"O Lord, see how my enemies persecute me! Have mercy and lift me up from the gates of death, that I may declare your praises in the gates of the Daughter of Zion and there rejoice in your salvation." - Psalm 9: 13–14
 Sometimes it is hard to imagine the experience of our fellow believers who endure such suffering. This story provides a glimpse into the lifestyle of a woman who teaches in a seminary that operates literally underground. This is her story.
One Day in the Light
"It is a joy to come out of hiding, even if only for one day, to feel the wind, hear the sounds of life above ground, share brief moments with those I love who live "in the world." Yet as I descend the hidden staircase into the world below, I know that I am going where God has called me: underground to teach His word. My students are pastors and believers who are ready to take God's message to a nation looking for Him.
The air is heavy as I descend. Damp, cold mud and rock walls are a blessed reminder that my team and I are privileged to serve our mighty Lord in the dark recesses of tunnels. Though sparse bulbs and wire provide a dim illumination for our study, the light of God's Word shines brightly as pastors learn the foundational truths of scripture. My confidence is in the Lord, and I willingly bear the risk.
Life in the Seminary Underground
The Bible training center where I work is buried 30 feet underground, accessible through a tunnel dug by hand by many volunteers. We have operated this seminary for 20 years, remaining underground constantly, with only six days of break per year. We train 80–100 students every 6 months. We eat only two meals per day and labor from early morning until late at night so we can impart as much Biblical teaching as we can during each pastor's schooling.
The Real Truth of Religous Restriction
My government does not allow true freedom of religion, even though the official statement says everyone has the right to choose his own religious beliefs. Ironically, they mean that no one can share his religious beliefs with another because that stifles the listener's freedom to choose.
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Additionally, unregistered churches are considered "illegal religious gatherings" and may be subject to raids where the participants are taken away to prison. The majority of Christians in my country will not attend the state-sanctioned churches; the governmental monitoring is too invasive.
Obviously, training in Biblical studies is forbidden, but believers pray that God will provide the means to spread the Gospel of Christ. We pray for protection in our caves and that God will keep us healthy, so we don't have to risk going to the doctor. Our Heavenly Father does protect and provide for us, and He changes lives with the truth.
Foreign diplomats and church leaders are urging China to move toward religious freedom. So far, our government has not adopted a policy allowing us to worship and spread the Gospel openly. Until that day arrives, we will continue to teach in our tunnels and prepare others to lead the lost to Christ."
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