On June 29, Pastor Dou Shaowen who is currently serving a one-year sentence for “engaging in illegal activities” was secretly transferred to Shifo Re-education through Labor Center in Zhengzhou city, Henan province, according to China Aid Association.
His family was not informed of his transfer. Pastor Dou, his wife, Feng Lu, and five other believers were arrested on June 14 when government officials raided and closed the Rock Church. The police confiscated computers and other church property from the church. Both Pastor Dou and his wife were sentenced to a year in prison and the other believers were sentenced to 15 days in detention and fined 500 Yuan (US$73). However, Feng Lu will serve her sentence at home so she can care for their 12-year-old daughter.
China Aid reported that Pastor Dou has been treated inhumanely in the labor camp. “When he wanted to talk to the police officers, he was forced to squat. He worked 18 hours a day from 6 a.m. to 12 midnight. Over 70 people sleep in a room,” China Aid said. They also report that due to the hot weather and the poor sanitary conditions, some prisoners have eczema, herpes and other skin diseases. They have had to work 18 hours a day without enough to eat.
Feng Lu attempted to visit her husband in prison, but was told she was not allowed to visit him for a month. She is required to report to the Public Security Bureau police regularly and could be sent to labor camp if she is found “engaging in illegal religious activities” again.
The Voice of the Martyrs has worked with and supported persecuted Christians in China for more than 30 years. VOM encourages you to pray for Pastor Dou and his family during this challenging time. Ask God to protect and encourage them. Ask God to especially minister to their 12-year-old daughter during this time.
