Photo: ChinaAid
The Early Rain Covenant Church has been a target of Chinese Communist Party officials since the church was raided in December 2018 (read more). The church's lead pastor, Wang Yi, was sentenced to nine years in prison and other members have faced detention and pressure. Despite ongoing intimidation and arrests, the ministry of the church has faithfully continued, though generally online or in small groups.
In January of this year, the church decided to resume meeting as a larger group. However, the authorities had them evicted each time, forcing them to move to different venues. On March 12th, police once again forcefully raided the church.
At 8:50 a.m. that day, one church leader, Jia Xuewei, was violently removed from the meeting and then beaten when he failed to show identification. As the service began at 9 a.m., the supply of electricity was abruptly shut off to the room where their meeting was being held. Despite this interference, the service continued anyways with preacher Wu Wuqing leading. An hour later, several officials stormed the pulpit and shut off the computer that was being used for the live broadcast. Other officers began seizing cell phones, and pushing some of the worshippers to the ground, resulting in several injuries. Throughout the violence and mayhem, the choir quietly sang the hymn, "Near the Cross."
While the almost 100 believers in attendance left peacefully, they then gathered downstairs to continue worshipping. Some of the leaders, along with a group of church members, were taken to the police station. Other church members gathered outside the station to sing hymns and provide water and food to those who had been arrested during the recent raid. Thankfully, the detained congregants were released later that evening.
To read more about the ongoing persecution encountered by members of this church, and many other Christians in China, go to our country report. Please note, that along with the provided written reports, this webpage features numerous video reports and interviews. In September 2022, Closer to the Fire podcast host Greg Musselman interviewed special guest Dr. Bob Fu of ChinaAid about the increasing crackdown against house churches in China. To view the report, go to this page.
Please remember the leaders and congregational members of the Early Rain Covenant Church in your prayers. Although the members of this church continue to be targeted by governing Communist officials, may they persist in seeking ways to gather together for worship. Pray that God will further strengthen Pastor Wang Yi and provide needed guidance to those who are faithfully leading the ministry of the church despite ongoing oppression. May the actions, words and attitudes of the persecuted church members be a powerful testimony to all the officials opposing them.
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