Photo via ChinaAid
Police carried out coordinated raids on multiple house churches in the city of Yueyang, Hunan Province, on July 11th. Numerous church members were taken into custody for interrogation. During the detainment, the authorities collected fingerprints, DNA samples, voice recordings and written statements.
The interrogated Christians were asked to read a prepared statement as part of the voice-identification process. One woman with poor eyesight declined but was instead permitted to offer a prayer of blessing. According to the wife of Pastor Huang Lei, Bibles and Christian books were also confiscated during the raids. Some of those questioned are concerned that the incidents could potentially jeopardize their positions of employment.
Most of those taken in for interrogation were released within 48 hours. However, at last report, six church leaders and ministry workers currently remain in detention. For more information on the mistreatment of followers of Jesus in China, including access to previously posted video recordings, go to our country profile.
- Pray that God's protection, strength and peace will rest upon the members of these raided churches as they face the possibility of further repercussions for their faith in Christ.
- Ask the Lord to encourage and sustain the six believers remaining in detainment, granting them wisdom, courage and hope as they await their hopeful soon release and the opportunity to be reunited with their loved ones.
- May our persecuted Christian brothers and sisters throughout China remain steadfast in their witness – all the while, reflecting God's love, truth and grace to those around them.
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