Continued Detention of Church Elder

ChinaAid 08 April 2021

Elder Zhang with his family - Photo: ChinaAid — Elder Zhang (centre) with his family.
Photo: ChinaAid

When Elder Zhang Chunlei, leader of the Renai Reformed Church in Guiyang, attempted to negotiate with officers after a gathering at the church was forcibly broken up on March 16th, the authorities decided to arrest him (see this report). Police followed up the arrest by searching the church leader's home, where they confiscated a computer, cell phone and other items belonging to his wife, Yang Aiqin. That same day, the homes of other church members were also raided.

When Elder Zhang's administrative detention was completed on March 28th, it was expected that he would be released. Instead, however, he was immediately transferred to criminal detention on allegations of fraud. Attempts have been made for Elder Zhang's lawyer to meet with him, but the requests have been denied by officials.

May Elder Zhang have a deep awareness of God's reassuring presence throughout his detainment, filling him with peace and fortifying his spirit. Also prayerfully uphold this Christian leader's family, including his wife Yang, as well as the congregants of his church, asking the Lord to likewise strengthen and encourage them through this time of trial. First Timothy 2:2 admonishes us to intercede for governmental authorities in order to lead 'quiet and peaceable lives in all Godliness and reverence.' We, therefore, ask the 'King of kings' and 'Lord of lords' to powerfully touch the hearts and minds of China's governing officials, so that they may honour our Almighty God through their decisions and the just, merciful treatment of His people.

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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