(Fuyang, Anhui — August 25, 2025) Since his detention on June 29 on suspicion of “organizing illegal gatherings,” the case of Pastor Chang Shun of Maizhong Reformed Church in Fuyang, Anhui, has drawn public attention. Recently, letters written by his young children to their father surfaced, revealing the family’s longing and resilience after losing the companionship of a loved one.
In his letter, 11-year-old Chang Zimu wrote: “Don’t worry about me, Mom, and younger sister. We will all wait for you to come back.” He said that every day he finishes his homework, reads books, and studies the Bible. “I will continue to pray for you.” The letter also mentioned that his father had worked hard in the past, and perhaps now he could “relax a bit.”
Seven-year-old Xiao Ai, in a childlike tone, wrote that she imagined going with her father to the Dabie Mountains, where the “scenery” was very beautiful. The repeated “very, very, very, very, very, very” in her writings expressed her deep longing for her father.
Chang Shun is a pastor of Maizhong Reformed Church. Since the church was officially banned in 2023, it has been forced to operate underground and has faced ongoing surveillance and repression. According to information obtained by ChinaAid, the church has been forced to gather in small groups, has endured multiple police raids, and its pastors and members have frequently been detained.
On June 29, 2025, police raided a church gathering venue during Sunday worship. Pastor Chang Shun and Elder Ma Tao were taken away on the spot and formally placed under criminal detention the following day. On July 9, Pastor Zhang Sen was arrested in Xuzhou, Jiangsu, and subsequently escorted back to Fuyang.
Currently, all three individuals remain in detention as the case is under trial, with specific charges yet to be disclosed.
Reprinted by ChinaAid from Kingdom Prayer Network