Pastor Arrested for "Illegal Business Operations"

Pastor Huang Yizi, a prominent church leader in Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, was informed on July 30th that he had been formally charged with "illegal business practices" relating to the distribution of sermon recordings. The Christian leader and several other church members were initially taken into custody on June 26th. At the time, the reason for their arrests was unclear. (A previously published report about the arrests is available here.) However, following the recent announcement of formal charges, further information has now come to light.

In China, only government-registered churches are allowed to operate websites; and even then, all content is subject to scrutiny. Unregistered house churches encounter additional restrictions, particularly when it comes to evangelistic tools like sermon recordings. Furthermore, the government-regulated social media platform WeChat rarely allows Christian content to be shared within the country.

In the face of these challenges, some Christians have developed audio players preloaded with hymns and sermon recordings, making it easier for believers to access Biblical content. These devices are especially popular among Christians with visual impairments, as well as those who cannot attend church services. Pastor Huang and other members of his church have been charged with selling these audio players without a business permit. Yet, the church maintains that the distribution was part of their ministry outreach and not intended for profit.

At last report, Pastor Huang remains in detention, along with three of the other arrested church members. Two Christian women, Ding Liqing and Shao Haiyan, had previously been taken into custody but were granted bail on July 26th. According to Pastor Huang's wife, Lin Aili, the women appeared noticeably thinner but showed joy on their faces, testifying to God's presence with them throughout the ordeal.

• As was the case for the two released Christian women, pray that Pastor Huang and the other three church members remaining in custody will likewise experience God's peace, strength and protection as they await vindication.
• Additionally, please uphold Pastor Huang's wife, Lin Aili, and the family members of the other detained believers, praying that each one of them will be comforted and sustained as they endure separation from their loved ones in the interim.
• In general, pray for the ongoing ministry efforts of the church in China, asking the Lord to empower believers in this Communist country – specifically granting them wisdom and creativity – as they faithfully continue spreading the Gospel amid opposition.