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China

• President of Chinese House Church Alliance Detained

  Pastor Zhang Mingxuan Photo fromChina Aid

  Pastor Zhang Mingxuan, the president of Chinese House Church Alliance, was detained at approximately 12:00 p.m. on June 18 along with his interpreter when he was on his way to meet with a senior European Union official, according to a June 18 report from China Aid Association. The pastor and his interpreter are being held at a Public Security Bureau office in Beijing. Since his conversion to Christianity in 1986, Pastor Zhang has been arrested, beaten and incarcerated 12 times.

  Pray for the release of the pastor and his interpreter from prison (Acts 12:5). Ask God to strengthen Chinese Christians to continue honouring God despite pressure and opposition from the authorities.

  For more information on the persecution of Christians in China,click here.

• Update on Alimujiang Yimiti's Trial

  Alimujiang Yimiti Photo fromCompass Direct

  After a trial lasting six and a half hours on May 27, Alimujiang Yimiti's case was referred back to the Public Security Bureau's prosecutors due to "insufficient evidence," according to a May 27 report from China Aid Association. A Uygur Christian, Yimiti was arrested on January 12 (click here for more details), and accused of "endangering national security." He was represented by two lawyers who were present at his trial.

  To learn more, go to theChina Country Report.

• A Prominent House Church Leader Detained

  The above notice encourages citizens throughout Xinjiang province to report "evil cult" activity, referring to house churches. Photo fromChina Aid

  Pastor Lou Yuanqi, a prominent house church leader in the town of Qingshuihe, Xinjiang province was detained at approximately 1:00 p.m. on May 16, according to a May 19 report from China Aid Association. After being interrogated for an hour in the township police station, Yuanqi was transferred to a detention centre and charged with "inciting separatism." The pastor has been previously arrested several times. This is the first instance, however, of him being placed under criminal detention which means that he will likely face a serious indictment in court.

  Pray for Pastor Yuanqi to experience the joy and peace of Christ while he suffers (Acts 5:41). Pray for Chinese house church leaders to stand in God's grace as they continue to face pressure from the authorities.

  For more information on the persecution of Christians in China,click here.

• Trial Date Set for Uygur Christian

  Alimujiang Yimiti Photo fromCompass Direct

  The trial date of Alimjiang Yimiti, a Uygur Christian who was arrested on January 12 and accused of "endangering national security" (click here for more details), has been set for May 27 in Kashi, according to a May 14 report from China Aid Association. Yimiti's wife and his two children are hoping for a fair trial that will result in his unconditional release.

  For more on persecution in China, go to theChina Country Report.

• Churches Raided, Leaders Arrested and Bible School Closed

  Photo from China Aid

  In several locations throughout China, churches were raided and several Christians were detained in recent weeks, according to reports from China Aid Association received on May 8, 12 and 14.

  On May 3, four house church leaders -- Ms. Qioa Lei (24), Ms. Wang Qin (24), Mr. Cao Guanggen and Mr. Gin -- were arrested and detained in Yantun village, Shandong province. Lei and Qin were accused of being "evil cult members." Also in Shandong, on May 8, Pastor Zhang Yongliang and his parents were detained on charges of "obstructing justice" when members of the Public Security Bureau (PSB) raided a meeting of over 30 church leaders in Qingahou city, labeling it as an "illegal gathering."

• Trial Delayed for Uygur Christian

  Alimujiang Yimiti Photo fromCompass Direct

  The trial of Alimujiang Yimiti, a Uygur Christian who was arrested on January 12 and accused of "endangering national security," (click here for more details) has been delayed, according to a May 8 report from China Aid Association. Yimiti's trial was scheduled for early April but is now set to begin in approximately two to three weeks. The delay was partly due to the need to translate court documents, which are written in Uygur, for the Han Chinese authorities handling the case.

  For more information on persecution in China, go to theChina Country Report.

• House Church Pastors Detained in Inner Mongolia

  Two house church pastors, Sun Chuan Min (27) and Sun Shi Ying (24) were detained by members of the Arong Qi Security and Religious Affairs Bureau in the city of Daqing, Inner Mongolia on May 1, according to a May 6 report from China Aid Association. Both were taken to the local police station. Officials also confiscated a video camera, books, food supplies and other items from the Daqing church.

  Pray that these pastors will be released. Pray that their passion for Christ will be the light that draws others to Jesus (Matthew 5:14-16).

  For more information on the persecution of Christians in China,click here.

• Jailed Bookstore Owner Facing New Charges

  Shi Weihan and his family Photo fromChina Aid

  Shi Weihan (37), a Chinese Christian bookstore owner who was re-arrested on March 19 on charges of "illegally" printing and distributing Christian literature, faces new charges of being a "dangerous religious element," according to an April 28 report from China Aid Association. Weihan was first arrested on November 29 and released in early January due to insufficient evidence (for more details click here). There remains concern for his health in prison as he is a diabetic and officials have refused him medical treatment.

  For more updates on Shi Weihan and the opposition facing Christians in China, go to theChina Country Report.

• Bookstore Owner Re-Arrested

  Shi Weihan and his family Photo fromChina Aid

  On November 29, Shi Weihan (37), a Christian bookstore owner, was arrested on charges of "illegally" printing and distributing Christian literature (click here for more details). In early January, he was released due to "insufficient evidence." On March 19, however, Weihan was re-arrested on the same charges, according to an April 22 report from China Aid Association. He is being held without access to his family. His wife is concerned for his health in prison as he is a diabetic.

  Learn more on the persecution of Christians in China. Go to theChina Country Report.

• Uygur Christians on Trial

  Wusiman Yiming Photo fromChina Aid

  Two Uygur Christians are currently on trial for their faith, according to an April 14 report from China Aid Association.

  In September, Wusiman Yiming was sentenced to criminal detention for "divulging State secrets" by the State Security Bureau of Southern Xinjiang in the city of Hetian. Last November, he was sentenced to two years "re-education through labour." His family hired an attorney to file an appeal, which was approved on March 20. His appeal trial is scheduled for April 16 at Kashi People's Court. There is considerable concern for Yiming's health as he suffers from malnutrition and a serious hand injury.

  Also in September, Alimujiang Yimiti, a married father of two, was charged with "illegal religious activities" and taken into custody on accusations of "subversion of the National Government and endangering national security." Officials are expected to announce Yimiti's sentence by the end of April. If convicted, he is subject to capital punishment.

  Pray that Yiming's appeal will be successful. Pray that Yimiti will not be convicted. Pray that these believers and their families will remain faithful and entrust the final outcome to the Supreme Judge (Romans 12:9-21).

  For more information on the persecution facing Christians in China,click here.