Concerns Over Isolation of Imprisoned Pastor

Recent reports indicate that Wang Yi, the imprisoned pastor of Early Rain Covenant Church, may be suffering from advanced liver cancer. Unfortunately, severe restrictions on family contact and communication have prevented anyone from verifying these claims or assessing Pastor Wang's current physical condition.

In response, the church has released an open letter expressing deep concern. According to the statement, his wife and family have only been permitted to visit him five times throughout the duration of Pastor Wang's eight-year incarceration. As a result, while they are unable to verify the accuracy of the reports, neither are they willing to dismiss them.

If the reports prove accurate, timely medical intervention is critical. Dr. Bob Fu, founder of ChinaAid, has expressed concern not only for Pastor Wang's health but also for the ongoing denial of family contact. He stated, "Whatever the Chinese government's position regarding Pastor Wang Yi's imprisonment, there can be no justification for denying a seriously ill prisoner access to his family and adequate medical care."

As Pastor Wang serves the remaining 15 months of his sentence, the church is calling believers around the world to uphold him in prayer: "We pray that the Lord will especially protect His servant, making [Pastor Wang's] body, mind and faith strong, blocking all attacks and schemes of evil; and, according to the Lord's will and timing, bringing him safely back to his family and the church." To review additional reports concerning Pastor Wang and other Chinese believers who are suffering for their faith in Jesus, visit our country profile.

• If the reports concerning Pastor Wang's health are indeed accurate, pray that he will not only receive urgently needed medical care, but ultimately the Lord's divine healing touch, comfort and peace.
• During the remainder of his imprisonment, may this faithful servant be further strengthened spiritually and emotionally through tangible reminders of God's never-ending presence, sustaining grace and supernatural protection.
• Also pray for Pastor Wang's wife – along with other concerned members of his family and church community – asking the Lord to encourage their hearts, deepen their trust in Him, and provide them opportunities to meaningfully engage in fellowship with this beloved Christian leader while eagerly awaiting his release from imprisonment.