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China

• Four House Church Leaders Released

  On August 6, nine house church leaders were given "re-education through labour" sentences ranging from 12 to 18 months for being involved in an "evil cult organization" after they were found worshipping together in Hubei province (click here for more details). According to a January 18 report from China Aid Association, four of these believers were released on January 8 after the Hubei Provincial Re-Education through Labour Administration Committee repealed the decision made by the Re-Education through Labour Administration Committee of Enshi Autonomous Region. The four released leaders are: Mr. Wang Caizhang (34), Mr. Ma Zhao (35), Mr.Yang Situan (39) and Mr. Du Dongliang (32). Three female leaders remain detained. Two others are currently serving their sentences at home due to medical reasons.

  For more on the persecution of Christians in China, go to the China Country Report.

• Church Leaders Face Criminal Detention

  Tian Jian Photo from China Aid

  Two highly-respected house church leaders face criminal detention following a raid on a church service in Jiuquan City, Gansu Province on December 20, according to a January 8 report from China Aid Association. Su Dean and Tian Min-ge were arrested while conducting a service along with a co-worker, Wang Hongliang. The three leaders were arraigned on charges of "gathering in an illegal assembly under the guise of religion." Wang was released after fifteen days, but Tian and Su's penalties were elevated to criminal detention on January 5. Seventy-one-year-old Tian Min-ge (also known as Tian Jian), is being held at the Fangcheng County Public Security Bureau in Henan.

  Pray for strength for Tian and Su, as they serve their Lord in prison. Pray that they will be released soon. Pray for Christians in China as they continue to minister for the Lord despite the on-going oppression that they face. Pray that the recent commitments to increased religious liberty by the Chinese Communist Politburo will be more than empty promises.

  For more information on the persecution of Christians in China,click here.

• Christian Bookstore Owner Released

  Shi Weihan and his family Photo fromChina Aid

  Shi Weihan, a Christian bookstore owner who was detained in late November on charges of "illegally" printing and distributing Christian literature (click here for more details), was released on bail on January 4 in China. According to a January 7 report from China Aid Association (CAA), two dozen others who were detained on charges associated with his case were also released unconditionally. Weihan is reportedly in relatively good health.

  Chinese officials decided against a formal trial for Weihan, dismissing all charges against him due to "insufficient evidence." It is evident that international pressure was instrumental in his release. "The Chinese government has made a positive step in the right direction regarding this case," said CAA President Bob Fu. "This is a clear victory of rule of law and international intervention."

  Praise God for Shi Weihan's release. Pray for other Chinese believers still in detention for their Christian activities.

  To learn more on the persecution of Christians in China, go to theChina Country Report.

• Christian Bookstore Owner Arrested

  Mr. Shi Weihan (37) has been held in an unknown location without formal charges since November 28 when he was arrested by police after twenty members of the Public Security Bureau raided his Christian bookstore near the Olympic Village in Beijing. According to a December 7 report from China Aid Association, some of his employees, his younger brother and his wife were also arrested during the raid but have since been released. Weihan has not been allowed to see his family and has been denied access to a lawyer. He is diabetic and there is considerable concern for his health since he is without medication. Weihan's wife and two daughters have gone into hiding. They fear that threatened reprisals against them could be used as an interrogation tactic against Weihan before legal representation can be arranged.

  Pray for safety for Weihan's family. Pray that Weihan will stand firm in his faith and trust in Christ during this time (2 Cor 1:8-9). Pray that he will receive the health care needed. Pray for his release.

  For more information on the persecution facing China's Christians,click here.

• House Church Pastors Arrested for ''Illegal'' Religious Meeting

  A house church meeting Photo fromChina Aid

  At approximately 1:30 p.m. on December 7, Chinese police arrested 270 house church pastors gathered for a Bible study meeting in Linyi, Shandong, according to a December 10 report from China Aid Association. The police, who claimed that the pastors were attending an "illegal religious meeting," handcuffed the pastors two-by-two and took them to the local police station for questioning. At last report, at least 120 pastors remained in custody.

  Pray that these believers will be able to rejoice in knowing that it is a privilege to suffer for Christ's sake (1 Peter 2:20-21). Pray for the release of those still imprisoned. Ask God to enable Chinese Christians to boldly serve Him, despite ongoing opposition to their faith.

  For more information on the persecution of Christians in China,click here.

• Catholic Priest and Seminarian Detained

  Father Zeng Zhongliang, rector of the Yujiang diocese seminary in Jiangxi, China and one of the seminary students, Wang Bin, were arrested on November 25.

  According to a November 27 report from AsiaNews, the arrests followed a diocese meeting organized by Zeng on behalf of Bishop Thomas Zeng Jingmu, who is presently under house arrest. Police had attempted to raid the meeting but it had already adjourned before they arrived.

  Pray for strength and courage for Zeng and Wang as they endure prison because of their faith. Pray for the many religious prisoners presently in Chinese labour camps and detention centres or under house arrest.

  For more information on the persecution facing Christians in China,click here.

• Forty House Church Leaders Arrested

  Forty leaders of the China Gospel Fellowship (CGF) were arrested on November 18, according to a November 27 press release from China Aid Association. According to one eyewitness, Public Security Bureau officers raided a leadership meeting in Fanhu, Hunan and arrested those present. Twenty-one were released within a week but the remaining detainees are being held at the county detention centre. Family members have been told to bring blankets and money to cover their living expenses while detained.

  All those arrested are senior leaders of the CGF, including its founder, Pastor Shen Yiping.

  Pray for these detained leaders during this time. Pray that all will be released soon. Pray for the families as they not only deal with the absence of their loved ones but also face this financial burden forced upon them.

  For more information on the persecution of Christians in China,click here.

• Chinese Leader Beaten Again

  Photos fromChina Aid

  According to an October 18 report from China Aid Association, church leader and human rights activist Hua Huiqi, who was beaten by police and private security guards on October 11 (click here for details), was transferred from the Tiantian Hospital to his rented home on October 16. The following day, however, Huiqi was beaten again by Public Security Bureau (PSB) officers after they refused his request to use the bathroom adjacent his bedroom. The officers then prevented him from communicating with several journalists waiting outside his house and ordered him to stay in his bedroom.

  Learn more on the persecution that believers in China are facing. Go to the China Country Report.

• Hua Huiqi Beaten By Police
   

  Church leader and human rights activist Hua Huiqi was beaten unconscious by police officers and private security guards who were trying to stop him from returning to his home in the district of Chongwen, Beijing, on October 11. According to an October 12 report from AsiaNews, Huiqi was taken from his home to the district of Fengtai on October 8. However, the Fengtai police refused to have him in their jurisdiction and sent him back to Chongwen under police escort.

  Huiqi has been taken to the Tiantian Hospital for treatment. His room is reportedly surrounded by more than two dozen police officers seeking to prevent him from being visited or photographed.

  Ask God to give healing to Hua. Pray that, as his sufferings overflow, his comfort in Christ will be more than enough for him (2 Corinthians 1:5). Pray that God will strengthen believers to follow in Hua's example of steadfast faithfulness to Him.

  For more information on the persecution of Christians in China,click here.

• Two House Church Leaders Under House Arrest

  Hua Huiqi and Liu Fenggang Photos fromChina Aid

  Two previously Two previously imprisoned Beijing house church activists, Hua Huiqi (for more, click here) and Liu Fenggang (click here for the details), have been held under house arrest since October 1. According to an October 4 report from China Aid Association, two dozen police officers have been stationed around their homes. Several Public Security Bureau (PSB) officers have been stationed on Pastor Hua's roof in order to prevent anyone from leaving or entering the building. On October 3, eight PSB officers broke Hua's bedroom window and cut off the house's electrical supply.

  For more information facing Chinese Christians, visitChina's Country Report