Thirty-five Christians attending a Bible training program near Urumqi in the Xinjiang Autonomous Region of China were arrested on October 26 after police raided the meeting being led by a Korean pastor from America. After twelve hours of interrogation, which was described by China Aid Association (CAA) as relatively "gentle," all were released that night. According to an eyewitness, none of the women were abused, though one man was beaten and two were fined. At last report, the American was being kept under surveillance in a hotel. Police have confiscated his passport.
CAA has also learned that on October 20, local police arrested at least ten Christians in a home near Yili City in the Xinjiang Autonomous Region, including three Singaporeans. According to eyewitnesses, a Christian family had invited fellow believers to a blessing ceremony for their newly rebuilt house. While the Christians were singing hymns, police arrested them.
All but five were released the next day. Those still in detention are: Brother Liu and Brother Ouyang Liang from Uramqi, Brother Li Baoming, Brother Tan Defu, and Brother Lou Yuanqi from Huocheng. The whereabouts of Ouyang is unknown. The rest are being held at the Huocheng detention centre. There are concerns that the five may be sent directly to "re-education through labour" camps.
Ask God to fill these believers with praise in order that, through their witness, others might hear of the Lord and come to Him (Psalm 40:3). Praise God for those who have been released. Pray that those still detained would be strengthened by scripture that they have committed to memory (Psalm 119:49-56).
For more information on the persecution facing Christians in China, click here. An encouraging story of faith in the midst of persecution in China is part of the November edition of the Persecution Report, available at www.vomcanada.com.
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