Bible College Graduation Raided

The Early Rain Covenant Church in Chengdu, China, has faced particularly harsh opposition by Chinese Communist Party officials over recent years. Despite the ongoing oppression they've encountered, members of this church remain determined in their efforts to continue reaching their community for Christ and training others of their congregation for evangelism. To read previously published reports on the various challenges experienced by this faithful fellowship of believers, see this list.

As part of their ongoing ministry efforts, the church operates a Bible college known as the Workers' College. On October 28th, the college held a graduation ceremony in a hotel conference room which was attended by more than 30 church members. While the ceremony was taking place, over 20 officers from various departments of the government interrupted the service, declaring that the gathering was "illegal." Nine of the believers who had been present at the ceremony were taken to police stations for interrogation. Although some of these Christians – including Elder Li Yingqiang – were later released; at last report, five church members are remaining in detention.

Please join us in prayerfully upholding the members of the Early Rain Covenant Church. One of their representatives issued the following prayer request: "Pray that the Lord would watch over each of [our Christian] brothers and sisters who were taken to the police station and give them courageous hearts...to see the Eternal Saviour in the midst of persecution and fire. Pray also for mercy on our nation and government officials, who continue to persecute the Lord Christ and His church, not realizing that this is the only way of life that can save them from [eternal] death."