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China

• Pastor Jailed for Social Media Prayers Freed

  
  Yan Xiaojie
  Photo: ChinaAid

  On February 2nd, authorities released Pastor Yan Xiaojie of the China Christian Evangelic Mission in Wenzhou city after serving five months in criminal detention. Public security bureau officials originally apprehended Pastor Yan on August 26, 2015 for circulating prayer requests on social media concerning churches that were being targeted for cross removal in the Zhejiang province.

  After Pastor Yan had been given an eight-day administrative detention, he was placed under criminal detention "indefinitely" under suspicion of "gathering a mob to disturb social order." An elder of the church, Cheng Chaohua, who had been detained the day after Yan, was thankfully released last December.

  To date, there are still eight other believers from Zhejiang province remaining in detention. Seven of them are church elders or their wives, including prominent Pastor Gu "Joseph" Yuese. The eighth is Christian lawyer Zhang Kai who has been held in an unregistered jail since July of 2015. A previous report on the case of the prominent Beijing-based lawyer, and his efforts against the cross-removal campaign, can be reviewed at this page.

  Meanwhile, the congregation of Haicheng Christian Gathering in Wenzhou received an official warning about a month ago that the cross on their premises would also be removed. Prior to receiving notification, the building's electricity and water supply had been cut off.

  May the Lord honour and vindicate these faithful believers of China's Zhejiang province who are standing strong in the face of adversity and imprisonment. Pray that their efforts will not be in vain but rather used as a catalyst in bringing about a greater awareness of the tremendous spiritual needs within their country and, ultimately, an outpouring of God's Spirit and resulting revival. Please also intercede for the provincial officials who have instigated and participated in the cross removal campaign, as well as the demolishing of churches, in hopes that they too will experience a reverential fear of the one true God.

• Church-Affiliated Kindergarten Director Released

  
  Cheng Jie and her husband,
  Du Hongbo, with their young children.
  Photo: Du Hongbo via ChinaAid

  Having served two years in prison for allegedly "engaging in illegal business operations," the director of a church-run kindergarten in China's southern Guangxi region was released on February 17th. Cheng Jie, who provided leadership for the Hualin Foreign Language Experimental Kindergarten, was picked up after being released from prison by her husband and two young sons.

  Local authorities had arrested Cheng at the school on February 18th, 2014. Four months later, on June 24th, Guangxi officials crossed the border into the neighbouring Guangdong province and detained Huang Quirui, an elder of the church that founded the kindergarten. Along with Huang, authorities detained Li Jiatao, another church member and mother of two young children; and Fang Bin, the man who was contracted to print the textbooks for the school.

  Officials alleged that all four had engaged in "illegal business operations" by printing character-education textbooks without government approval, and then selling the books rather than using them solely for internal use. The lawyer defending the four detainees countered that the books were sold for an amount that only allowed the kindergarten to break even for the printing costs and that authorities were targeting the school because it was founded by a church. A previous report on this case is available here.

  We can join fellow believers globally in praising God over the good news of Cheng's release, and the resulting joyful reunion she is now able to enjoy with her husband and children. As she transitions from imprisonment to resume life once again with her family and community, may Cheng experience God's wonderful work of healing and restoration. In fact, may she be granted even greater opportunities to proclaim the Gospel there in China and in many other parts of the world through the sharing of her testimony. In the meantime, please uphold Huang and Li as they await their release from prison which we trust will take place soon.

• Pastor Released From Black Jail

  
  Huang Yizi (left) just following
  his release from a black jail.
  Photo: China Aid

  Authorities have recently released a church pastor in China's southeastern coastal Zhejiang Province. Pastor Huang Yizi, who was detained since September 12th in what is referred to as a "black jail" had been accused of "stealing, spying on, buying or illegally providing state secrets for institutions and people outside the country."

  The term, "black jail," is used to describe "residential surveillance in a designated location." Considered a more severe form of holding than "criminal detention," individuals under residential surveillance are held in undisclosed locations. Since no outside contact is allowed, those detained in "black jails" are not permitted to speak with family members or legal representatives for the duration of their confinement. A previous report relating to this topic can be found here.

  While we can praise God for Pastor Huang's release, pray that he will be undaunted by the obstacles he has faced. May he instead be further strengthened and imbued to more effectively resume his ministry. Let's also uphold the other Christians still being detained in this manner, as well as their concerned families, asking that they be encouraged to remain steadfast in their faith, drawing even closer to the Lord during this difficult time of trial. May the government's unrelenting pressure on churches and their leaders not cause the believers to waver spiritually or become discouraged. Rather may they be more fervent in their resolve to follow Christ, serving as vibrant witnesses to those around them who are desperately in need of God's eternal salvation.

• House Church Shut Down by Government Officials

  
  This small house church in Dazhou,
  Sichuan, has experienced opposition
  from governmental authorities.
  Photo: China Aid

  A Chinese house church has been ordered to close down by local officials in Dazhou, Sichuan province. According to our sources, it is not surprising to see such actions taken by the Communist Party of China as they continue to juggle the massive rise in Christianity among their citizens.

  However, members of the house church are questioning the legality of the closure. In regards to the official registration of churches, Chinese regulations specify that if a congregation consists of fewer than 50 people, registering with the state is not required.

  The Chinese church has faced a multitude of persecution cases over the years. The most recent include the systematic removal of crosses and church buildings in Zhejiang province, which has seen approximately 1,500 crosses removed and nearly 400 buildings destroyed. For a previous report on this situation, please go to this page.

  During this time of heightened opposition in the Sichuan and Zhejiang provinces, may the Lord grant additional courage and strength to the members of the house church facing forcible closure as they present their case to governing officials. May those representing the church members have the wisdom and direction required to effectively mediate on their behalf. Ask that the hearts of the officials be receptive to God's promptings and justice so His people are permitted to freely worship Him in spirit and in truth. Also pray that the house churches in China will function together with a greater sense of unity (Psalm 133:1; John 17:23), and that the anti-cross campaign in Zhejiang province will cease and thus prevent any further demolition of churches.

  To post a prayer on behalf of the persecuted church, please go to VOMC's prayer wall.

• Sisters Released After Repeated Detainment

  
  Officers detain members of the Daguan
  house church in a raid on May 24th.
  Photo: China Aid

  Three sisters from China's southwestern Guizhou province who were detained in mid-October for worshipping God in their home have been released, although other members of their house church are still awaiting a final decision from the court. An anonymous member of the Daguan house church stated on November 22nd that the women were released from their administrative detention after serving a 15-day sentence. The only reason given for the detention was that they had "violated the public security administrative punishment law." In a previous incident, the same three women were detained in June for "illegal assembly" and "organizing cult activities." Thankfully, in that situation as well, they had been granted release after serving a short detention.

  A brother related to the three women is still presently in detainment, along with four other Daguan house church members. Authorities detained these five Christians during two separate raids which took place on May 24th and June 7th. The June raid had occurred during a church meeting in one of the believers' homes. The legal procuratorate involved decided that the evidence provided by the public security bureau was insufficient and, therefore, the case was returned to the bureau for further investigation.

  Unfortunately, remaining members of the Daguan house church, which was founded 13 years ago, have not gathered since the raids took place earlier this year for fear of retaliation. "We dare not meet," one of the Christians admitted while referencing due concern over the consequences. "We would get arrested immediately." Other reports on religious persecution in China can be reviewed at this page.

  Despite the injustices these Chinese Christians have endured, may the Lord reassure them of His abiding presence -- filling them with an even greater hope in Him and an increased love for others, so that even in prison their gentleness will be evident to all (Philippians 4:5). As members of the Daguan house church and other congregations in China await the release of detained friends and loved ones, may they be able to continue their times of fellowship together...faithfully meeting as unto the Lord. In the meanwhile, please pray that further attacks against these believers will falter, and those who oppose them will realize the error of their ways and turn from evil.

• Detainment of Christians in 'Black Jails'

  The entrance to what is refered to as a "black jail." Photo: ChinaAid

  Authorities placed at least 20 Christians under residential surveillance in China's coastal Zhejiang province over the past two months. In China, "residential surveillance in a designated location," also referred to as a "black jail," is a more severe form of holding than "criminal detention." Individuals under residential surveillance are held in undisclosed locations, and they're not permitted to speak with family or legal representation.

  Two Zhejiang cities in particular, Wenzhou and Jinhua, have had more than 20 people placed under surveillance between August 25th and October 24th, according to an anonymous Christian leader in Zhejiang. The source noted that the names of those detained in Jinhua have not been released and that the number was likely to be more than the 20 currently known. "This is entirely outside the law," another source in Wenzhou attests. "These are the actions of totalitarian regimes."

  For many of those being held, the justification for the residential surveillance is on "suspicion of stealing, spying, buying and illegally providing state secrets and intelligence." Because this charge involves national security, authorities refuse to let lawyers speak with those under surveillance. For a previous report referencing the secretive detention of Christians in Wenzhou, click here.

  Please join us in upholding the surprising number of Christians and church leaders presently under residential surveillance, praying that they will remain faithful to the Lord, regardless of the pressure or pain they experience. More specifically, ask that these believers will seize every opportunity that's available to witness to others during their custody. May they not in any way become discouraged or embittered but rather filled with renewed hope and optimism so that the government's increasing efforts to restrict them will serve to further strengthen their faith and devotion to our Lord Jesus Christ...and greatly promote the Gospel!

  Do not miss the opportunity to pray on behalf of the persecuted church with fellow believers around the world on Sunday, November 8th. For more information on this year's International Day of Prayer and how you can participate, please click here. Be sure to share this information with others of your church and prayer group.

• Disappearance of Attorney Zhang Kai

  Zhang Kai (right) in Washington, D.C Photo: ChinaAid

  In January of 2014, the Chinese Communist Party secretary decided to "de-Christianize" the skyline by removing many crosses and churches under the guise of safety and beautification in the southern coastal province of Zhejiang, Xia Baolong. To date, between 1,200 and 1,500 churches have been impacted, with several pastors arrested and numerous believers wounded in scuffles with police.

  In defense of the churches under attack, and China's newly implemented religion law, prominent Beijing-based lawyer Zhang Kai announced in July of 2015 the formation of a group that consists of 30 Christian lawyers. The group is known as "Lawyers for Protection of the Cross."

  A few weeks ago, Chinese security forces conducted simultaneous night raids in Wenzhou, during which time they seized Zhang Kai, his assistant Liu Peng, and several Wenzhou pastors. According to Zhang's employer, no one has been informed of the lawyer's condition or whereabouts -- not even his family.

  Zhang reportedly has been charged with endangering state security and assembling a crowd to disrupt social order; charges that could possibly result in six months of secretive detention. Additionally, there are grave concerns for his safety. More information on persecution in China can be found at the China Country Report.

  Pray that the Lord will sustain, protect and bless Zhang Kai, Liu Peng and all the human rights' lawyers and pastors who are presently imprisoned and under threat in China. Also uphold all the believers who have been affected by this latest crackdown, asking the Lord to encourage them to persevere under trial. May this outbreak of evil against His people somehow be turned to good (Romans 8:28), while opening the spiritual eyes and hearts of many more Chinese people so they will discover the truth and goodness of our Lord Jesus Christ.

• New Law Poses Further Risks to Religious Freedom

  The Chinese Communist Party brings in more restrictions with its new National Security Law. Photo: Haha169 (cc)

  Since the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) passed its new National Security Law on July 1st, watchdog groups have warned that it can limit the freedoms of Christians and human rights lawyers in mainland China and neighbouring countries -- including Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. China Aid warns that the laws use "intentionally vague" wording to target "perceived threats to national security," including "foreign influences" and those they deem as "cults."

  A major concern is the increased imprisonment of Christians and human rights lawyers. Within a 10-day period after the law was enacted, more than 230 prominent human rights lawyers were harassed and imprisoned. Human Rights Watch stated that the risk of torture is high. It is understood that many Christian leaders are still in detention, including Pastor Zhang Shaojie, church leader Ms. Yang Rongli, and house church leader Alimujiang Yimiti. These Christians and others had been arrested for protesting the illegal acquisition of church land, denouncing the "cult" label, and their refusal to remove crosses from church premises. For more information and previous reports on persecution in China, go to our China Country Report.

  On July 14th, amid the massive nationwide crackdown on human rights lawyers, a group of Christian attorneys announced the formation of the "Lawyers for Protection of the Cross" group. These lawyers have declared their willingness to pay any price for their beliefs.

  Let's uphold these Christian lawyers who are willing to take a stand for their convictions and the cause of true justice, regardless of the cost. May they be granted wisdom, strength and grace from on high as they present their cases before mere human authorities, trusting in God's ultimate sovereignty over all and His power to intervene. Also remember to lift up the many other Christians in China who are affected by this new law, asking that they be encouraged to continue trusting the Lord during such challenging times. In fact, may they be mightily used to accomplish His higher purposes by bringing about justice in the judicial and penal systems and, more importantly, furthering the cause of Christ!

• New Laws Prompt Fears of Religious Liberty Crackdown

  New security laws recently passed by the Chinese government could further limit religious freedom on the Chinese mainland and beyond. China Aid warns that the wording of these new laws is "intentionally vague" and may prompt greater "persecution and abuse based on perceived threats to national security." Among its provisions are further restrictions on "foreign influences" and what they consider "cults."

  The new security laws also expand China's restrictions on religion into Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan. Some Hong Kong-based pastors fear that they might be penalized for activities such as serving mainland Christians via the Internet, hosting their visits, or even preaching to people from mainland China who are presently living in Hong Kong.

  On July 1st, the same day the new laws were enacted, Hong Kong pastor Wu Xiaohe was summoned by the Religious Affairs Bureau in Shenzhen city and told he could no longer invite mainland Chinese Christians to Hong Kong for training. Officials told him that "at least 300 more religious leaders" would receive similar summons. Informative video clips and reports on the challenges facing believers in China are available at this page.

  Please remember our brothers and sisters in China and surrounding areas. Pray that the country's officials will no longer see the church as a threat to national security but rather as a positive force for the good of society as a whole. Ask God to continue overseeing the growth of His church in this part of the world, calling even those who would try to hinder religious freedom. Also pray for wisdom on behalf of the Christian leaders as they strive to carry out the Great Commission. Thankfully, He will never abandon the Godly, nor will He forsake His faithful ones (Psalm 37:28).

• Zhejiang Megachurch Bulldozed

  The demolition of Yanxia Church began on June 8, 2015. Photo: China Aid

  A government demolition programme targeting churches continues to take place in coastal Zhejiang province, with the recent destruction of a new megachurch. Yanxia Church, a state-recognized church in Wenling city, was pulled down soon after its completion, reportedly to make way for a new road. Governing officials state that the church's leaders had agreed to a compensation deal, although investigative reports indicate they were pressured into an agreement.

  Elsewhere in the province, a Christian named Zhao Lizhong has been missing since his detainment on May 9th for defending Pingyuan Church's cross. To date, more than 425 churches have been affected by the local government's ongoing "Three Rectifications and One Demolition" persecution campaign.

  Meanwhile, in Guiyang, Guizhou province, a house church was raided twice within a two-week period. Eleven Christians were detained during a raid on May 24. When other members sought advice from their lawyer, they too were detained and beaten. All have since been released. (More reports on persecution in China can be found at VOMC's Country Report.)

  Please pray for an end to the campaign of the Zhejiang provincial government to target evangelical churches. Ask the Lord to strengthen and encourage the numerous believers who've been affected by this campaign, especially those whose churches have been utterly demolished. May the congregations of this province -- and all across China -- be likened to "a town built on a hill" that's shining so brightly, its light cannot be hidden (Matthew 5:14).