Long-Awaited Trials for Pastoral Couple

Yang Rongli and Wang Xiaoguang are a pastoral couple who have been subjected to ongoing persecution from the Communist government for many years. In 2009, they were sentenced for allegedly disrupting public order. As a result, Yang spent seven years in prison, while Wang served three years. In August 2021, the couple had been arrested again. This time, they were accused of fraud in relation to the donations received by the church from its members. After almost four years, both cases have finally gone to court, through which the husband and wife were each tried separately.

The hearing against Yang began on April 17th. Claiming that it was a sensitive case, the court insisted that the trial be non-public. Ultimately, defense lawyers were not allowed into the courtroom to represent their clients. In protest, three lawyers formally resigned from the case while a fourth publicly demonstrated outside the courtroom as a show of resistance. At last report, no information was available about the status of Yang's trial.

Wang's trial began on the morning of April 18th. According to a report from their son, the pastor refused to admit any wrongdoing. Instead, when the time came for his defense, he stood before the court and pulled out a prepared sermon from which he preached to those present. In his homily, he explained the principles of the Christian faith, including the Bible's teachings on giving. In recounting the incident, the couple's son stated, "I couldn't help laughing, but I know in my heart that this was his style."

Christians throughout China repeatedly experience opposition and accusations from governing authorities. Numerous previously published reports concerning the challenges faced by this ministerial couple, along with reports addressing the situations encountered by other persecuted believers, have been made available at our country report.

• Continue to prayerfully uphold Pastors Yang and Wang, in addition to the fellow church members who were charged along with them.
• Pray that those in the courtroom who heard the message spoken by Pastor Wang would respond with open hearts to the presented Scriptural truths and, as a result, realize their need to turn in repentance to God and receive His gift of salvation through Christ.
• Please also remember to intercede for the many Chinese believers who are presently facing opposition on numerous fronts. May justice prevail in each of their cases as well.