Hundreds of Christians have been arrested in recent weeks and many are still in prison as Chinese authorities carry on the crackdown reported in Persecution and Prayer Alert two weeks ago (click here). New reports were released by China Aid on June 29.
Approximately 100 pastors were arrested on June 24 at the home of Pastor Chen Dongming in Hezhai Village in Henan Province, where they were meeting for leadership training. According to eye witnesses, more than fifty security officers surrounded the village before bursting into the building. The officers confiscated personal property, including cash, books, blankets, rice and household effects. Most of the pastors were released later that day, but nine, including Pastor Chen Dongming, Pastor Wei and Pastor Jin are still in jail.
On June 3, Chinese border guards detained 34 Christians at a customs office in Kashi in China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The Christians had passports and visas from Pakistan and were arrested when one revealed they were Christian missionaries. Most of the 34 were detained for fifteen days before being released. They are now in hiding, fearing further repercussions from the authorities.
Continue to pray for the Christians recently arrested, as well as the many others imprisoned for their faith. Pray that countries around the world will put pressure on China to improve their human rights and allow religious freedom.
For more information on the persecution of Chinese Christians, click here. Video reports are also available from China at www.vomcanada.com.
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