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Pastor Jin Freed from Prison

ChinaAid, The New York Times, BBC 09 July 2026

Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri
Photo: ChinaAid

In a sudden and unexpected turn of events, Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri from the Beijing Zion Church was released from prison on July 3rd and allowed to reunite with his family in the United States. Arriving in Los Angeles the next day, the pastor has since been warmly welcomed by his family – including a newborn grandson.

Pastor Jin was arrested following a raid on his church in October 2024. As a result of the incident, along with the government's ensuing crackdown on the congregation, 18 church leaders were charged. Less than a month ago, it was announced that nine of those believers were released, while charges against the remaining detainees – including Pastor Jin – were increased to include fraud and "illegal business operations." (Review a previously posted Persecution & Prayer Alert regarding the situation.)

According to reports, Pastor Jin's release is the result of direct discussions between the presidents of the United States and China. The decision was presented as a goodwill gesture coinciding with American Independence Day celebrations. In a statement issued by Pastor Jin's family, gratitude was expressed to both President Trump and President Xi. Rejoicing over the news, they stated, "We truly witnessed a miracle, and we are feeling so overwhelmed with joy!"

While Dr. Bob Fu of ChinaAid also welcomed this encouraging development, he urges that there be continued advocacy for the many believers remaining imprisoned today, including Pastor Jin's eight coworkers. "Freedom for Pastor Jin is a tremendous victory," Dr. Fu added. "But our work is not finished until every prisoner of faith is free." For other reports addressing the persecution of Christians in China, visit our country profile.

Let's join with Pastor Jin, his family, church congregants and other Christians around the world in thanking the Lord for this joyous answer to prayer!
At the same time, please be mindful to prayerfully uphold the many other Chinese believers who remain imprisoned because of their faith in Christ, asking Him to not only strengthen, encourage and sustain each of them, but to also provide such needed ministry to their concerned loved ones.
Pray that God will continue working on their behalf through international efforts and diplomatic discussions to bring about greater religious freedom in China, and thus enable all of our Christian brothers and sisters to worship openly and without the fear of governmental interference.

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.

China News

Pastor Jin Freed from Prison

Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri
Photo: ChinaAid

In a sudden and unexpected turn of events, Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri from the Beijing Zion Church was released from prison on July 3rd and allowed to reunite with his family in the United States. Arriving in Los Angeles the next day, the pastor has since been warmly welcomed by his family – including a newborn grandson.

Read more...
Uyghur Pastor Faces Possible Church Closure

A scene from the Xinjiang region.
Photo: Wikimedia / Hiroki Ogawa (CC)

A pastor serving in China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region is facing possible closure of his church after authorities imposed burdensome requirements on him. The pastor, identified only as "Pastor A," leads a small house church among the Uyghur people. This particular Turkic population group is predominantly Muslim and has been subjected to significant ethnic opposition over the years. Many organizations, including the United Nations, have accused the Chinese government of human rights violations and crimes against humanity because of their persistent abusive actions against the Uyghur people.

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Nine Zion Church Leaders Released as Others Face Prosecution

Eight of the Christians facing charges.
Photo: Zion Church via ChinaAid

On November 18th, Communist authorities formally arrested 18 church leaders (pastors and other staff members) of the Beijing Zion Church, charging them with "illegally using information networks." These charges were part of the officials' ongoing campaign to target the church and its various campuses. (Learn more about these arrests by reviewing this previously posted report.)

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Further Raid Against Early Rain Covenant Church

Police raid at the Early Rain Covenant Church.
Photo: ChinaAid

The Early Rain Covenant Church has experienced significant and sustained governmental pressure, particularly since a major raid took place in December 2018, resulting in a nine-year prison sentence against Pastor Wang Yi. Despite ongoing opposition, the church has remained steadfast in its commitment to continue gathering for worship and ministering in the community.

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