Pastor John Cao Blocked from Leaving China

Mission Network News, ChinaAid 29 August 2024

John Cao is holding up a sign with Chinese lettering. — Pastor John Cao holds a sign that reads: "I am a Chinese
citizen, and I love my country, but I don't have an ID card."
Photo: ChinaAid

After serving seven years in a Chinese prison, Pastor John Cao was finally released on March 4th of this year (see this page). Despite his release from custody, the Christian leader is not truly free, as the authorities are refusing to give him an ID card and passport. According to Todd Nettleton from the Voice of the Martyrs USA, an ID card is required for most transactions in China – whether it involves travel or making a doctor's appointment. "You can be arrested if the police ask you for an ID card and you don't have one," he explains.

Pastor Cao is a Chinese citizen who also happens to be a permanent resident of the United States. Since his release, the pastor would like to return to the United States where his wife is residing, but he has repeatedly been blocked from doing so. The Christian man also remains under constant surveillance. For other reports addressing Christian persecution in China, including previously published information regarding Pastor Cao, go to our country profile.

Pray that God will work mightily within the hearts of governing officials, allowing Pastor Cao to receive the necessary documentation so he can be reunited with his wife in the United States. May those monitoring the activities of this Christian leader witness the love and hope of the Gospel through his dedicated life and, as a result, come to faith in Jesus. Finally, pray that God's provision, protection and encouragement will sustain Pastor Cao and the many other harassed believers in China – including those remaining imprisoned for their Christian faith – as they continue to serve the Lord despite the opposition they receive from members of the Communist government.

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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