China (MNN) ― After over a year of imprisonment for his faith, human rights attorney Gao Zhisheng was finally set free. Still, persecution in China has yet to die down.
Gao was abducted by Chinese officials on February 4, 2009. Petitions were signed by thousands for his freedom, and international leaders eventually pressured the government as well, recognizing the fact that Gao had done nothing more than defended the causes of Christians. (For more on Gao's arrest, click here.)
Voice of the Martyrs, Canada reports that Gao was finally released in early April. He has decided to stop his practice to reunite with his family who had to flee to the United States in the heat of persecution.
Although Gao's long-awaited freedom may have finally come, the persecution persists for other believers in the country.
Shen Peilan, a Christian and a well-known activist against government corruption, was abducted at the end of March by Chinese officials, and has not been seen since. Officials from the Bureau of Letters and Petitions had raided her home twice earlier that day.
Shen's abduction came right on the heels of an unwarranted arrest that took place in early March. She was taken on her way to a protest against her house being destroyed by officials earlier in the year.
Gao's freedom is a victory in the fight on Chinese persecution, but clearly religious freedom is still in danger. Pray that believers would continue to be bold in sharing of their faith regardless. Pray that those on the receiving end of religious injustice like Shen Peilan would put all of their trust in the Lord and would gain back the freedoms they deserve.