(Mianyang, Sichuan – May 3, 2025) Beijing house church missionary Dong Yanmei (Christian name: Ruhamah) was accused of “organizing illegal border crossings” as of March 23, 2025, after traveling abroad to attend Christian gatherings.
As of now, she has been detained by Mianyang police for over a month. It has now been confirmed that she has been formally arrested. Her family expresses deep sorrow and concern and calls on fellow Christians to unite in prayer for Sister Ruhamah.
Prayer Letter by “Ruhamah’s Family”
A letter issued in the name of “Ruhamah’s Family” describes how Ruhamah has long served faithfully in ministry, from her early days in pastoral ministry to her later involvement in missionary care work, always remaining steadfast in her faith. The family states that Ruhamah is currently held in a detention center, facing an uncertain situation that may cause her heart to be filled with anxiety and fear. They entrust Ruhamah to God, praying for His loving presence to surround her, to grant her peace, and to strengthen her faith in God’s promises amid adversity.
The prayer letter specifically points out that Dong Yanmei (Ruhamah) left China customs legally using a passport issued by the Ministry of Public Security of the People’s Republic of China. She once traveled to Malaysia, a visa-free country, and entered legally under Malaysia’s visa-exempt policy. The family asserts that the accusation of “illegally crossing the border” contradicts the facts.
Dong Yanmei “Ruhamah” formally arrested
Latest reports confirm that Dong Yanmei has been formally arrested. Additionally, three other Christians who were briefly detained are now released on guarantee prior to trial.
It is understood that Dong Yanmei, along with other Christians, traveled together to Malaysia, Thailand, and Jeju Island in South Korea (all visa-exempt countries) and attended Christian gatherings there. She was arrested in March and now her arrest has been formally approved.
The prayer letter earnestly asks for God’s intervention in this case so that the truth may be revealed and the false accusations can be dismissed. The family hopes that the relevant departments will uphold justice, handle the case justly, and ensure that Sister Ruhamah receives fair treatment and regains her freedom soon.
This prayer letter calls upon all Christians who are concerned about this matter to pray steadfastly and together with one heart for Ruhamah, believing that God will hear and fulfill prayers according to His will.
Chinese Christians falsely charged for “(organizing) illegal border crossing”
In recent years, multiple reports have emerged across China of Christians legally entering and leaving the country with valid passports and visas, only to be accused of “illegally crossing the border” or “organizing others to illegally cross the border.” These charges are increasingly being used by the Chinese government as a new method to crack down on Christians. The widespread application of these charges in various regions clearly indicates that this is not limited to a local issue but part of a broader campaign by the Beijing regime to suppress Christians. Analysts believe the crackdown aims to sever the connection between Chinese Christians and overseas churches; once individuals return after participation in church activities abroad, they may face persecution.
ChinaAid urges the release of Dong Yanmei and others
ChinaAid Association condemns the travel restrictions and arbitrary charges imposed on Christians by Chinese authorities. It calls on the Chinese government to respect the religious rights of Christian citizens and to drop the charges against Sister Dong Yanmei and other Chinese Christians facing similar accusations.
(Reported by Special Correspondent Gao Zhensai of ChinaAid)
