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China

• 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).

• Church Building Demolished in Zhejiang

  More than 425 churches have been affected by Zhejiang’s persecution campaign since early 2014. Photo: China Aid

  Shendong Church in Zhejiang was forcibly demolished on April 28th in continuation of the province-wide "Three Rectifications and One Demolition" campaign. Authorities reportedly claimed that the land on which the church was built belonged to the government. The church had previously submitted requests to the local religious affairs bureau and other government agencies, requesting that their location be approved and finalized. However, the contacted governing officials never responded to these requests.

  Following the destruction, the church's pastor then specifically contacted the government official who was in charge of the demolition and the church site's subsequent relocation. When informed that the government needed two months to find and approve a new gathering site, the church demanded that the government find a new site immediately. For the time being, the church has been meeting in a nearby clubhouse.

  The demolition occurred on the one-year anniversary of the demolition of Sanjiang Church, a mega-church in Zhejiang that was one of the first major church demolitions in the persecution campaign. (For more information on that incident, you can read our previous prayer alert.)

  Pray that, through His mysterious ways, God will use the ongoing opposition against the church in Zhejiang to advance His kingdom purposes there. Specifically, ask Him to embolden the faith of this congregation, equipping each of them to be powerful agents of His grace. May they continue meeting together for worship despite the present obstacles, while trusting God that they will soon be granted a suitable new gathering site.

  For more information on China's persecuted church, visit our Country Report.

• Workers of Church-Operated Kindergarten Jailed

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

  Three Christians were recently sentenced to two years in jail for their involvement in a church-run nursery school. Additionally, the printer who produced the "illegal" Christian textbooks for Hualin Kindergarten was sentenced to 21 months in prison. Those convicted included kindergarten director Cheng Jie; church elder Huang Quirui; and church member Li Jiato, a mother of two young children. Each of these believers was also fined.

  The four participants were convicted in late April of "illegal business operations" at Hualin Kindergarten, which is located in southern Guangxi region. The nursery was run by Liangren Church in Guangzhou whose congregation has suffered intense persecution. The church reported last year that almost its entire core staff had been detained after church members were involved in an outreach to a neighbouring region. Several kindergartens and businesses linked to the church were also raided or shut down.

  Please bring these four individuals to our Lord in prayer, asking that He surround each one of them with His peace and grace as they now face prison sentences and fines. Ask that He make a way for their early release from detention. Yet, whether imprisoned or free, may these persecuted Christians continue to serve faithfully wherever they happen to be -- telling others about the hope they have received through Christ. As a result, may their personal witness be used to effectively draw many others in China into a saving relationship with Him.

  To learn more about China's persecuted church, visit this page.

• Elderly Aid Worker Awaiting Trial

  Peter Hahn

  Peter Hahn, a 73-year old Korean-American aid worker, was arrested December 9th, 2014 on charges of embezzlement and possession of fraudulent receipts. After escaping from North Korea many years ago, he has lived and worked for over a decade in Tumen City, which is located along the border of North Korea and China. There he ran a Christian school and aid agency that provided supplies to the poor in North Korea.

  Chinese authorities began visiting Peter in April of 2014, asking questions about his life and humanitarian work. In July of that year, the police closed his vocational training school and five-storey building. In an effort to satisfy the authorities, Peter wrote a long document detailing his escape from North Korea, his move to the United States, and subsequent return to China to help those in need who were residing within his former homeland. Despite these efforts, Peter and his wife Eunice had their bank accounts frozen by authorities. Their cars and delivery truck were also confiscated.

  Peter, who maintains his innocence, is likely to face trial within months. The maximum sentence for the two crimes is 12 years in prison. In a recent interview, Eunice shared, "I never thought (my husband) would get detained; my heart beats very hard when I imagine how bad his circumstances are." She is particularly concerned for her husband's health, as he suffered two strokes last year and is diabetic. "When I was with him, I would always take care of his food and medicine," she explained. "Now he is in jail, (and) obviously they're not going to take care of his health, even though they say they have a doctor there."

  Peter's arrest came just a few months after authorities detained a Canadian couple, Kevin and Julie Garratt, who had lived in the border town of Dandong since 1984. At the time of the Garratts' arrest, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said the couple was "under investigation for suspected theft of state secrets about China's military and national defense research." The Chinese Foreign Ministry has offered no reason for the apparent crackdown on Christians working in border towns between the two countries.

  First, let us thank the Lord for the love and dedicated service demonstrated by Peter, Kevin and Julie for those in need within North Korea. As Peter and his legal team now prepare for his upcoming trial, pray that God will grant them great peace and wisdom. May the authorities involved seek justice for Peter so that the charges will be dropped and he can resume his vital ministry work.

  You can encourage Peter during his time of trial by writing him a letter. Please send your note to VOMC's office (see address in the footer of this email), and it will be forwarded on to Peter. Your notes and prayers will make a difference in this dear brother's life!

• Wenxi Li Has Been Released from Prison!

   In the December 4th edition of the Persecution & Prayer Alert, we requested prayer for the anticipated release of Wenxi Li, a Christian bookstore employee. We are pleased to announce that he was indeed released from prison on December 18th, and is reportedly in good health. For more information about Wenxi, you can read our previous alert.

• Upcoming Release of Christian Bookstore Worker!

  Wenxi Li

  Former bookstore employee, Wenxi Li, is currently scheduled for release from a Shanxi province prison on December 18th. Wenxi, who is from Beijing, had travelled to Shanxi province to help local Christians open a new bookstore. Police raided the new business and confiscated hundreds of books. On December 19, 2012, Wenxi was asked to come to the police station in order to retrieve the $6,000 worth of books that had been seized by authorities. Upon his arrival, he was immediately arrested and sent to prison. The bookstore worker was later denied bail and then sentenced to two years in prison on June 17, 2013. VOMC's initial report, which provides more details of his arrest, can be found here.

  Wenxi's family is cautiously optimistic that he will be released on schedule. Although since being transferred a few months ago to the prison where he's currently being detained, he has received better overall treatment and was even permitted to make sporadic five-minute calls to members of the family. His wife, Cai Hong Li, reports that he sounds encouraged and is in good health. She is also thankful that while in prison, Wenxi was able to share the Gospel with other inmates and, as a result, several have become Christians.

  Though Cai Hong hopes her husband will take some time to rest after his return home, she told VOM staff that he is passionate about the bookstore ministry and will likely want to return to this work as soon as he is released. She then asked for prayer for his forthcoming release and, additionally, for the improvement of her health as Wenxi's imprisonment has been very difficult on their family.

  How encouraging to receive this news of Wenxi's soon-approaching release from prison! May there be no delay of schedule concerning his release, so he can be reunited with his family in time for Christmas...a gift they will most certainly treasure this season. May the transition go smoothly, bringing needed healing and restoration to each member of his family after the ordeal they've all experienced. Let us also pray for Wenxi's friend and bookstore co-worker, Lacheng Ren, and others who are imprisoned in China for their faith. Ask the Lord to mediate on their behalf as well, while caring for them and their families throughout the legal processes. In the meantime, as in the case of Wenxi, may they have opportunities to lead many to Christ.

• Children Among 100 Christians Arrested During Service

  Police recently raided a house church similar to this one. Photo: ChinaAid

  Over 200 police officers raided a house church in Foshan City, Guangdong Province, on September 21st. More than 100 Christians, including children, were arrested in the raid which occurred during a Sunday service.

  According to local believers, the service was raided without any prior warning. Following the incident, police left behind a notice stating that the church members were detained for conducting an "illegal gathering." Most church members, including the children, were detained for 10 to 20 hours and then released. However, at the time of the report, 30 believers still remained in police custody.