SHENZHEN, China — Onlookers threw rocks at four Christians and the men baptizing them at a beach in China.
The baptism was held Sept. 10 for four members of Shenzhen Trinity Harvest Gospel Church, reported ChinaAid, a human rights group.
As church members gathered and conversed on the beach before the baptisms, individuals approached and told them not to conduct religious activities while there.
During the baptisms, bystanders threw rocks at those being baptized and those officiating. No injuries occurred.
More than 20 individuals tried to prevent church members from videotaping the baptisms.
Last year, authorities harassed church members at some baptisms, ChinaAid stated. For that reason, the congregation tried to keep the most recent baptism a secret.
In its five years of existence, Shenzhen Trinity Harvest Gospel Church has drawn a significant number of dissidents, which makes the church a target for those who seek to persecute Christians.
China is No. 17 on Open Doors’ 2022 World Watch List of places most difficult to be a Christian.
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