Photo: ChinaAid
Ding Xing'an, who was in his forties when he came to faith in Christ during 2022, left a managerial position in Hainan Province. In addition, his wife resigned from her role there as a teacher. Together, the couple returned to their hometown of Pingxiang, where they established a house church that ministered to the special needs of senior citizens, as well as those living with illnesses or disabilities. Over time, the congregation also began attracting younger people, eventually expanding to two meeting locations that encompassed a total attendance of about 80 believers.
On October 18th, approximately 40 armed police officers raided both house church sites, detaining 27 Christians during the ordeal. All but two of the believers were later released. On October 20th, the families of Ding Xing'an and his coworker, Liang Youping, received notices informing them that the two church leaders were placed in criminal detention.
At the time of compiling this report, local authorities had not issued a public statement regarding the arrests, nor did they disclose any further details about the legal proceedings. It is possible that the church leaders were arrested for reportedly "illegally crossing the national border" in connection with a trip that Ding and others had made this past September to Indonesia where they attended a week-long theological training course.
Similar charges were filed against Pastor An Yankui and others for attending a conference in Malaysia during 2020. (See this report for details.) Each of these believers subsequently received prison sentences ranging from six to 12 months. To learn more about the persecution of Christians in China, go to our country profile.
- Pray that all the legal proceedings conducted on behalf of Ding Xing'an and Liang Youping will be done fairly and justly; and that, throughout the process, these Christian leaders will remain deeply aware of God's strengthening presence.
- Also remember the families of these detained leaders during this difficult time of separation, praying that they too will be further strengthened and comforted as the Lord faithfully provides for their daily spiritual, practical and emotional needs.
- Prayerfully uphold the members of their church congregation, asking God to likewise sustain these believers' faith, guide their decisions, and enable them to continue ministering boldly – so they can victoriously thrive amid the challenges of governmental oppression.
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