Two Preachers Arrested for Alleged Fraud

ChinaAid, International Christian Concern 13 October 2022

Three adults and a child inside a building, using a chalkboard. — Inside the Linfen Covenant House Church.
Photo: ChinaAid

On August 19th, 70 members of the Linfen Covenant House Church were enjoying an outdoor family camp when more than 100 police officers suddenly appeared, taking everyone into custody, before they were eventually released. Preacher Li Jie and Preacher Han Xiaodong were detained on suspicion of fraud a few days later. Formal notice of the charges was presented to their wives on September 23rd. Li Jie's wife, Li Shanshan, had also been arrested but was released on bail September 6th and reunited with their two children.

According to a letter from church members, many believers belonging to the house church have been summoned to the local police station in the officials' efforts to find evidence of fraud against the spiritual leaders. Allegations of fraud against unregistered places of worship are common in China – including accusations of offerings being taken illegally. To read additional reports addressing the persecution of Christians in China, go to our country report.

Pray that the allegations against these church leaders will be dropped. Ask the Lord to grant strength, perseverance and wisdom to all the members of the Linfen Covenant House Church who are continuing to face threats and oppression by governing authorities. As believers who are currently imprisoned throughout China await their own release, may they receive divinely appointed opportunities to share the life-changing message of the Gospel with fellow prisoners, as well as their captors.

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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