Four American Christian leaders, including two pastors, and approximately thirty Chinese house church leaders were arrested and detained during a fellowship gathering in Akesu city, Xinjiang province on April 19. According to an April 25 report from China Aid Association, the Chinese Christians were detained at the Akesu City detention center. Eyewitnesses saw at least two of the arrested with bleeding noses and facial bruises due to torture during interrogation. Several of the detainees have been released over the past week. Six pastors -- Xinglan Zhao, Xiurong Huang, Tianlu Yang, Chaoyi Wang, Cuiling Li, and Sijun He -- received thirty days detention for alleged involvement in "evil cult activities." The pastors also face one to three years re-education through labour. A couple of years ago, these six pastors were detained for organizing house church activities.
At last report, the Americans, who arrived in Akesu on April 17, were still being held in an undisclosed hotel for questioning along with their translator. The U.S. Embassy is reportedly intervening in the case.
Pray for the safety of the Christians who are detained. Pray that no further charges will be brought against the six pastors. Pray that the Chinese authorities who are oppressing Christians may experience repentance and salvation, as the Apostle Paul did. (Acts 9:1-19).
For more information on persecution in China, click here. The feature article from the May edition of The Voice of the Martyrs Newsletter centers on China. To subscribe and read this month's feature article, click here.
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