On March 16, Father Francis Gao Jianli (39) was attacked while at the mayor's office in Xiangong town, Chencang district, China, where he had been invited to discuss a disputed church property. The land in question was seized during the Cultural Revolution and a factory was opened on the site. The factory has since shut down and both the church and the district government's property management office have made claims of ownership. When the government began to work on the land, hundreds of believers gathered on the site in protest. Father Jianli was summoned by the mayor to address the issue but was instead badly beaten by two men. At last report, Father Jianli remained in hospital in Baoji city and was under police surveillance.
Pray for a complete recovery for Father Jianli. Pray that the Lord will continue to strengthen Chinese Christians in their hearts, minds and bodies as they face opposition for their faith.
Learn more about China's suffering Christians at the China Country Report.
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