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China

• Update: Human rights lawyer missing again

  Gao last seen with his family in January 2009 Photo from ChinaAid

  Gao Zhisheng, a Christian human rights lawyer released by Chinese officials on April 6 (click here for more information), has again gone missing. Gao -- initially seized from his home in Shaanxi province on February 4, 2009 and held incommunicado by security officials for 13 months -- was permitted to phone family members and colleagues in late March. Officials finally returned him to his Beijing apartment in April. Gao reportedly intended to travel to Urumqi within days of his release to visit his in-laws, and witnesses saw him leaving his apartment and getting into a vehicle parked outside his building sometime between April 9 and 12. Gao's father-in-law reportedly confirmed that Gao arrived at his home with an escort of four police officers but spent just one night there before police took him away again. Gao phoned his father-in-law shortly before he was due to board a flight back to Beijing on April 20. He promised to call again after returning home but failed to do so.

  Bob Fu, President of VOM partner ChinaAid, has stated that Gao is "definitely in the hands of Chinese security forces." He believes that international pressure forced authorities to allow Gao a brief re-appearance to prove that he was alive before officials seized him again to prevent information leaking out about his experiences over the past year. (Source: Compass Direct)

  Thank the Lord that He knows the whereabouts and conditions of Gao and that He is caring for him. If Gao is detained, pray that authorities will soon release him. Pray for Gao's wife and children during these uncertain times.

  Click here to find out more about persecution in China.

• Update: Family finally allowed visit imprisoned Uyghur church leader

  Alimujiang Yimiti and his family Photos from ChinaAid

  On April 20, the family of Uyghur house church leader Alimujiang Yimiti was allowed to visit with him for the first time since his arrest in January 2008. Alimujiang was sentenced in October 2009 to 15 years' imprisonment for "providing state secrets to overseas organizations" (click here for more information). Alimujiang's wife, Gulinuer, their two sons, and his mother and sister were only able to talk for 15 minutes by phone through a glass barrier. The family reported that Alimujiang was noticeably thinner but in "good spirits." Officials have now granted Gulinuer and other close family members permission to visit him once a month. (Source: ChinaAid)

  Enraged by the injustice they have faced, Gulinuer and her mother-in-law, Wushueran, are urging the international community to demand Alimujiang's release. The Voice of the Martyrs encourages you to stand with this family by signing a petition from our partner, ChinaAid. By raising our voices in petition for Alimujiang Yimiti, we the international community can build a brighter, more peaceful future for China and for the world. Add your voice to the thousands around the globe calling for justice today! To sign the petition, learn more details on Alimujiang's case and discover other ways to get involved, please visit www.FreeAlim.com.

  Praise God that Alimujiang was able to visit with his family. Pray that authorities will continue to allow this family to meet together. Pray that Alimujiang will be released. Pray that, in all things, he and his family will look to Christ for strength.

  For more information about persecution in China,click here.

• Update: Pastor released early from detention

  Pastor Dou's friends gather to pray outside the prison Photo from ChinaAid

  Pastor Dou Shaowen, who was sentenced to one year of re-education through labour on June 14, 2009, was released early from detention on April 17. Pastor Dou was arrested after government officials forcibly abolished and sealed up his house church in Zhengzhou city, Henan province (click here for more information). Pastor Dou reportedly lost 38 pounds due to the extreme conditions he faced in the camp, including being forced to work 18 hours a day and sleeping in a room with over 70 other prisoners. (Source: ChinaAid)

  Praise God that Pastor Dou has been released early from prison. Ask God to bring healing to his body as he recovers. Pray that Pastor Dou will remain steadfast in the faith (1 Peter 5:8-10).

  Click here to learn more about the plight of believers in China.

• Update: Christian human rights lawyer released

  Photo from ChinaAid

  Christian human rights lawyer Gao Zhisheng, who was kidnapped by state security agents in February 2009, has been released from the guarded location in Shanxi province where he was being held by authorities. Gao was recently confirmed to be alive following months of rumours that he had died at the hands of authorities (click here for more information). On April 6, Gao informed ChinaAid President Bob Fu that he had returned to his apartment in Beijing. He reportedly sounded weak on the phone and said he had been recovering from a "racking cough," but did not give any further details of his health or treatment in jail.

  On April 7, Gao told reporters that he will cease his legal activism in the hopes of reuniting with his wife and children, who escaped to the United States in March 2009. In response, Bob Fu stated, "Gao Zhisheng is a man of integrity and heart. Facing such enormous pressure and knowing that his family needs him, he has chosen to fulfill his duty as a father to his children, and husband to his wife." He added, "Gao Zhisheng and his family have suffered deeply from the long separation. Despite the persecution, he continues to trust the Lord." (Source: ChinaAid)

  Praise the Lord that Gao has been released! Pray that he will soon be reunited with his family. Pray that Gao will keep his eyes on Jesus, persevere in his faith and not grow weary or lose heart (Hebrews 10:32-39; Hebrews 12:1-3).

  To learn more about the plight of Chinese Christians,click here. A video news conference on Gao's release from VOMC partners, ChinaAid and Release International, is available on our multimedia website.

• Update: Authorities reject Uyghur Christian's appeal

  Alimujiang Yimiti and his family Photos from ChinaAid

  On March 16, The People's High Court of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region rejected an appeal from Alimujiang Yimiti (37), a Uyghur house church leader. Alimujiang was sentenced in October 2009 to 15 years' imprisonment for "providing state secrets to overseas organizations" (click here for more information).

  One of his lawyers, Li Dunyong, believes Alimujiang's Muslim background is a large issue in the case. Another of his lawyers, Li Baiguang, reported, "We are fairly sure that there are a lot of factors which are totally outside the law that have influenced the investigation of this case. This is very clear from the procedures that were followed within the courts and from the final decision." (Source: Radio Free Asia)

  Pray that Alimujiang, his wife and their two sons will rest in the knowledge that the Good Shepherd walks with them through this difficult time (Psalm 23). Pray for protection and strength for Alimujiang while in detention. Pray that authorities will act justly in this case and that Alimujiang will be released soon.

  For more on suffering believers in China,click here.

• Christian activist abducted

  Shen Peilan Photo from ChinaAid

  A well-known Chinese Christian activist from Shanghai has been abducted by government officials for the second time in recent weeks.

  Shen Peilan, a seasoned campaigner against government corruption, has not been seen since she was seized on March 24, the same day officials from the Bureau of Letters and Petitions raided her home twice. On their first attempt, they were deterred by police who were summoned by Shen's family. However, officials succeeded in abducting her in a later raid after the police had gone.

  Shen was still recovering from an earlier abduction on March 7, when she was held without a warrant and interrogated by officers from the same bureau for nine days. When church friends reported her missing, lawyers and activists managed to track her down at a hotel in Songjiang and police intervened to free her. Shen had been travelling to Beijing to protest against her house being demolished by local officials earlier this year. Chinese local government officials do not have the power to make arrests unless sanctioned by a higher authority. (Sources: ChinaAid, Release International)

  Pray for the safety and immediate release of Shen. Pray that Shen will not be fearful but trust God (Revelation 2:10). Pray that authorities in China will respect religious freedom.

  You can learn more about the persecuted Church in China by visiting theChina Country Report.

• Update: Missing Christian confirmed alive

  Photo from ChinaAid

  Gao Zhisheng, a Christian human rights lawyer who has endured much persecution from authorities in recent years (read the story), was confirmed to be alive on March 28 following months of rumours that he had died at the hands of authorities. Over the phone, Gao informed media reporters that he had been released from detention six months ago and had taken up residence at Wutai Shan mountain, a Buddhist landmark in northern Shanxi province. He refused to give details about his condition, saying he could not legally give interviews. The conversations were the first official contact he had with the public since his abduction by police on February 4, 2009. Gao's close friend, fellow human rights lawyer Li Heping, also confirmed he had spoken with Gao, saying: "It's certainly him. I spoke to him over the phone. I could tell from the way he spoke and the way he spoke to me that it's him." When Li asked to visit, Gao refused to give him details on his whereabouts, saying he had "friends around him" -- indicating he is being held under close surveillance by Chinese authorities. Gao's wife, Geng He, and his two children were overjoyed by the opportunity to also speak with him on the phone. Geng He expressed her hope that her husband would soon be able to rejoin his family in the United States. The pressure on Geng He and the family has reportedly intensified during Gao's imprisonment. (Source: ChinaAid)

  Thank the Lord that Gao has been confirmed alive after so many months of mystery and concern. Pray that he will be reunited with his family members soon. Pray for safety and guidance for him and for his family in this time.

  Find out more about the plight of Chinese Christians at theChina Country Report.

• Update: Christian lawyer reportedly missing

  Gao Zhisheng and his family Photo from ChinaAid

  Since mid-December 2009, rumours have circulated about the condition of Gao Zhisheng, a Christian human rights lawyer who has endured much persecution from authorities (click here for more information). The official who originally detained Gao in February 2009 recently told Gao's brother, Zhiyi, that Gao allegedly "went missing while out on a walk" on September 25. This is the first time a Chinese government official has hinted that they no longer have Gao in their custody, raising fears that his condition has taken a turn for the worse. Unconfirmed reports suggest that he may have died following brutal torture in prison. However, the Chinese government has refused to officially comment on his whereabouts. Bob Fu, the President of VOMC partner ChinaAid, said of the new development: "We have every reason to suspect that the Chinese government has something very serious to hide. Gao's family has every right to know what happened to him. It is unbelievable that a high security prisoner would go missing while 'out on a walk,' without suspecting that there is a major cover up of his condition."

  Gao's wife was visibly upset upon hearing the news of his alleged disappearance and his young daughter, Gege, has allegedly been pale and fatigued for months due to concern for her father. After hearing a rumour just before Christmas that her father was dead, Gege became so distraught that she was forced to be hospitalized. At last report, she was receiving care at a hospital in New York. (Source: ChinaAid)

  Pray that Gao's whereabouts will be made known and that Chinese authorities will act with integrity in this situation. Pray that Gao's family will trust in the Lord to sustain, strengthen and comfort them.

  To learn more about the persecution of Chinese Christians,click here.

• Christians attacked and detained

  There were several incidents of attacks on Christians by Chinese authorities in recent weeks.

  On December 25, Chinese authorities disrupted a Christmas celebration in Korla City, Xinjiang province and arrested several elderly Christians. One of the believers, Wang Qiuyue (71), was seized roughly and thrown against a police car. Her furniture was then set on fire as she looked on. Authorities also broke into the home of He Cuiying (69), who is half-paralyzed and confined to her bed, and set fire to 30 Bibles and other religious literature.

  On the afternoon of January 8, 30 leaders of the Chinese House Church Alliance were detained in Handan City, Hebei province after a group of officers from the Public Security and Religious Affairs Bureaus barged into their Bible study. The 30 men and women were then forcefully taken to an unknown interrogation centre within the city. At last report, the authorities were threatening some of the detained pastors with 15 days of administrative detention. (Source: ChinaAid)

  Pray for the release of the detained Christians. Pray the elderly believers will rest in the knowledge that the Good Shepherd is with them through their sufferings (Psalm 23). Pray that religious freedom will be respected in Xinjiang, Hebei and throughout China.

  To learn more about the persecution of Christians in China,click here.

• Update: Church leader given severe prison sentence

  Alimujiang Yimiti and his family Photos from ChinaAid

  Alimujiang Yimiti (36), a Uyghur Chinese house church leader who was arrested and imprisoned in January 2008 (click here for more information), has received a 15-year prison sentence for allegedly "providing state secrets to overseas organizations." The verdict, which stunned Yimiti's lawyers and family members, was read to him in prison on October 27. One of Yimiti's lawyers, Li Dunyong, has reportedly filed an appeal on his behalf. Li Dunyong also stated that Yimiti's Muslim background was a factor in his legal battle, stating, "The whole case is about religious faith issues which are being used against [him] for his conversion from Islam to Christianity, by biased law enforcement agents, prosecutors and the court." (Source: ChinaAid)

  Pray that Yimiti will continue to draw near to his Heavenly Father amid his trials. Pray for Yimiti's wife and children, who are suffering many challenges in his absence.

  For more on the suffering of Chinese Christians, go to theChina Country Report.