On the morning of September 4th, the Maizi Christian Music High School in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, was raided by police, religious affairs officials and local school district administrators. All staff and students present were arrested.
Principal Xu had received a warning through his landlord the previous day, informing him that "a test" was coming. During the raid, the authorities confiscated various school possessions – including pianos, computers and documents. After 24 hours' detainment, the students and most of the staff were all released from custody. At last report, the whereabouts of Principal Xu were unknown. According to a friend of the principal, his home had been raided six months prior and his phone was tapped.
Christians from various churches are working to obtain a lawyer to represent both the principal and the school. Potential accusations against the school may include financial charges of "illegal education" because tuition fees were charged to the students. Furthermore, since the students are under 18, there may also be charges of "enticing minors to religion." To learn more about the persecution of Christians in China, go to our country report.
Please ask God to ensure the safety of Principal Xu and his family, as well as the rest of the school's staff. Pray that they will be able to obtain good legal representation. May God alter the hearts and minds of the opposing authorities, allowing the Christian music academy to reopen and freely operate without fear of future raids. Further, pray that the students who have had to endure this ordeal will receive the Lord's comfort, strength and encouragement.
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