Pastor Charged with 'Fraud' and 'Disrupting Public Order'

ChinaAid, Radio Free Asia, Christian Solidarity Worldwide 30 January 2014

Zhang Shaojie
Photo: ChinaAid

Zhang Shaojie, 49, a pastor detained in November of 2013 along with over 20 other Christians, has been charged with committing fraud and gathering a mob to disrupt public order. His criminal hearing has been scheduled for February 12th.

Pastor Zhang and his state-approved church began facing opposition from authorities after the county government reneged on an agreement to allocate a piece of land for the church to construct a new building. The incarceration of the believers came as a surprise to many observers, as the communist government typically targets unregistered congregations. (For more information on Pastor Zhang's arrest, please visit this page).

Thankfully, by mid-January, several of the imprisoned Christians had been freed. On January 24th, three additional believers -- Ms. Zhao Xiping, Ms. Yang Miling and Ms. Sheyin Duanmu -- were also released. The conditions of their release were not yet known at last report.

Thank the Lord for the release of these dear sisters in Christ! Ask God to be near Pastor Zhang and his legal counsel as they prepare for his criminal hearing. May the legal authorities act justly, recognizing Pastor Zhang's innocence and releasing him to his family. Pray that the other believers who remain imprisoned will also soon be freed. Bring the country of China to God in prayer, asking Him to powerfully use His church to bring glory to His name.

To learn more about China's persecuted church, go to the China Country Report.

China

Current Ministry Projects
The Voice of the Martyrs Canada continues to help distribute Bibles to Christians in the country, making it possible for them to have their own printed version of God's Word. Additionally, VOMC works with various mission partners to facilitate a Biblical understanding of persecution and discipleship, while presenting ways to effectively respond and minister within the context of hostility.

Project Funds: Underground Church, Bible, Relief & Development
Country Information
Population
1,413,142,846 (2023 est.)

Ethnicity (%)
Han Chinese (91.1), ethnic minorities (8.9 - includes Zhang, Hui, Manchu, Uighur, Miao, Yi, Tujia, Tibetan, Mongol, Dong, Buyei, Yao, Bai, Korean, Hani, Li, Kazakh, Dai, and other nationalities) (2021 est.)

Religion (%)
Folk religion (21.9), Buddhist (18.2), Christian (5.1), Muslim (1.8), Hindu (< 0.1), Jewish (< 0.1), other (0.7 - includes Daoist [Taoist]), unaffiliated (52.1) (2021 est.)

Leader
President Xi Jinping (2013)

Government type
Communist party-led state

Legal system
Based on civil law system; influenced by Soviet and continental European civil law systems

Sources: CIA World Factbook
Pray for China
Pray that the Gospel will be proclaimed throughout China without government interference so many more names can be added to the Lamb's "Book of Life." May there also be a spirit of unity demonstrated among the country's growing churches, further strengthening existing believers and spurring them on in their ministry service and evangelistic outreach within the country's numerous communities.