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China

• Update on Church Destruction

  Photo from video byChina Aid Association. Video can be viewed atwww.vomcanada.com

  The July 31 Special Edition Persecution and Prayer Alert reported on the destruction of a large unregistered church building in China and the arrest of many of those present. According to recent reports from China Aid Association, fifty of the believers were still detained on August 2. The location of four of them was unknown. On August 3, three more Christian leaders from the Xiaoshan area were arrested and the local authorities were threatening large fines against any company associated with the construction of the building.

  China Aid Association has obtained a short video clip, showing some of the destruction of the church building. To view the video, go to VOMC's multimedia website, www.vomcanada.com.

• House Church Destroyed, Hundreds Beaten

  Che Lu Wan Church Building Prior to Destruction on July 29, 2006

  This afternoon (July 31, 2006) The Voice of the Martyrs in Canada learned from our partner, China Aid Association (CAA) that on the afternoon of July 29, a large house church building in Che Lu Wan Village, Dangshan Town, Xiaoshan District, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province was destroyed and many Christians were arrested and wounded during the confrontation. According to CAA, eyewitness reported that the destruction of the church building started at 2:30 PM, July 29. Several thousand anti-riot police, military police and government workers along with three hundred military vehicles arrived and surrounded the church building while 10,000 House Church Christians were praying in the building. The church has been under construction since July 17, 2006 and was almost complete when it was destroyed.

  According to CAA, eyewitnesses reported that the police used "electric shock batons and anti-riot shields to disperse thousands of Christians. Several hundred Christians were observed to be beaten and some were arrested and taken away by police while they attempted to protect their church building. According to a reliable source from the house church there, on July 28th, the Xiaoshan District government declared the church building 'illegal' because it was built without government permission and asked the Christians to voluntarily destroy it. This church building was on private land purchased by a local Christian couple."

  Sources from both the government and the church told CAA that the local government has repeatedly denied the Christian believers' formal request to build a church, even though they have met all the requirements.

  Please pray for those who were injured and arrested in the confrontation. The Hong Kong-based Information Centre for Human Rights and Democracy reports that twenty people were hurt, including four who were seriously injured. Pray for the release of those who were arrested.

  We would also urge you to protest the destruction of this church property and the excessive use of police force. Please call and/or write to:

  Secretary XI Jinping, Party General Secretary of Zhejinag Province
  Tel: +86-571-7052463
  Address: No. 1, Sheng Fu Lu, Xihu District, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province (Zip code: 310025)

  Ms. Wu Aiying, Minister of Ministry of Justice of PRC
  Tel: +86-10-65205114
  Fax: +86-10-64729863
  Address: No. 10, Nan Da Jie, Chaoyangmen, Beijing City (Zip Code: 100020)

  His Excellency Shumin Lu, Ambassador
  Embassy of the People's Republic of China
  515 St. Patrick Street
  Ottawa, Ontario K1N 5H3
  Tel: (613) 789-3434,3513

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

• Multiple Police Raids and Detentions

  According to reports received by The Voice of the Martyrs, a group of Christians were returning from Sunday worship in a home in Langzhong, Sichuan Province on June 27, a police car, a van and three motorcycles suddenly blocked their way. Without showing identification, the officers forced eight believers into their vehicle and took them to the Public Security Office in Baoma Town for interrogation.  Hearing of the detention, several house church leaders went to ask for an explanation. Four of them, Li Ming, Jin Jirong, Wang Yuan and Li Hongbo, were detained. When three local believers went to the Public Security Office to visit them, they found 66-year-old Jin Jirong's feet injured. When they questioned authorities about the apparent abuse, they were arrested on false charges ranging from assaulting a police officer to interfering with the performance of an officer's duty. All three have since been released. At last report, Li Ming, Wang Yuan, Li Mingbo and Jin Jirong were still detained and have likely been sent to labour camps for "re-education."

  According to reports from China Aid Association, a house church in the village of Guo, Zhu Ma Dian City in the Chinese province of Henan was raided by Public Security Bureau officers while they were worshipping on July 19. More than sixty Christians were interrogated for several hours before being released.

  Two days later in Shen Fan village of the city of Anlu in Hubei province, six police officers raided a home where forty-three Christians had met for fellowship. The officers searched the home, confiscated Christian books and took twenty of the Christians to the local police station. Some were released later that afternoon, but eight were given ten to fifteen days' detention. Those still in custody are: Brother Sun Yaozhou, Brother He Luohua, Brother Wang Dayou, Brother Fang Aiwen, Sister Huang Zhiying, Sister Fang Mingzhen, Sister Hu Yuzhen and Sister Zhang Jianfang.

  Pray for the physical healing of those who have been injured. Pray for the release of those who are detained. Pray that the gospel will spread even more as a result of the suffering they face (Philippians 1:12-14). As the Holy Spirit works through them, pray that Christians in China will rejoice in the victory that is theirs through the crucified and risen Christ.  Pray that God would be glorified as they steadfastly fix their eyes on what is eternal (2 Corinthians 4). Pray that you will be faithful to walk beside them in love, prayer and encouragement (Hebrews 13:3).

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

• New Wave of Arrests

  Detention paper issued by Langzhong City PSB, Sichuan province

  A prominent evangelical house church leader, Wang Jinhua, along with her husband, Xu Jinfu, and their eight-year-old son, Xu Enze, were arrested on July 11 in Jilin City, China. The boy was released after church members appealed to the authorities on his behalf. Xu Jinfu was released on July 14, but Wang Jinhua has been transferred to the Baishan Prison after three days and nights of interrogation.

  According to China Aid sources, Wang was questioned about her relationship to the Three-Grade Servant group, a controversial religious sect whose leader was sentenced to death on July 5. Wang was a former leader in the group but left ten years ago.

  China Aid has also learned of several other arrests in recent days in the provinces of Henan and Sichuan. On July 9, fifteen house church leaders were arrested at the Nanuan House Church in Nanyang City, Henan. According to eyewitnesses, twenty Public Security Bureau (PSB) officers broke down the door and confiscated the church offering box and the sound system. Four of those arrested were released later that day. At last report, however, eleven others were still in custody, accused of engaging in "evil cult" activities. Those in custody are Liu Wanlong, Wang Jie, Chen Tongqing, Chen Guangzhou, Chen Guangzhi, Zhang Wei, Xiao Qin (family name not available), Xiao Fei (family name not available), Duan Xiaotong and his wife. When Chen Tongqing's wife and son went to the detention center to look for Chen, both were beaten by the prison police. Chen's son was forced to return home and gather his father's Bibles and other Christian literature and turn them over to the police.

  In Langzhong City, Sichuan, two house church leaders were arrested on July 6 and accused of being "evil cult" leaders. Dan Wei and his wife, Xiao Tianmin, were leading a Bible study when four PSB officers raided the home and arrested them.

  Pray that the ongoing spate of arrests will serve to strengthen the determination of believers throughout China to remain true to the Lord (Acts 4:29-31). Pray that those who are still incarcerated and may be facing physical suffering will remain faithful under pressure. Ask God to strengthen the young believers to follow in the example that has been passed down to them by their leaders (1 Corinthians 4:9-14, 16). Pray that God would bring verses of Scripture to mind that will comfort the prisoners and their families during these trying times (Psalm 119:49-56). Continue to pray that the Chinese government will recognize the basic human right to worship as one chooses.

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

• Prominent House Church Leader Sentenced

  Despite serious illness, Pastor Zhang Rongliang has been sentenced to seven and a half years in prison. Although the verdict came on June 29, Zhang was not informed of the sentence until July 4. Zhang is the leader of the underground house church movement, China for Christ, which has more than ten million members. He is accused of obtaining a passport through cheating and "illegal border crossing" related to speaking trips to various countries around the world. He has previously served a total of twelve years in prison since his conversion to Christianity in 1969. His story has been featured in a number of books, as well as the video documentary, "Jesus in Beijing," available through VOMC's online catalog.

  Pray that Pastor Zhang will receive the medical attention he needs. Ask God to give him particular strength to remain steadfast in the midst of the challenges he endures (1Peter 5:8-10). Pray that whether in or out of prison, God's people will be emboldened to share the gospel (Ephesians 6:19).

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

• Pastor Arrested for Printing Bibles

  A well-known Chinese house church pastor was formally arrested on May 26 for illegally printing and distributing Bibles and other Christian literature. According to China Aid Association, Pastor Wang Zaiqing (43) is being held in the Number One Detention Center of Huainan City on charges of "being involved in illegal business practices." He has been detained since April 28.

  Wang became a Christian in 1993 and is a respected church planter and preacher despite suffering the effects of a crippling disease he contracted at the age of five. He has been involved in printing Bibles and literature for free distribution to meet the needs of a rapidly growing Church in China.

  Pastor Lui Yuhua was arrested on the same charges on April 26 in Shandong Province (click here for more details). Pastor Cai Zhuohua was arrested in Beijing on similar charges in September 2004 and is presently serving three years in prison.

  Pray that Bibles and Christian literature will continue to be delivered throughout China so that lives may be changed through the Word of God (Psalm 119:33-48). Ask the Lord to protect Wang from harm during his incarceration. Pray that God will work in the hearts of the authorities to release him soon (II Corinthians 1:9-11). Pray that he and Pastors Lui Yuhua and Cai Zhuohua will rejoice that they are heirs together with Christ through their sufferings (Romans 8:16, 17).

  For more information on the persecution facing Christians in China, see theChina Country Profile.

• Twenty-Eight Christians Detained in House Church Raid

  On June 8, China Aid Association reported on the arrest of twenty-eight Christians in Henan Province, China on May 28. As the church members were worshiping in the home of Ms. Chen Xuelan in Xiguan Ma Jia Chang, Public Security Bureau officers raided the meeting and took them into custody. That evening, all but five were released. Ms. Liu Yuemei was released on June 1 after her family paid a fine of 1600 Yuan ($220 CAD). Ms. Chang Xinhong (35) was released a week later after she promised to pay her fine in cash. Those remaining in custody are Ms. Chen Xuelan (58), Ms. Cao Yan (55) and Pastor Li Shunmin (52).

  During the raid, officers presented no documentation authorizing the raid or the confiscation of Bibles and notebooks. The Christians intend to file a legal appeal. Two prominent human rights lawyers, Dr. Li Baiguang and Dr. Fan Yafeng, have agreed to represent them.

  Pray that Ms. Chen, Ms. Cao and Pastor Li will be released soon (II Corinthians 1:9-11). Pray that Dr. Li and Dr. Fan will be able to adequately represent the Christians affected by this latest raid. Ask God to protect the individuals in prison and that they would continue to share Christ with those around them, wherever they may be (I Peter 5:1-4).

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

• Numerous House Church Leaders Arrested Since late April, Chinese authorities have arrested at least a dozen pastors and house church leaders according to a May 15 report from China Aid Association.

  On April 26 in Shandong Province, Pastor Liu Yuhua was arrested and accused of "being involved in illegal business practices." Authorities have also seized his bank account and 8600 Yuan ($1200 CDN) in cash. Pastor Liu has been printing and distributing Bibles and Christian literature for fellow believers free of charge in order to meet the needs of the rapidly growing church in the region.  In 2005, Pastor Cai Zhuohua was sentenced to three years in prison for a similar "crime."

  On May 10, eleven pastors and house church leaders were arrested in Sugian City, Jiangsu Province after security officers broke up a Bible study in the home of Pastor Cai Zhirong. Approximately sixty Christians were in attendance at the time. According to eye-witness reports, police used electric shock batons on anyone who resisted arrest.  Cui Rongbo, a South Korean pastor who was present at the meeting, was among those arrested. He was released later that day, along with his two translators, but was ordered to leave China within forty-eight hours.

  Pray that Christians in China will be enabled to rejoice in their afflictions as they look forward to the time when Christ's glory will be revealed (1 Peter 4:12-13). Pray that these leaders will be released (2 Corinthians 1:10-11). Pray that the passion for Christ which these Chinese believers have will continue to be the light that draws others to Jesus (Matthew 5:14).

  For more information on the persecution of Christians in China, go to the China Country Profile.

• Government Controlled Church Ordains Bishop Against Vatican Wishes

  The government-sanctioned Catholic Church in China has ordained Ma Yingling as bishop of Kunming despite strong Vatican objections. In response, the Chinese government has issued warnings to the Vatican to not interfere. A spokesman for China's Foreign Ministry was quoted in a Hong Kong newspaper saying, "The Vatican mustn't interfere in China's internal affairs, including interfering in domestic matters in the name of religion."

  In recent months, relations between the Vatican and the Chinese government seemed to have been improving, as evidenced by the appointment of Anthony Dang Mingyan as an auxiliary bishop of Xian; an appointment approved by the Vatican.  The appointment of Ma, who has been a strong leader in the state-run church, would seem to signal a hardening of the Chinese government against the Vatican. VOMC spokesman, Glenn Penner said, "Governments have no right to interfere in the appointment of church leadership regardless of denomination. These actions by the Chinese government illustrate yet again the myth of genuine religious freedom in China. We call upon government and business leaders to seriously consider the ethics of partnering with a government that so blatantly violates basic human rights."

  Pray that Christians in China will be free to worship and order their church affairs without government interference. Pray for church leaders in China who continue to serve the Lord despite growing opposition.

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

• Bishop Julius Jia Zhiguo Released From Detention

  Bishop Julius Jia Zhiguo of Zhengding has been released after five months of detention but remains under house arrest, according to an April 26 report from Zenit. Bishop Zhiguo was taken by authorities for a "study session" on November 8 (click here for the story).  It was the eighth detention for the 71-year-old bishop since January 2004.  He was transferred to house arrest on April 19, coinciding with Chinese President Hu Jintao's visit to the United States.