China: PSB Officers Beat Pastor's Son

China Aid Association
Source:        www.ChinaAid.org

Date:           October 22, 2008

Around noon on October 16, Zhang Jian received an urgent phone call from his mother. Plainclothes Public Security Bureau (PSB) officers had broken into her upstairs apartment and were throwing all the family’s belongings out into the street:
“When I got there, I saw my mom lying on the ground being knocked down by these thugs … I tried to use my body to protect my mom from being hurt by them. Then this group of 15 officers immediately surrounded me and started beating my head and body with iron bars and said, ‘We need to teach you a lesson as a troublemaker.'”
The violent attack lasted 25 minutes.
Authorities persecute this family simply because they are Christians. Their ministry to orphans and house churches – ordinary Christian activities – are considered crimes in China. Zhang Jian was severely injured in the attack and needs immediate surgery. His family is now in hiding with nowhere to live. His father is missing, believed to be kidnapped by authorities.
Zhang Jian is a gentle and humble Christian who is quick to laugh and full of joy. He works with his father, caring for orphans, evangelizing and helping house church Christians. Because these ordinary Christian activities are considered “crimes” by the Chinese government, police violently attacked his family and beat Zhang Jian for 25 minutes with iron bars. Bones in his face were broken and doctors believe he may not regain sight in his right eye.
Zhang Jian told us:
“Where is law, where is justice? … Maybe this is the only way to awaken the conscience of the world and for the Chinese to open their eyes to see clearly that this is the religious freedom in China. I would like … if my life could be used as a wakeup call and could help Chinese brothers and sisters gain more freedom to worship the Lord freely.”
Every day we receive reports from Christians in China who are harassed, arrested and beaten for their faith. Your gift will ensure that we can continue to respond quickly in emergency situations when Christians like Zhang Jian are attacked.