the National Security Law that China imposed on Hong Kong in 2020, and of publishing seditious materials through his now-defunct newspaper Apple Daily, Lai denied all charges, and faces the possibility of a life sentence. Now, Britain should be ashamed for doing nothing to stand up for one of its own citizens being bullied by Beijing. https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/jimmy-lai-a-hong-kong-rags-to-riches-media-tycoon-who-became-fierce-critic-of-beijing/article70397910.ece https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/hong-kongs-legal-clampdown-on-jimmy-lai-tycoon-and-china-critic https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/hong-kongs-jimmy-lai-found-guilty-of-sedition-foreign-collusion https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/reaction-to-hong-kong-tycoon-jimmy-lais-guilty-verdict-in-national-security-trial https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/12/15/hong-kong-authoritarianism-hides-behind-legalistic-facade/   Let's take a look at this coming week's Pray for China (PrayforChina.us) cities… Pray for China (Dec 22-28): https://chinacall.substack.com/p/pray-for-china-dec-22-28-2025 Here’s the full interview with Denny, who tells the story about being chased all around Alashan in Inner Mongolia: https://pubtv.flfnetwork.com/tabs/audio/podcasts/30293/episodes/12   Thank you for listening! Subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! Don’t forget to follow me on X (@chinaadventures) or email [email protected] with any questions or comments. Also, I’m working on getting set up for sponsorships at Ko-Fi & Patreon. There’s also a Paypal link at PrayforChina.us if you’d like to give to support the China ministry. Last but not least, for (almost) everything else we’re doing visit PrayGiveGo.us. Luke 10, vs 2: the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few, therefore ask the Lord for more. Talk again soon!

Welcome to the “Prison Pulpit” on the China Compass podcast! I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben. Follow me on X (@chinaadventures) where I share, among other things, daily reminders to pray for China. Also, feel free to email any questions or comments to bfwesten at gmail dot com. And last but not least, learn more about (most of) our strategic prayer and missions projects @ PrayGiveGo.us!   The Prison Pulpit As I’ve stated all year, the goal of the Prison Pulpit series is to remind people to pray for persecuted believers as Hebrews 13:3 teaches us to do: “Remember those who are in prison, as bound with them.” As I am recording this podcast, we have just passed the 7th anniversary of the attack and forced closure of Early Rain Church in Chengdu, China, and the arrest of Pastor Wang Yi, on December 9th, 2018. A couple weeks ago I read the Wang Yi family newsletter that was published just 12 days before his arrest on Dec 9, 2018. Last week I shared a few updates that were put out by unnamed Early Rain Church members in the aftermath of the attack and arrest of the pastor and most of the leadership.  As one of last week's updates reminded us, there was no guarantee that the next update would ever come. Arrests were ongoing and, for lack of a better phrase, church leaders were falling like flies. However, in spite of all this, more updates did follow, and I want to share some of them with you now:   Early Rain Urgent Prayer Update #10 (12/12/18) May the Lord give us love for souls. These law enforcement officers greatly need the gospel of Christ. They have greatly sinned against God. We need to pray for them, for we were once like them. May the Lord himself speak words of comfort to us, for he has given his life for us. We suffer with those brothers and sisters who suffer as though imprisoned with them. May God make peace like a river flow through our hearts… Please strengthen your resolve, brothers and sisters. Experience in the midst of every kind of tribulation and danger the filling of the Holy Spirit and the renewal of your lives.   Early Rain Urgent Prayer Update (12/15/18) According to some testimonies of brothers and sisters that have emerged, they have been sharing the gospel while under guard. They have been using their suffering as a beautiful testimony for the Lord. Some police officers and workers have been very interested in the gospel, even giving their addresses and asking for Bibles. May the Lord choose for himself children from among these law enforcement officers persecuting the church. Another encouraging testimony from a church member who was just released from 10 days of detention... “It is like a monastery in there. I cultivated myself for ten days there. Thank God for his protection. I often shared the gospel in there. There was a Tibetan named Z who really wanted to hear preaching, to join a small group, and to become a Christian. There was also a master’s student who has been quite miserable since entering [the detention center]. He wanted to buy a Bible, and I told him I would give him one. He also wanted to attend a small group Bible study. There was also another person who used to belong to a traditional house church but who stumbled because of marriage problems. I am preparing to give him one of our church’s thumb drives so he can listen to preaching. Please keep praying for the nearly 20 brothers and sisters at the detention center and for Yingxu and Shuqi, about whom we still have no information. And pray for the others, as well, because we don’t know how they are doing now. It is a high-level detention center, and it is quite strict; but from another perspective, the despair of the prisoners inside is also quite high, making evangelizing more fruitful. Thank the Lord!” Lord, the greatest freedom in the world is the freedom of becoming your children. You say that we will know the truth, and the truth will set us free. May your Spirit fill us and make us to worship freely, to enter prison freely, to spread the gospel freely. Give us free and noble hearts. Turn us into liberated criminals willing to be detained by the world. For a servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted you, they will persecute us. We also ask you to forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing. Open their eyes to see your glory and turn them into free children! In the cross, in the cross / Be my glory ever / All our sins are washed away / Only by His blood.   Follow China Compass Subscribe to China Compass wherever you get your podcasts. Follow me on X (@chinaadventures), email anytime (bfwesten at gmail dot com), and check out our website (PrayGiveGo.us). Hebrews 13:3!

Today, as I ride the slow train to Calcutta, this very full episode drops, in which I discuss the New US-India Visa Rules and Potential Collateral Damage it will bring, India's Deportation of a Chinese Spy and Chinese Military Targets on the India-Tibet Border, the Shaolin Temple Scandal (Birthplace of Kungfu), the World’s Longest One-Way Flight, the Chinese Missiles Breaking Trump’s Ceasefire in Cambodia/Thailand, the Hong Kong Apartment Fire (and Beijing’s Cold Response) + More   Follow me on Twitter/X (@chinaadventures) where I post new/unique Chinese city prayer profiles every single day. Also, you can email me any questions or comments (bfwesten at gmail dot com) and find everything else, including my books, at PrayGiveGo.us!   New US-India Visa Rules & Collateral Damage https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/us-to-scan-social-media-of-all-h-1b-h-4-visa-applicants-from-december-15/articleshow/125767066.cms https://www.indiatoday.in/world/us-news/story/want-us-tourist-visa-you-might-need-to-disclose-5-year-social-media-history-vetting-h1b-f1-esta-fifa-world-cup-olympics-2833929-2025-12-10   India Deports Chinese Spy & Chinese Military Targets Tibet-India Border https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/chinese-national-detained-in-j-k-deported-to-hong-kong-101765448427109-amp.html https://www.wsj.com/world/china/chinese-forces-battle-dizzying-altitudes-to-expand-military-footprint-c9350bbd   Shaolin Scandal, World’s Longest One-Way Flight & Trump’s Failed Ceasefire https://www.channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/china-shaolin-monk-arrest-embezzlement-charges-5470356 https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202512/1349711.shtml https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/12/10/chinese-missile-launcher-conflict-cambodia-thailand/   Hong Kong Fire (and Beijing’s Cold Response) https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12-02/tai-po-fire-hong-kong-mainland-grief-red-lines/106087732 https://asiatimes.com/2025/11/hong-kong-is-chinas-most-underestimated-strategic-asset/   “[The vision for communism is not only] not to allow religious liberty, but actually to replace faith with trust in the Chinese Communist Party.” Rep. John Moolenaar (MI) - Chairman of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party   Now let's take a look at this coming week's Pray for China (PrayforChina.us) cities… Pray for China (Dec 15-21): https://chinacall.substack.com/p/pray-for-china-dec-15-21-2025   Subscribe to China Compass and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! Follow me on X (@chinaadventures) and send any questions or comments to (bfwesten at gmail dot com). You can find everything else, including my books, at PrayGiveGo.us. Luke 10, verse 2, the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Talk again soon!

As I am recording this podcast, we have just passed the 7th anniversary of the attack and forced closure of Early Rain Church in Chengdu, China, and the arrest of Pastor Wang Yi, on December 9th, 2018. Follow me on X (@chinaadventures) where I share, among other things, daily reminders to pray for China. Also, feel free to email any questions or comments to bfwesten at gmail dot com. And last but not least, learn more about (most of) our strategic prayer and missions projects @ PrayGiveGo.us! Early Rain Attack Updates Last week I read the Wang Yi family newsletter that was published just 12 days before his arrest on Dec 9, 2018. This week I will be sharing a handful of updates that were put out by unnamed Early Rain Church members in the immediate aftermath of the attack and arrest of the pastor and most of the leadership.  As the writer mentions in one of the updates, there was no guarantee that the next update would ever come. Arrests were ongoing at the original time of publishing. I tried (unsuccessfully) to just read these powerful proclamations, only pausing to comment when absolutely necessary.  On my Substack (ChinaCompass.substack.com) you will find the written version  today’s podcast:  https://chinacall.substack.com/p/early-rain-forcibly-closed-pastor Last but not least, when mentioning this week’s special resource, The Memoirs of William Milne (PrayGiveGo.us), I shared how after 200+ years of missions in China things have come full circle.  Follow China Compass Subscribe to China Compass wherever you get your podcasts. Follow me on X (@chinaadventures), email anytime (bfwesten at gmail dot com), and check out our website (PrayGiveGo.us). Hebrews 13:3!

Today I'm recording and publishing "live" from the mountaintop in Darjeeling, India. We discuss the population increase/decrease of India/China (among other things), then look at the testimony of the first Hindu convert (by William Carey's mission) as well some words from the first man to publish a Chinese Bible (Joshua Marshman in INDIA). Last but not least, Cherokee Theology is a look back at the last words of my friend and adopted grandfather back in Oklahoma, Dewey Sanders, who passed away 7 years ago.    India vs. China, Borden in Darjeeling, Darjeeling to Dalijia, Marshman’s Chinese Bible    Follow me on Twitter/X (@chinaadventures) where I post new/unique Chinese city prayer profiles every single day. Also, you can email me any questions or comments (bfwesten at gmail dot com) and find everything else, including my books, at PrayGiveGo.us!   The Millionaire Missionary in Darjeeling www.BordenofYale.com   The First Hindu Convert: Krishna Pal https://archive.org/details/firsthindooconv00unkngoog   Cherokee Theology: Remembering Dewey Sanders https://chinacall.substack.com/p/cherokee-theology   Now let's take a look at this coming week's Pray for China (PrayforChina.us) cities… Pray for China (Dec 1-7): https://chinacall.substack.com/p/pray-for-china-dec-8-14-2025   Subscribe to China Compass and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! Follow me on X (@chinaadventures) and send any questions or comments to (bfwesten at gmail dot com). You can find everything else, including my books, at PrayGiveGo.us! Luke 10, verse 2, the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Talk again soon!

Back in October I sat down with Pastor Doug Wilson in Moscow, Idaho to have a conversation on all things China. I was excited to get his perspective, since he has personally lived through much of China’s modern communist history. It was a fun conversation, and Doug seemed to think so too. He later wrote the following on his blog's weekly Cluster Muster: "I was recently on an interesting podcast that was quite different from my usual podcast interview topics." In our 30+ minute conversation, we touched on many topics including the Great Leap Forward, Mao’s Great Famine, Doug’s Submarine Adventures with a Taiwanese crew, the China Legacies of Richard Nixon and Jimmy Carter, the Tiananmen Square massacre (and revival), China’s modern-day revival, C.S. Lewis’s 1946 China optimism vs. Doug’s (short-term) pessimism, Hebrews 13:3 and how to pray for the persecuted, and PrayforChina.us’s helpful strategy!    Follow me on X (@chinaadventures) where I post new China city prayer profiles every single day. Feel free to send any notes or comments via email @ bfwesten at gmail dot com Find much more about our work in Asia, including my missionary biographies, at PrayGiveGo.us!   Frank Dikotter (Dutch, not German) on China https://www.frankdikotter.com/ https://www.amazon.com/Maos-Great-Famine-Devastating-Catastrophe/dp/1408886367   Jimmy Carter’s Complicated China Legacy https://www.crosspoliticnews.com/news/jimmy-carters-complicated-china-legacy   The C.S. Lewis China Letters https://chinacall.substack.com/p/the-cs-lewis-china-letters   C.S. Lewis, Burnt Marshwiggle, and the Brainwashing of Richard Wurmbrand https://chinacall.substack.com/p/cs-lewis-burnt-marshwiggle-and-the   The NBA, LeBron James, and China https://www.crosspoliticnews.com/news/nba-back-in-bed-with-china   Pray for China places of the week (Follow @chinaadventures for daily updates) https://open.substack.com/pub/chinacall/p/pray-for-china-oct-13-19-2025   Subscribe to China Compass and leave a review on your preferred podcast platform.  Follow us on X (@chinaadventures), and find much more @ PrayGiveGo.us.  Luke 10, verse 2, the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Talk again soon!

In today's "Prison Pulpit" podcast I talk about my first day in India, the "hidden" Rawang people of northern Myanmar/Tibet, and we go back over Wang Yi's final family newsletter before his arrest in December, 2018. I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben. Follow me on X (@chinaadventures) where I share, among other things, daily reminders to pray for China. Also, feel free to email any questions or comments to bfwesten at gmail dot com. And last but not least, learn more about (most of) our strategic prayer and missions projects @ PrayGiveGo.us!   Killing Time in Calcutta https://chinacall.substack.com/p/killing-time-in-a-calcutta-burial So I’m currently recording in my little hotel room just outside the Calcutta airport in India’s West Bengal State, having flown in late last night. India, as you may know, is probably more hostile to the Gospel than it has been for some time. Many missionaries have been kicked out in recent years, including some friends of mine, and it’s generally not a good idea to announce that you are a missionary when applying for a visa or coming through immigration. “Tourist” will do just fine, thank you. Once you’re in, you can pretty much do what you want. I have to admit I was a tiny bit nervous coming in last night, because I’m still a somewhat shell-shocked after what happened exactly a month ago while trying to enter Egypt on a short, run-of-the-mill (research) trip, when I was denied entry and deported a few hours later (seemingly) for having too many tracts in my backpack. So I was happy to make it into India last night with nary a question (and no bag scanners). The only thing dodgy about my arrival were the mosquitoes that have taken up permanent residence in the Calcutta airport, and the lack of sidewalks between the terminal and my hotel about ½ mile away.  BTW, go back and check out the podcast and substack I posted around Nov 1 (the link is here in the show notes): https://chinacall.substack.com/p/the-millionaire-missionary   Bibles for the Hidden Rawang People of Myanmar and Tibet https://www.asiaharvest.org/bibles-for-the-hidden-rawang-people   Back to the Prison Pulpit The goal of the Prison Pulpit series is to remind people to pray for persecuted believers as Hebrews 13:3 teaches us to do: “Remember those who are in prison, as bound with them.” Today we look back on Wang Yi's yearly family newsletter to his church, which was sent out in late November 2018, just two weeks before his arrest and the church’s forced closure… https://chinacall.substack.com/p/wang-yi-family-newsletter-11-27-2018   Follow China Compass Subscribe to China Compass wherever you get your podcasts. Follow me on X (@chinaadventures), email anytime (bfwesten at gmail dot com), and check out our website (PrayGiveGo.us). Hebrews 13:3!

On today's episode we begin by discussing China's arbitrary detaining of an Indian transit passenger in Shanghai, and how that connects with China's territorial disputes with both India and Japan, as well as China's cult-like believe in the "One China" propaganda.  Next, we look at a small group of pastors who were arrested in October, and how they turned their cells into outreach centers, and avoided beating and torture (for now). They hope to return to prison soon (seriously)! And last, as we go through this week's Pray for China cities, a number of things come up, including my memories of a good friend (Dan the Man), China's state propaganda shop, and the dog restaurants of Tieli.  Follow me on Twitter/X (@chinaadventures) where I post new/unique Chinese city prayer profiles every single day. Also, you can email me any questions or comments (bfwesten at gmail dot com) and find everything else, including my books, at PrayGiveGo.us!   Indian Woman Detained in China for Not Having Chinese Passport https://asia.nikkei.com/spotlight/immigration/indian-woman-s-detention-at-china-airport-sparks-delhi-beijing-row   AsiaHarvest.org - Another small, precious tribe in the mountains of western Myanmar are the 400 Lama people, with an additional 150 living across the border in Arunachal Pradesh, India. They first heard the Gospel in the 50s, and the majority of Lama people are Christians today!   Joyful in Jail https://chinapartnership.org/blog/2025/11/joyful-in-jail/   "Tiger Chair" and other Chinese Communist Torture Methods https://www.vice.com/en/article/tiger-chairs-electric-batons-and-chili-oil-report-finds-chinese-police-are-still-torturing-suspects/   Now let's take a look at this coming week's Pray for China (PrayforChina.us) cities… Pray for China (Dec 1-7): https://chinacall.substack.com/p/pray-for-china-dec-1-7-2025   4am Conversation with a Homeless Man (in Rail Power/Tieli) https://chinacall.substack.com/p/4am-conversation-with-a-homeless   Subscribe to China Compass and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! Follow me on X (@chinaadventures) and send any questions or comments to (bfwesten at gmail dot com). You can find everything else, including my books, at PrayGiveGo.us! Luke 10, verse 2, the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Talk again soon!

On this special Thanksgiving episode I talk to my wife and daughter (not at the same time) about Thanksgiving memories in China and Peru. We also discuss some random topics such as eating guinea pigs (or not) on Thanksgiving, Turkey Bowl concussions, and how there's (sadly) no turkey in Malaysia. Last but not least, we give thanks for our years spent in China (and my daughter, for growing up there)!   In case you missed it: A Spurgeon Special for Thanksgiving Always, and For All Things https://chinacall.substack.com/p/always-and-for-all-things   Welcome to China Compass on the Fight Laugh Feast Network! I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben. Subscribe to China Compass and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! Follow me on X (@chinaadventures) and send any questions or comments to (bfwesten at gmail dot com). You can find everything else, including my books, at PrayGiveGo.us! Luke 10, verse 2, the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Talk again soon!

Welcome to the “Prison Pulpit” on the China Compass podcast! I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben. Today we have a couple of guests on the podcast, the late C.H. Spurgeon and Richard Wurmbrand, who both have something very helpful to say about Thanksgiving; specifically, giving thanks in ALL circumstances. Follow me on X (@chinaadventures) where I share, among other things, daily reminders to pray for China. Also, feel free to email any questions or comments to bfwesten at gmail dot com. And last but not least, learn more about (most of) our strategic prayer and missions projects @ PrayGiveGo.us!   Richard Wurmbrand on Rejoicing, Weeping, Feasting in Prison (Thanksgiving 2024) https://pubtv.flfnetwork.com/tabs/audio/podcasts/30293/episodes/40 Heaping Helping of Intercession for Thanksgiving (Thanksgiving 2020) https://china.myadventures.org/post/heaping-helping-of-intercession-for-thanksgiving/   As this week is Thanksgiving, I want to do something a little bit different… First, let me read from a Spurgeon sermon on “Giving Thanks Always, and for All Things”:  https://chinacall.substack.com/p/always-and-for-all-things https://www.spurgeon.org/resource-library/sermons/always-and-for-all-things/   Next, let me re-read Richard Wurmbrand’s words about “rejoicing and weeping” in his hot, stuffy, dirty little prison cell... In God's Underground - https://richardwurmbrandfoundation.com/pdfs/IGU-english.pdf But let me preface that with the challenge to pray and intercede this week for those who are in similar circumstances. But ESPECIALLY that they would be enabled, by the grace of God and the power of the Spirit, to give thanks in all circumstances, as Spurgeon has already admonished us. If we do what Hebrews 13:3 says, and put ourselves in their shoes, in their cells, “as bound with them”, we will quickly realize that this is more easily said than done. Hence, the need for us to pray! So listen to Wurmbrand’s words, and let’s join together in prayer this week for our suffering brothers and sisters around the world! Follow China Compass Subscribe to China Compass wherever you get your podcasts. Follow me on X (@chinaadventures), email anytime (bfwesten at gmail dot com), and check out our website (PrayGiveGo.us). Hebrews 13:3!

Today's episode covers a lot of ground, from China's death penalty and corruption, to persecution, to it's cult-like protection of the "one-China" policy, to its war against religion, and much more... Follow me on Twitter/X (@chinaadventures) where I post new/unique Chinese city prayer profiles every single day. Also, you can email me any questions or comments (bfwesten at gmail dot com) and find everything else, including my books, at PrayGiveGo.us! Speaking of my books, I had a bit of an issue with Amazon Publishing this past week… but my books are back online at PrayGiveGo.us!   We ran out of time on today's show, but check this coming week's PrayforChina.us cities… Pray for China (Nov 24-30): https://chinacall.substack.com/p/pray-for-china-nov-24-30-2025   Here are Chinese news articles that I discussed this week:   China’s Former Agricultural Minister Sentenced to Death for…  https://www.rte.ie/news/world/2025/0928/1535756-china-minister-death/   China’s Posh Subway Systems Dragging Cities Into Debt https://www.lemonde.fr/en/economy/article/2025/06/20/chinese-cities-are-facing-the-financial-abyss-of-their-subway-systems_6742523_19.html#   Hong Kong Drops in Asian English Rankings https://www.thestandard.com.hk/hong-kong-news/article/317394/Hong-Kong-drops-in-English-rankings-falling-behind-Malaysia-and-the-Philippines   Japan on Beijing’s Strategic Distortion of Reality https://www.japantimes.co.jp/commentary/2025/11/18/japan/beijings-strategic-distortion-of-reality/   Why China Still Can’t Tolerate Christians and Other Believers https://www.wsj.com/world/china/china-christianity-religion-pastor-ezra-jin-ff56fe12   China’s War on Christians https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/news/articles/china-war-christians-zion-church   Subscribe to China Compass and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! Follow me on X (@chinaadventures) and send any questions or comments to (bfwesten at gmail dot com). You can find everything else, including my books, at PrayGiveGo.us! Luke 10, verse 2, the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Talk again soon!

On this episode of the “Prison Pulpit” on the China Compass podcast I dive into what missionary pilot Kevin Rideout might be experiencing in Niger (or Timbuktu) after being kidnapped by Islamic extremists (but I repeat myself) last month, in the hopes that we will take time to "remember his chains" and intercede for him as Hebrews 13:3 teaches us to do.... I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben, back home in Malaysia. Follow me on Twitter/X (@chinaadventures) where I share daily reminders to pray for China.You an email me anytime @ bfwesten at gmail dot com and learn more about our strategic prayer and missions projects @ PrayGiveGo.us!   American Missionary Pilot Kidnapped in Niger (Oct 22) https://christianchronicle.org/missionarypilot/ https://www.christianpost.com/news/american-missionary-pilot-kevin-rideout-is-abducted-in-niger.html   First, a couple of facts about where Kevin lived, and where Niger is located… He was in an upscale neighborhood of Niamey, the capital of Niger The US Embassy of Niger was just 2 miles away (8 minute drive) The Niger Natl Guard and Presidential Palace were just a mile away Niamey is located 125 miles west of NW Nigeria, and 125 south of Mali’s southern border Kevin was reportedly taken north towards Mali, home to the infamous city of Timbuktu. Niamey is 500 miles north of the Atlantic Ocean (leap-frogging Benin) Niamey is in the south Sahara, 1500 miles from the Mediterranean and 2100 miles from Cairo Niger is about twice the size of Texas, 3x the size of California, and virtually the same as Peru Niamey has about a million people, and Niger as a whole 25 million Niger has both the highest birthrate in the world at 6.5, but also the highest infant mortality rate The child mortality rate (child deaths before age 5) is between 80 and 250 per 1,000 (1 in 4) Niger is such a basketcase that even China has trouble getting them to cooperate, despite throwing hundreds of millions (billions, really) of dollars their way!   China and Niger: https://northafricapost.com/88430-chinas-costly-gamble-niger-exposes-risks-of-regime-agnostic-diplomacy-in-africa.html https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3313824/china-niger-ties-challenge-beijings-cornerstone-non-interference-policy   Follow China Compass Subscribe to China Compass wherever you get your podcasts. Follow me on X (@chinaadventures), check out our website (PrayGiveGo.us) and email anytime @ (bfwesten at gmail dot com). Hebrews 13:3!

Welcome to China Compass on the Fight Laugh Feast Network! I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben. Follow me on Twitter/X (@chinaadventures) where I post new/unique Chinese city prayer profiles every single day. Also, you can email me any questions or comments (bfwesten at gmail dot com) and find everything else, including my books, at PrayGiveGo.us! During the past couple of weeks, I’ve been podcasting from Turkey. Well, we just landed back in Malaysia this morning and it’s good to be back at my own little desk. Today I want to run through a half dozen or so rando Chinese news articles that I stumbled across this week, mostly in the vein of “Not the Bee”. In other words, crazy true stories that sound almost like satire: Chinese Bridges Falling Down https://www.theblaze.com/return/china-bridge-collapse-engineer-experts Oldest Grapevine in the World in… Tibet? https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2025/11/11/Guinness-World-Records-Tibet-grapevine/5031762871976/ Himalayan Mountain Goats Running Wild in… South Africa? https://www.getaway.co.za/travel-news/look-himalayan-tahrs-spotted-on-table-mountain-cliffs/ China Invented Picnics https://www.ft.com/content/85c5d51a-5a92-4855-bbfc-2be79a6abee3 Cheap Chinese: Two Meals for $1 https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2pvlvdve7o Beijing's Deflation Dilemma https://www.yahoo.com/news/beijings-deflation-dilemma-falling-prices-030401849.html Memoirs of a Beijing Delivery Dude https://www.economist.com/culture/2025/11/06/what-a-hit-memoir-reveals-about-work-in-china Typical Chinese School Day https://fortune.com/2025/11/11/china-us-rivarly-in-the-classroom-longer-days-ai-race-trump-shifts-tone/ Commie-World Problems: Dictators Get Lonely https://www.newsweek.com/xi-jinping-getting-lonely-at-the-top-after-chinas-new-purge-10887454   Now let's take a look at this coming week's Pray for China (PrayforChina.us) cities… Pray for China (Nov 17-23): https://chinacall.substack.com/p/pray-for-china-nov-17-23-2025   Subscribe to China Compass and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! Follow me on X (@chinaadventures) and send any questions or comments to (bfwesten at gmail dot com). You can find everything else, including my books, at PrayGiveGo.us! Luke 10, verse 2, the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Talk again soon!

Follow me on Twitter/X (@chinaadventures) where I share daily reminders to pray for China.You can also email me anytime @ bfwesten at gmail dot com. Last but not least, to learn more about our strategic prayer and missions projects or to get one of my missionary biographies, visit PrayGiveGo.us!   Welcome to this episode of the “Prison Pulpit” on the China Compass podcast on the Fight Laugh Feast network! I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben, recording today from the foot of Mt. Ida in Turkey! Since I’m still in Turkey today, and just down the road from the ancient port of Troas, which we visited yesterday, I want to meditate once more on some of Paul's words from prison, especially his words to Timothy in 2nd Timothy, his final letter in the New Testament:  2 Timothy 1:2-12, 15-18: To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.   [3] I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. [4] As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. [5] I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. [6] For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, [7] for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. [8] Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, [9] who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, [10] and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, [11] for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, [12] which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me. . . [15] You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. [16] May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains, [17] but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me earnestly and found me— [18] may the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that day!—and you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesus. 2 Timothy 2:3-10: [3] Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. [4] No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. [5] An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. [6] It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. [7] Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. [8] Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, [9] for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! [10] Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.  2 Timothy 3:10-13: [10]  You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, [11] my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. [12] Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, [13] while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.  2 Timothy 4:6-18: [6] For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. [7] I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. [8] Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. [9]  Do your best to come to me soon. [10] For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. [11] Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry. [12] Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus.  [13] When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments. [14] Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. [15] Beware of him yourself, for he strongly opposed our message. [16] At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! [17] But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. [18] The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.   John Piper on the What Paul Left in Troas https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/the-sadness-and-beauty-of-pauls-final-words   Follow China Compass Subscribe to China Compass wherever you get your podcasts. Follow me on X (@chinaadventures), check out our website (PrayGiveGo.us) and email anytime @ (bfwesten at gmail dot com). Hebrews 13:3!

On last week’s podcast, I discussed my deportation from Egypt to Istanbul. This week we continue in Turkey, visiting the Seven Churches of Revelation. Today's show begins with a look at modern-day Laodicea, and a short talk I gave yesterday in the heart of old Ephesus.  Unbeaten: My Arrest, Interrogation, and Deportation from China - Unbeaten.vip Pray for China (Nov 10-16): https://chinacall.substack.com/p/pray-for-china-nov-10-16-2025 The second half of the show is a detailed look at this week's Pray for China (PrayforChina.us) cities, with a number of stories and details along the way, including my first night alone on the streets of China (Alien China), being confronted by the police during a casual lunch (CCP Warnings), and China's border with North Korea (NK Spy Balloons). Two North Korea Stories: https://www.dw.com/en/north-korean-man-makes-rare-direct-land-crossing-to-south/a-73150358 https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/balloon-propaganda-campaign-korea   Follow me on Twitter/X (@chinaadventures) where I post new/unique Chinese city prayer profiles every single day. Also, you can email me any questions or comments (bfwesten at gmail dot com) and find everything else, including my books, at PrayGiveGo.us!