Imprisoned with Serious Health Concerns

ChinaAid 28 November 2019

Hu Shigen’s baptism - Photo: ChinaAid www.chinaaid.org — Hu Shigen's baptism.
Photo: ChinaAid

Health concerns are a major issue for two Chinese Christians who have been imprisoned for their faith. Although Hu Shigen was taken into custody in July 2015, he was convicted of "subversion of state power" the following year. A photo of his baptismal ceremony was used as evidence against him, resulting in a sentence consisting of seven-and-a-half years.

While in prison, Hu suffered a heart attack, as well as other health complications. Due to the seriousness of his condition, Hu's family was promised that he would be released on medical parole. Believing that confessing to the accusations would ensure his necessary medical release, Hu pled guilty. However, despite the promise given by authorities, they refuse to release him.

The other infirmed prisoner, Ge Jueping, has been detained without a verdict for three years. Taken into custody in November 2016, as part of a mass arrest of human rights activists in Suzhou, Ge has undergone a trial but not yet received a verdict. His health has since declined severely and includes the diagnosis of cancer. Even though Ge's loved ones have expressed their concerns to officials, no response has been given.

Please intercede on behalf of these two imprisoned believers, and for their concerned family members as well. Ask God to provide each one His peace, strength and encouragement. In addition to Hu and Ge receiving the medical care they so desperately need, pray that the Lord's healing touch will be upon them both -- providing these Christian prisoners renewed health and hope. In the meantime, may the authorities be willing to not only allow them medical leave but also complete vindication from all charges and accusations.

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 state

Legal system
Based on civil law system; influenced by Soviet and continental European civil law systems

Sources: 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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