According to the Cardinal Kung Foundation, Father Lu Genjun (44) and Father Guo Yanli (39) were arrested by security officials while waiting for a friend to arrive at the Baoding train station on February 17. No information on the reasons for the arrest has yet been made public. Sources report that Guo has been sent to the Xushui County detention centre. The location of Lu is unknown. Lu has been detained twice before. He served three years in prison following his arrest in 1998 and an unspecified period of time in 2004. Guo has not been previously arrested.
Despite the best efforts of China's Communist government, the Church in China is growing rapidly, particularly unregistered groups. According to a February 28 report from Asia News, one-third of all Communist Party members belong to some type of religious organization, despite prohibitions from the Central Committee. It is estimated that ten million Party members are actively involved in religious activities.
Pray that Father Lu Genjun and Father Guo Yanli will know the peace that comes with resting in Christ, even in the most difficult circumstances. Pray that they will soon be released. Praise the Lord with us that the Body of Christ is growing in China, even within the ranks of those who officially oppose it. Pray that believers will remain steadfast in their faith, unmoving in their commitment to live and spread the truth of the Gospel.
For more information on the persecution of Christians in China, click here. Various resources on China, including a 4-DVD set on the history of Christianity in China, are available on VOMC's online catalog.
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