Dear brothers and sisters:
Peace in the Lord! On September 18th, Shouwang had her twenty-fourth Sunday outdoor worship service. In the past week, many believers were detained at home since Saturday. On Friday night, police from Guangying Police Station took a sister to a hotel for detention. As far as we know, at least six believers were taken away on Sunday morning for going to the planned location to join the outdoor service, either at the spot or on their way there (including a sister from Xinshu Church). One of them was sent home directly, and the rest of them were sent to four local police stations of their respective area. Till 0:00 am on the 19th, six believers were released home (including the sister who was taken away on Friday night), and a brother was still under detention at Zhongguancun Police Station. The last brother was released at 9:00 am on the 19th (Monday).
As we have persevered in having outdoor worship service till now, more and more believers started to show concern on how God will lead us at next stage, especially on the possible consequences Shouwang will face and on the direction Shouwang will head to after Christmas. Our decision and attitude remain the same concerning the following Sundays till Christmas, and we will continue to have outdoor worship service as before, yet we will continue to be open to any possible solution that can be reached through negotiation. At the same time, we think that it is time to pray more fervently for God’s guidance on our next step. May God make a way for his church, so that the issue of purchasing a gathering place will be solved properly, and may he continue to grant us patience and perseverance.
May peace and grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the mercy and love of Father God, and the console and guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, be with each brother and sister of Shouwang Church and all the churches who remember Shouwang Church in prayers, from this time on and forevermore! Amen.
Beijing Shouwang Church
09/20/2011
China Aid Contacts
Rachel Ritchie, English Media Director
Cell: (432) 553-1080 | Office: 1+ (888) 889-7757 | Other: (432) 689-6985
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.chinaaid.org
