Jeremy Lin news: Prayer request on Asia tour is to 'be empowered by Christ' as he shares God's love

National Basketball Association star Jeremy Lin requested his digital prayer group to pray for him during his annual Asia tour as he shares God's love.

"I'm in Asia for my Asia tour and tonight I have, what I consider, possibly the most important event of the trip," Lin informed his support group via email on June 11.

His prayer request was, "Please pray for me to speak with love, to be empowered by Christ and for everyone who listens to have a soft heart to hear God's love and respond by giving their lives to Him."

The NBA star traveled to Taiwan from June 13 to 16 where he took part in a series of activities including playing a basketball game with his younger brother Joseph Lin, according to Focus Taiwan. He also attended a charity event, a seminar, two promotional events, and a meet-and-greet with his fans. He even gave away signed T-shirts, jerseys, and caps.

Lin's website shows an itinerary of his Asia tour revealing the next leg as China from June 18 to 25.

The basketball player, who made his decision to play as a free agent starting June 7 after playing for the Charlotte Hornets, rose to global fame known as "Linsanity" when he played for the New York Knicks in 2012.

A Chinese Christian recently interviewed by China Aid, a watchdog for Christian persecution in China, stated Lin could be a great help if he spoke out about the religious persecution in China.

The interviewee, who spoke in conditions of anonymity, is a member of a church targeted by the communist state.

"If we can get Jeremy Lin to say something ... it must be real, right?" the Christian told China Aid, referring to the Chinese Christians' plight because people outside China refuse to believe there is religious persecution happening in the country.

The source continued, "He's like a hero! He's like a superhero to some people! So, [their understanding of] the situation will be different."