(Linfen, Shanxi province) Chinese authorities decided to continue their so-called investigation concerning Linfen Covenant House Church. According to a prayer request from the church, this will cause the police to continue their persecution of church members.
False charges and testimonies
During an outdoor family camp in August 2022, police arrested preachers of Linfen Covenant House Church—Li Jie and Han Xiaodong. Both of them were initially placed in residential surveillance at a designated location (RSDL) as authorities interrogated many believers of the church. Some coerced false confessions led to the arrest of Wang Qiang, a co-worker of the church. All three men were charged with “fraud,” and all false testimonies claimed that Li, Han, and Wang “defrauded” congregants through tithings and offerings.
History of suffering persecution
Linfen Covenant House Church is the sister church of Zion Reformed Church in Taiyuan, Shanxi province. Like others of its kind in China, Linfen Covenant House Church faces ongoing persecution for not joining the state-sanctioned Three-Self Patriotic Movement (TPSM). In the Fall of 2018, Li Jie signed Pastor Wang Yi’s “Joint Statement by Pastors: A Declaration for the Sake of the Christian Faith” along with over 400 Chinese pastors and leaders. Police questioned Preacher Li Jie multiple times and threatened to send his church’s children to public school. Officers pressured Li by shutting off his power, water, and electricity. They went as far as evicting him and his family during the coldest day of winter.
Wen Hujian, the wife of Wang Qiang, gave birth to their son recently (ChinaAid source)
Wife of Wang Qiang
Wen Huijuan, Wang Qiang’s wife, was eight months pregnant on December 18, 2022. Her first pregnancy had some complications, indicating she may have difficulties with her second baby. In a social media post, Wen described how much she needed her imprisoned husband. She publicly questioned why her kind, honest husband was accused of “fraud” for giving tithes and offering to the church.
On the afternoon of January 24, 2023, Wen Huijuan gave birth to a boy through c-section delivery.
Wife of Han Xiaodong
On January 12, 2023, Han Xiaodong’s wife Chen Ying wrote a letter to her imprisoned husband, encouraging him to be steadfast in faith and faithful to God. She said:
“I have recalled all our stories recently. I realized that God called both you and me. I see God’s amazing grace in our marriage and life; God’s plan will continue. I have experienced the marvelousness of dancing with the Spirit.” In addition, Chen Ying wrote, “Honey, you always reminded me that people should not put the lamp under a basket. I didn’t get it before, but people living near us all care about us and are curious about us after the incident so that we can share our stories and God’s story with them.”
~Yu Bing, Special Reporter for ChinaAid
Below are five prayer requests from Linfen Covenant House Church:
- Specifically pray for Zhang Youxi, head of the National Security Brigade of Linfen City, Raodu District, and pray for Li Gang of the Criminal Investigation Brigade. They learned a lot about churches and the Bible in their efforts to arrest brothers and sisters. May the Lord have mercy on them and help them understand the Gospel appropriately and repent. Pray for Wang Lixian, the procurator, hoping he can deal with the case with justice.
- The case is returned to the Bureau of Public Security for further investigation, may the Lord give brothers and sisters strength and boldness, hope we all will not betray the Lord or friends and confront persecution gently, firmly, and wisely instead.
- Intercede for the faith of brothers and sisters who were sued including three brothers—Li Jie, Han Xiaodong, and Wang Qiang, and 2 sisters—Wu Tingting and Li Shanshan, so that they stick to the truth, do not fear and testify to the Christ and the Church.
- Particularly pray for Wen Huijuan’s health and her newborn baby.
- Lift the appointed attorneys, may the Lord grant attorneys health, so they can meet defendants smoothly and keep the case proceeding with wisdom.
