Photos: ChinaAid
On January 6th, seven members of the Early Rain Covenant Church were arrested, marking another development in the ongoing campaign against this unregistered congregation. (Previously published details relating to the arrests are available here.)
In a recent update, it was confirmed that three of the detained believers have been released on bail pending trial. One of the Christians, Liang Zhongyuan, was released on February 5th but remains under surveillance at a relative's home in Chengdu. Zhang Xinjue, the wife of Elder Li Yingqiang, was released on February 6th, along with Brother Lin.
The remaining four detainees have been formally charged with "inciting subversion of state power." Ye Fenghua and Deacon Jia Xuewei have been placed under "Residential Surveillance at a Designated Location." Elder Li Yingqiang and Preacher Dai Zhichao are currently being held at the Deyang Detention Centre.
These arrests form part of a broader campaign against the church that began in December 2018, resulting in the detainment of over 100 congregation members to date. This included the high-profile arrest and conviction of the church's lead pastor, Wang Yi. Review more reports addressing the multiple challenges encountered by this long-suffering congregation.
- Pray that God's intervention and guidance will take place in the lives of these persecuted believers – and many others across China – as they seek justice and vindication through the country's legal system.
- Continue to prayerfully uphold the members of Early Rain Covenant Church, asking the Lord to strengthen their witness as they faithfully share the Gospel message in the midst of ongoing pressures.
- Pray that believers who are presently detained in China's prisons or detention centres will seize the outreach opportunities presented to them by brightly shining the 'light of Christ' while awaiting their release from confinement.
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