Photo: ChinaAid
Pastor David Tang is the leader of the Purpose Driven Church (also known as Biaogan Church) in the city of Wenzhou. This vibrant church, which has been known to interest local young professionals and intellectuals, was forced to officially close down after refusing to join the state-sanctioned Three-Self Patriotic Movement. Since then, its congregants have continued to meet in a semi-underground manner.
Local police, joined by officers from the municipality of Shanghai, arrested Pastor David on August 5th. Also detained were the church's financial administrator and five ministry workers from Shanghai. Consequently, all seven believers were taken into custody and, at the time of compiling this report, no contact had since been established with any of them.
Due to its large Christian population, the city of Wenzhou is referred to as the "Jerusalem of China." Unfortunately, this prominence has not escaped the notice of Communist authorities, who continue to pressure churches to conform to the state's regulations and ideologies. To review previously published reports regarding the various challenges facing our Christian family in China, visit our country profile.
- Pray for the safety and well-being of these seven detained believers, asking God to provide a way for their prompt release from custody.
- Continue to prayerfully uphold the many other Christians throughout China who are facing pressures to comply with governmental demands that would compromise their faith and values, asking the Lord to strengthen and encourage them as steadfast witnesses of the Gospel.
- In addition to interceding for the eternal salvation of citizens in Wenzhou, please also ask God to move by His Spirit in the hearts of people all across China, so that multitudes more will come to faith in Jesus Christ – resulting in the ongoing powerful growth of His Kingdom amid opposition.
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