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Early Rain Covenant Church Issues Press Release for “Month of Prayer for the Nation,” Calling for Prayers for China and Commemoration of Tiananmen Square Massacre
(Chengdu – June 4, 2025) Today, Early Rain Covenant Church in Chengdu, China, issued a press release announcing that May 12 to June 4 of each year will be observed as the church’s “Month of Prayer for the Nation.” This tradition was formally written into the church’s governance manual in 2009 and includes special calls for fasting and prayer across the entire congregation, especially on May 12 and June 4.
Government Interference on the 36th Anniversary of June 4th
Today marks the 36th anniversary of the June 4th incident. On this day, multiple co-workers, brothers, and sisters of Early Rain Covenant Church experienced interference from the government. Around 7:30 in the morning, while at his residence in Deyang, preacher Wu Wuqing was summoned and taken away by police from his local precinct in Chengdu.
Subsequently, at approximately 8:30 a.m., Elder Li Yingqiang and his wife were also summoned from their home in Deyang by police from their local precinct. In addition, several other co-workers, brothers, and sisters of the church received phone inquiries from police or community authorities. Some even had guards stationed outside their homes to prevent them from attending gatherings.
A Call to Repentance and National Prayer
Early Rain Covenant Church stated:
“We grieve for the bloodshed that took place thirty-six years ago and long for this nation and its people to repent and turn to the true God. We earnestly hope that the people and government officials of China, so deeply bound by fear, may live out true liberty through faith in Jesus Christ and tear down the wall of hatred. May God claim China for Himself. We pray for this nation and its people. May the Lord’s will be done.”
The church also called upon other churches to pray for Early Rain Covenant Church, asking that they be preserved by the Lord in affliction and serve this generation in humility.
Update: Those detained have safely returned home
Chengdu, June 4, 2025 — As of this afternoon and evening, Early Rain Covenant Church has successively released the latest updates on individuals who were previously summoned.
Preacher Wu Wuqing was summoned to the police station at 7:30 a.m. today and returned home safely around 1:00 in the afternoon.
Elder Li Yingqiang and his wife had been held at Longquanshan Road Police Station in Deyang. The church had previously issued a call for continued prayer, and the latest information confirmed that the husband and wife had returned home safely as of around 10:00 at night. Early Rain Covenant Church expresses sincere gratitude to all churches for their intercession in prayer.
Closing Statement from the Church
The church concluded by saying:
“We thank the Lord for His grace on this day, allowing us to stand as watchmen for this nation even in the midst of suffering. May the Lord lead more people who seek truth and freedom to find Christ.”