A church building in Wenzhou, China was destroyed by police early on September 10. According to a reports received by VOM a large group of officials from the Public Security Bureau, the local Agrarian Bureau, town officials, reporters and others arrived. Using cutting torches and hammers, workers cut the iron supports and the walls were pounded until most of the building collapsed. When one Christian tried to intervene, he was dragged from the building. Three women were arrested and sentenced to 5-7 days' detention for opposing the destruction. There are concerns that they may be physically abused while in jail by inmates and police. VOM sources have learned the names of two of the women being detained: Mi Xiang and Ai Hong.
The government officials said that the building was destroyed because it was built without permission and was being used for illegal gatherings. The church acknowledges that they did not have permission to build the meeting hall, but many other buildings in the area were also built without permission and have been left standing.
Pray for the safety of these three women while they are in detention. Pray for the continued ministry of the church in China, as it faces increasing pressure from government officials. Pray for strength for the many suffering in prison for their faith.
For more information on the persecution of Christians in China, visit the China Country Report.
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