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China

  • Three House Church Leaders Released

    Hubei, ChinaLast week, four of the nine house church leaders detained in Hubei province for being involved in an "evil cult organization" in early August were unconditionally released (click here for more details). On January 23, the three female house church leaders who remained detained were also unconditionally released, according to a January 23 report from China Aid Association. The director of the Hubei labour camp reportedly made a formal apology to the leaders for their wrongful imprisonment and also stated that he and other officials had "learned their lesson" and would seek to "do a better job" in the future. Praise God for the release of these believers.

    For more information on the persecution of Christians in China,click here.
  • House Church Leader and Wife Detained
    Xinjiang, China
    Arrest papers of A Li Mu Jiang fromChina Aid

    Mr. A Li Mu Jiang, a house church leader in Kashi, Xinjiang was taken from his home and arrested for an alleged "national security issue" on January 12, according to a January 14 report from China Aid Association. That same day his wife was also taken from their home to be interrogated.

    Ask God to strengthen and protect these two believers. Pray that they will rejoice in the opportunity to grow in Christlikeness through the ongoing opposition they face (James 1:2-4).

    For more information on the persecution of Christians in China,click here.
  • Four House Church Leaders Released

    Hubei, ChinaOn August 6, nine house church leaders were given "re-education through labour" sentences ranging from 12 to 18 months for being involved in an "evil cult organization" after they were found worshipping together in Hubei province (click here for more details). According to a January 18 report from China Aid Association, four of these believers were released on January 8 after the Hubei Provincial Re-Education through Labour Administration Committee repealed the decision made by the Re-Education through Labour Administration Committee of Enshi Autonomous Region. The four released leaders are: Mr. Wang Caizhang (34), Mr. Ma Zhao (35), Mr.Yang Situan (39) and Mr. Du Dongliang (32). Three female leaders remain detained. Two others are currently serving their sentences at home due to medical reasons.

    For more on the persecution of Christians in China, go to the China Country Report.
  • Church Leaders Face Criminal Detention

    Tian Jian
    Tian Jian
    Photo from     China Aid

    Two highly-respected house church leaders face criminal detention following a raid on a church service in Jiuquan City, Gansu Province on December 20, according to a January 8 report from China Aid Association. Su Dean and Tian Min-ge were arrested while conducting a service along with a co-worker, Wang Hongliang. The three leaders were arraigned on charges of "gathering in an illegal assembly under the guise of religion." Wang was released after fifteen days, but Tian and Su's penalties were elevated to criminal detention on January 5. Seventy-one-year-old Tian Min-ge (also known as Tian Jian), is being held at the Fangcheng County Public Security Bureau in Henan.

    Pray for strength for Tian and Su, as they serve their Lord in prison. Pray that they will be released soon. Pray for Christians in China as they continue to minister for the Lord despite the on-going oppression that they face. Pray that the recent commitments to increased religious liberty by the Chinese Communist Politburo will be more than empty promises.

    For more information on the persecution of Christians in China,click here.
  • Christian Bookstore Owner Released
    Shi Weihan and his family
    Shi Weihan and his family
    Photo from    China Aid

    Shi Weihan, a Christian bookstore owner who was detained in late November on charges of "illegally" printing and distributing Christian literature (click here for more details), was released on bail on January 4 in China. According to a January 7 report from China Aid Association (CAA), two dozen others who were detained on charges associated with his case were also released unconditionally. Weihan is reportedly in relatively good health.

    Chinese officials decided against a formal trial for Weihan, dismissing all charges against him due to "insufficient evidence." It is evident that international pressure was instrumental in his release. "The Chinese government has made a positive step in the right direction regarding this case," said CAA President Bob Fu. "This is a clear victory of rule of law and international intervention."

    Praise God for Shi Weihan's release. Pray for other Chinese believers still in detention for their Christian activities.

    To learn more on the persecution of Christians in China, go to theChina Country Report.
  • Christian Bookstore Owner Arrested

    Mr. Shi Weihan and his familyMr. Shi Weihan (37) has been held in an unknown location without formal charges since November 28 when he was arrested by police after twenty members of the Public Security Bureau raided his Christian bookstore near the Olympic Village in Beijing. According to a December 7 report from China Aid Association, some of his employees, his younger brother and his wife were also arrested during the raid but have since been released. Weihan has not been allowed to see his family and has been denied access to a lawyer. He is diabetic and there is considerable concern for his health since he is without medication. Weihan's wife and two daughters have gone into hiding. They fear that threatened reprisals against them could be used as an interrogation tactic against Weihan before legal representation can be arranged.

    Pray for safety for Weihan's family. Pray that Weihan will stand firm in his faith and trust in Christ during this time (2 Cor 1:8-9). Pray that he will receive the health care needed. Pray for his release.

    For more information on the persecution facing China's Christians,click here.
  • House Church Pastors Arrested for ''Illegal'' Religious Meeting
    House church meeting
    A house church meeting
    Photo from    China Aid

    At approximately 1:30 p.m. on December 7, Chinese police arrested 270 house church pastors gathered for a Bible study meeting in Linyi, Shandong, according to a December 10 report from China Aid Association. The police, who claimed that the pastors were attending an "illegal religious meeting," handcuffed the pastors two-by-two and took them to the local police station for questioning. At last report, at least 120 pastors remained in custody.

    Pray that these believers will be able to rejoice in knowing that it is a privilege to suffer for Christ's sake (1 Peter 2:20-21). Pray for the release of those still imprisoned. Ask God to enable Chinese Christians to boldly serve Him, despite ongoing opposition to their faith.

    For more information on the persecution of Christians in China,click here.
  • Catholic Priest and Seminarian Detained

    Jiangxi, ChinaFather Zeng Zhongliang, rector of the Yujiang diocese seminary in Jiangxi, China and one of the seminary students, Wang Bin, were arrested on November 25.

    According to a November 27 report from AsiaNews, the arrests followed a diocese meeting organized by Zeng on behalf of Bishop Thomas Zeng Jingmu, who is presently under house arrest. Police had attempted to raid the meeting but it had already adjourned before they arrived.

    Pray for strength and courage for Zeng and Wang as they endure prison because of their faith. Pray for the many religious prisoners presently in Chinese labour camps and detention centres or under house arrest.

    For more information on the persecution facing Christians in China,click here.
  • Forty House Church Leaders Arrested

    China Gospel FellowshipForty leaders of the China Gospel Fellowship (CGF) were arrested on November 18, according to a November 27 press release from China Aid Association. According to one eyewitness, Public Security Bureau officers raided a leadership meeting in Fanhu, Hunan and arrested those present. Twenty-one were released within a week but the remaining detainees are being held at the county detention centre. Family members have been told to bring blankets and money to cover their living expenses while detained.

    All those arrested are senior leaders of the CGF, including its founder, Pastor Shen Yiping.

    Pray for these detained leaders during this time. Pray that all will be released soon. Pray for the families as they not only deal with the absence of their loved ones but also face this financial burden forced upon them.

    For more information on the persecution of Christians in China,click here.
  • Chinese Leader Beaten Again
    Hua Huiqi
    Photos fromChina Aid

    According to an October 18 report from China Aid Association, church leader and human rights activist Hua Huiqi, who was beaten by police and private security guards on October 11 (click here for details), was transferred from the Tiantian Hospital to his rented home on October 16. The following day, however, Huiqi was beaten again by Public Security Bureau (PSB) officers after they refused his request to use the bathroom adjacent his bedroom. The officers then prevented him from communicating with several journalists waiting outside his house and ordered him to stay in his bedroom.

    Learn more on the persecution that believers in China are facing. Go to the China Country Report.

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