China's Crackdown on Hong Kong Makes Life Difficult for Christians & Vatican Funeral Honors Pope Benedict XVI

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CBN NewsThe 700 ClubPrayerDonate The Christian Perspective January 5, 2023   7:00 AM EST The city of Hong Kong had a special status under British rule, which allowed greater freedom and prosperity, even after the Chinese Communist Party took over there in 1997. But two years ago, the CCP began a brutal crackdown on Hong Kong, and life became more difficult, especially for Christians and dissidents. Here's what you need to know. WE'RE ALSO WATCHING  Despite endorsements from former President Trump and top GOP officials, Republican leader Kevin McCarthy still doesn't have the votes to be House speaker after 6 ballots. It's created a tumultuous start for the 118th Congress.   The visit of new Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir to Jerusalem's Temple Mount Tuesday sparked a worldwide debate over whether a Jewish government minister can visit the holiest site in Judaism. The U.S. State Department said it violated the "status quo" on the Temple Mount. The Netanyahu government disagrees.   Bells tolled in St. Peter's Square today to begin the funeral ceremonies for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. More than 200,000 mourners, a greater crowd than had been expected, gathered for the service, conducted at the Vatican by Pope Francis.   Newly released internal Twitter documents confirm that US government agencies used the social media giant to do its "dirty work" and suspend nearly 250,000 accounts on its behalf because they simply "didn't like them." TRENDING ON THE WEB 1. New York's new law to allow "eco-friendly" human composting as a burial method raises alarms from those who don't support it, saying "Human bodies are not household waste."   2. Christian persecution continues to climb in India as radical Hindu nationalists attack believers for refusing to re-convert to Hinduism, a persecution watchdog reports.   3. The Colorado governor plans to send a large number of migrants to other major cities across the country, including New York City. TODAY'S TOP VIDEOS 1. A pro-life advocate talked to CBN News about the new FDA policy on abortion pills, calling it "a reckless decision" and not made for women's health.   2. Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin remains in critical condition and is on a ventilator as people are praying around the clock for his healing.   3. Actor Kirk Cameron is grateful to the faith community for showing up and supporting his recent story time hour. He read his children's book to a crowd of 2,500 people at the Indianapolis Public Library – the largest crowd the library has seen in 137 years. CBN EXCLUSIVES  Efrem Graham takes a behind-the-scenes look at a faith-based family comedy, Family Camp, on this week's Studio 5. LaTroy Dixon's family turned to prayer when he underwent a 12-hour surgery to repair a life-threatening tear in his heart. See how their prayers led to his full recovery today on The 700 Club. DAILY REFLECTION Matthew 5:13 "You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.״ Read today's devotional!   Would you like Prayer? The CBN Prayer Center is available 24/7. Call (800) 700-7000. STAY CONNECTED!    Breaking News on CBNNews.com   Download the CBN News App Watch the CBN News Channel 24/7 CBN News Email Subscriptions   Become a CBN News Member Reporter Emily Jones curates Quick Start with assistance from three CBN News bureaus. Thank you for waking up with us each morning! Because Truth Matters. Edit Subscriptions   |   Unsubscribe   |   Contact 977 Centerville Turnpike, Virginia Beach, VA 23463 24-Hour Prayer: 800-700-7000 © The Christian Broadcasting Network, Inc.