After intense international media pressure, the four American church leaders who were arrested along with thirty Chinese church leaders in Akesu city, Xinjiang on April 19 (click here for more details) were released last week, along with their translator. According to a May 2 report from China Aid Association, all five have returned home. Several Chinese church leaders, however, remain detained, including six pastors. It is suspected that the six will receive harsh sentences because of their connection with the Americans. Persecution of Christians in the Xinjiang area has reportedly been on the rise since the April 19 arrests. Americans Released, Chinese Leaders Remain Detained
After intense international media pressure, the four American church leaders who were arrested along with thirty Chinese church leaders in Akesu city, Xinjiang on April 19 (click here for more details) were released last week, along with their translator. According to a May 2 report from China Aid Association, all five have returned home. Several Chinese church leaders, however, remain detained, including six pastors. It is suspected that the six will receive harsh sentences because of their connection with the Americans. Persecution of Christians in the Xinjiang area has reportedly been on the rise since the April 19 arrests. - Current Ministry Projects
The Voice of the Martyrs Canada continues to help distribute Bibles to Christians in the country, making it possible for them to have their own printed version of God's Word. Additionally, VOMC works with various mission partners to facilitate a Biblical understanding of persecution and discipleship, while presenting ways to effectively respond and minister within the context of hostility.
Project Funds: Underground Church, Bible, Relief & Development
- Country Information
Population
1,413,142,846 (2023 est.)Ethnicity (%)
Han Chinese (91.1), ethnic minorities (8.9 - includes Zhang, Hui, Manchu, Uighur, Miao, Yi, Tujia, Tibetan, Mongol, Dong, Buyei, Yao, Bai, Korean, Hani, Li, Kazakh, Dai, and other nationalities) (2021 est.)Religion (%)
Folk religion (21.9), Buddhist (18.2), Christian (5.1), Muslim (1.8), Hindu (< 0.1), Jewish (< 0.1), other (0.7 - includes Daoist [Taoist]), unaffiliated (52.1) (2021 est.)Leader
President Xi Jinping (2013)Government type
Communist party-led stateLegal system
Based on civil law system; influenced by Soviet and continental European civil law systemsSources: CIA World Factbook
- Pray for China
Pray that the Gospel will be proclaimed throughout China without government interference so many more names can be added to the Lamb's "Book of Life." May there also be a spirit of unity demonstrated among the country's growing churches, further strengthening existing believers and spurring them on in their ministry service and evangelistic outreach within the country's numerous communities.
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China News
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Seven Christians Arrested in Cross-Provincial Operation
Pastor David Tang
Photo: ChinaAidPastor David Tang is the leader of the Purpose Driven Church (also known as Biaogan Church) in the city of Wenzhou. This vibrant church, which has been known to interest local young professionals and intellectuals, was forced to officially close down after refusing to join the state-sanctioned Three-Self Patriotic Movement. Since then, its congregants have continued to meet in a semi-underground manner.
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Criminal Charges Against Church Leadership
Church leaders in Yueyang, Hunan Province.
Photo via ChinaAidOn July 11th, police in the city of Yueyang, Hunan Province, conducted a series of coordinated raids on various house churches. (For more details regarding these incidents, see this previously posted report.) Among the targeted congregations was the Panshi Bible Church. Although most of the arrested church members were released shortly afterwards, Pastor Huang Shi Tou, along with two other believers, remained in custody.
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Displaced Church Leader Continues to Receive Threats
Zhang Mei is pictured in front centre, wearing a red scarf.
Photo: ChinaAidZhang Mei served as a lay leader in house churches across Yueyang, Hunan Province, for over 30 years. Zhang and her daughter, Li Dixuan, have since left China and are now living in Texas, where Li has married an American citizen. The mother and daughter have both applied for asylum in the United States.
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Multiple House Churches Raided
Church leaders in Yueyang, Hunan Province
Photo via ChinaAidPolice carried out coordinated raids on multiple house churches in the city of Yueyang, Hunan Province, on July 11th. Numerous church members were taken into custody for interrogation. During the detainment, the authorities collected fingerprints, DNA samples, voice recordings and written statements.
