After having arrested the owner of an online Christian bookstore, Zhang Xiaomai, Chinese authorities are now conducting nationwide investigations relating to purchased books from the company. The Wheat Bookstore has been distributing Christian literature, including Bibles, to people across China.

Customers are being invited to "tea sessions" with local authorities who are requesting they bring any purchased books to the police station where these resources may be confiscated. In other cases, search warrants have been obtained to permit the raiding of homes and the resulting removal of any purchased books.

The bookstore staff has sent a notice to its customers warning them of potential visits by police and offering suggestions. Christians are being advised to delete their order records and hide any books they may have purchased. To learn more about persecution in China, and review the ministry's previously posted reports, check our country report.

As Chinese authorities endeavour to block the distribution of Christian materials to the millions of spiritually needy believers in the country, pray that opportunities will be found to provide these oppressed followers of Christ the tools required for ongoing encouragement, growth and evangelism. Also intercede for Zhang as he contends with this legal matter, as well as those of his customers who may be subjected to police raids and confiscation.