SHANGDONG PROVINCE - Pastor Sentenced to Re-education Through Labor

On July 4, Pastor Zhang Zhongxin, an active Christian leader, was sentenced to two years re-education through labor in Jining City in Shangdong Province. According to China Aid Association (CAA), “Shandong reeducation-through-labor management committee issued a written decision sentencing Zhang Zhongxin to two years re-education through labour. Authorities accused him [Zhongxin] of cult participation in the ‘whole scope of the church’ organized ‘Sunday school training courses, preaching the gospel to the northwest, Tibet and other places for missionaries and pioneers sermons.’” CAA added that in 2005, Zhongxin established The Rainbow Missions Fellowship and Timothy Bible training school in Jining city, Shandong province, where Christian leaders are trained. Zhongxin has appealed his sentence. Pray for Zhongxin and his family during this difficult time. Ask God to give them courage as he appeals his sentence. Ask God to protect believers in China who face trying times as the government cracks down on believers ahead of the Olympics next month.

HEILONGJIANG PROVINCE - House Church Banned, Leader Questioned by Police

On July 2, house church missionary, Jiao Chunbao, was detained by government security officers while on his way to a worship service in the city of Hegang, Heilongjiang province. According to China Aid Association, “The officers forcibly escorted Chunbao to the police station where he was told that his church was banned from meeting together for worship and threatened with re-arrest if meetings continued. Two female members of the house church were also taken to the police station and questioned.” Pray for Christ's peace and grace to fill the hearts of Chunbao and the house church members. Ask God to embolden Chinese Christians to continue spreading the gospel despite increasing pressure from the authorities