Photo: Elder Hao Ming (right) with Elder Zhang Chunlei (ChinaAid source)
(Deyang, Sichuan Province – January 16, 2023) Elder Hao Ming’s attorney, Zhu Shujin, met with his client in the detention center. The retired elder of Qingcaodi Church looked well. He told Zhu that he continually refused to admit to the fabricated charge of fraud.
Elder Hao’s condition
During his attorney’s recent visit, the Hao Ming said he had no access to the Bible or other believers in prison. He recites the Apostle’s Creed silently every Sunday, believing his time on earth is so short in comparison to eternity.
Changing perspective
With no Bible to study, Hao took interest in traditional Chinese culture, something he used to criticize in the past. After reading some books, he gained a deeper understanding of his culture to examine it in a more moderate manner.
He also reflected on his spiritual pride in the past. He mentioned he was too strict with his mother and wife in terms of their belief.
Encouragement through Scripture
At the end of their visitation, Elder Hao Ming asked Zhu to read Psalm 73:23-28 for him:
Yet I am always with you;
you hold me by my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.
Those who are far from you will perish;
you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.
But as for me, it is good to be near God.
I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge;
I will tell of all your deeds.
Photo: Deyang Detention Center (Attorney Zhu’s Weibo)
Background
On January 6, 2023, Yang Yufeng, the wife of Hao Ming, sent out a prayer request, giving people an update about her husband. He was the elder Qingcaodi Church until January 2021. Authorities arrested him on the same day as Elder Wu Jiannan on the same charge. Hao’s case has been transferred to the People’s Court, moving into the prosecution phase.
Deyang police arrested 65-year-old Elder Hao Ming and Elder Wu Jiannan on November 17, 2021. Authorities took many other church co-workers on the same day. Two days later, officers of Denyang criminally detained Hao and Wu under suspected “fraud” charges.
~Yu Bing, ChinaAid Contributing Reporter
