Photo: John Cao via ChinaAid
In March 2017, Pastor John Cao was arrested by Chinese authorities for allegedly "organizing illegal border crossings" while conducting ministry work along the border between China and Myanmar. Sentenced to seven years in prison, he was finally released in March 2024. (For more information on the church leader's arrest, see this list.)
Following his release from prison, Pastor John hoped to return to his wife in the United States, where he holds permanent residency. However, Chinese authorities have consistently refused to grant the Christian leader a passport, preventing him from leaving the country. Now, more than one year after his release, the pastor remains unable to reunite with his wife and family, including his newborn grandson.
Reflecting on his situation, Pastor John remarked that it feels as though he left a "small prison" only to enter a "large prison." He is not alone in this experience, for many other former prisoners in China have been "exit-banned" for decades as an additional form of punishment. Despite the personal hardships he continues to endure, Pastor John expressed that he has no regrets over his ministry involvement in China. "Being able to return to China to serve the Lord is God's greatest blessing for me," he states. "Everyone, please share in my joy and continue to pray for me."
- Pray that Pastor John will be able to return to the United States and finally reunite with his long-suffering wife and family.
- In the meantime, ask the Lord to bless this church leader's continued ministry work in China, granting him and his separated family renewed patience, joy and strength each new day.
- Continue to pray for peace, endurance and courage on behalf of the many believers throughout this Communist nation who are likewise encountering difficulties and harassment because of their faith.
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