Lawyer Visits Imprisoned Church Elder

Hao Ming and his wife.
Elder Hao Ming and his wife.
Photo: ChinaAid

Elder Hao Ming was arrested in November 2021 because of his ministry activities with the Early Rain Qingcaodi Church, which is located in the city of Deyang. Though retired from the pastorate, he continued to be actively involved in the church as a volunteer. At the time of his arrest, Hao was detained along with several other Christian leaders. (The initially published report may be reviewed at this page.)

When Hao's lawyer was able to visit him in May 2022, it was reported that he was in poor health and not receiving needed medical treatment. Concerns were raised that his life may be at risk. (Further details are available here.)

According to a January 6th update from Hao's wife, Yang Yufeng, his case has been moved to the People's Court for prosecution on charges of alleged fraud. Hao's lawyer, Zhu Shujin, announced that he was recently able to meet with his client and reports that he looks well. Hao continues to deny all charges against him.

The lawyer further explained that with no Bible to study and no opportunities to meet for worship, Hao recites the Apostles' Creed each Sunday. He has been reflecting on Chinese culture and his life, recognizing that his time on earth is short in comparison to eternity. At the end of their visit, Hao asked his lawyer to read to him from Psalm 73.

Praise God for the physical, emotional and spiritual strength that He has been providing to Elder Hao throughout the ordeal. Pray that the court case will take place soon and that all charges against this dear Christian man would be dropped. Additionally, pray for the many Christian prisoners in China who are being kept from accessing Bibles and other sources of Biblical teaching and encouragement. May the Lord bring to their remembrance relevant passages of Scripture, nourishing each one of them with His Word and ministering to their daily spiritual and practical needs.

  • 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.

Select a Region

China News

  • Unregistered Churches Face Increasing Oppression
    A smiling man is speaking behind a pulpit. There is a cross on the wall behind him.
    Photo: ChinaAid

    Two recently received reports indicate the ongoing coordinated opposition that members of unregistered house churches are facing throughout China. Since the groups are considered illegal, the authorities have tried using fines and arrests, along with threats and intimidation tactics, in their attempts to shut down the organizations.

    Read more...

  • Non-Compliant Catholic Bishop Rearrested
    A priest is holding a staff and has a headpiece on.
    Bishop Shao
    Photo: ChinaAid
     

    Peter Shao Zhumin, a Catholic priest who was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI as an auxiliary bishop, became the bishop of the Diocese of Wenzhou in 2016. However, over the years, Bishop Shao has stood in opposition to the dictates of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Not acknowledging its authority over the church, he refused to join the state-controlled Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association. In response, the official association appointed a different bishop to replace him; however, many members of the diocese do not recognize the association's appointment.

    Read more...

  • Pastor Tried for Organizing Illegal Gatherings
    Ma Yan is sitting at the front of several rows of chairs.
    Ma Yan
    Photo: ChinaAid
     

    On August 9th, 2024, a preacher named Ma Yan was arrested in the Chinese city of Yinchuan for "disrupting social order" and given a ten-day detention. Immediately following his release, Ma was arrested again for "organizing illegal gatherings." The accusations stem from a small gathering of Christians that took place in a hotel on August 9th.

    Read more...

  • Imprisoned for Distributing Christian Literature
    A building is behind a chain link fence with barbed wire security at the top.
      

    On January 17th, five Chinese Christians who had been charged with "illegal business operations" were convicted and sentenced to prison. Pastor Deng Yanxiang received a sentence of two years' imprisonment, while the other four believers were given sentences ranging from 14 to 17 months.

    Read more...

View All

China Videos

 
Persecution Report July 2024 - Hong Kong
/component/allvideoshare/category/china.htm
 
Persecution Trends Report for 2024: Nigeria, India, Pakistan and China
/component/allvideoshare/category/china.htm
 
China: Christians Facing the Worst Persecution in 40 Years!
/component/allvideoshare/category/china.htm
 
China: Communist Government Demands Total Loyalty and Seeks to Rewrite the Bible
/component/allvideoshare/category/china.htm
 
Persecution Trends Report for 2023: Nigeria, China and India
/component/allvideoshare/category/china.htm
 
China: Pressure Increases Against Christians
/component/allvideoshare/category/china.htm
More