“In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit.” Judges 17:6
The typical Zhuang village does not have a regular police force. Disputes are often brought to the head of the village for mediation. The reality, however, is that people often take matters in their own hands. It is not uncommon for families without a man present to be taken advantage of. If money is lent to a family and not quickly repaid, then the lender will often steal things for the borrower sell the item to “repay the loan”. In one situation, a man known to be stealing from others went missing and was found dead sometime later in a corn field during the harvest.
Without a strong, just authority in an area people have no where to turn when they run into problems. Pray that Christians would set a good example by doing what is right in God's eyes. Pray that God would raise up honest, wise village leaders to settle disputes in a fair and just manner. Pray that the Zhuang would understand the justice and grace of God in their own lives, which should lead them to the cross.
Praise:
- That China is at peace and that there is a clear legal system. Pray for those that set the laws as well as those that enforce them.
- For a business that has been established in a Zhuang area. Pray that it would have an impact on the Zhuang and others in that area.
Pray:
- For a recent dispute between two villages over a shared well that went dry. This ended in a violent confrontation between the men of each village. Pray for a conviction of sin, repentance and for peace makers that will help opposing parties be reconciled peacefully.
- Pray that new believers would be a stabilizing influence to their hometowns. Pray that God would use them as peacemakers between others as well as with God.
- Pray for those who have been unjustly dealt with in village situations and don't have the money or the relationships to get justice in a legal way. Pray that God would give them justice.
- Pray for a local Zhuang believer that has had several visits with the Chinese secret service. Pray for wisdom as well as for boldness in good balance. Pray that he would continue to grow in Christ. Pray for the group that has temporarily stopped meeting as a result of these visits.
