(Dazhou, Sichuan Province – November 22, 2023) On the morning of November 20, 2023, Elder Li Yingqiang from Chengdu Early Rain Covenant Church was released from Dazhou City Detention Center.
Elder Li Detained For 10 Days Until release
The Detention Center issued him a “Notice of Release from Detention,” according to which, Li Yingqiang was administratively detained by Tongchuan District sub-bureau for 10 days on charges of organizing, instigating, coercing, luring, and inciting cult and superstitious sects activities. Now that the term has expired, in accordance with Article 30 of the “Regulation on Detention Facilities” and Article 64 of the “Measures for the Implementation of the Regulation on Detention Facilities” the detention has been lifted.
POLICE Raid Christian fellowship on Nov 9
On the morning of November 9 , Elder Li Yingqiang, along with co-workers Dai Zhichao, An Yankui, and Wang Yingjie, visited the “Good Land Mission Center” in Dazhou City. They served the baptism and communion service at the mission center. But the service was raided by police, national security agents, staff of the religious affairs bureau and civil affairs bureau. Elder Li Yingqiang, along with twelve other Christians, including the leader of “Good Land Mission Center”, Hou Duoshu, were taken by police cars to the Chaoyang Police Station in Dazhou.
At around 9 p.m., some brothers and sisters were released and allowed to return home. In the late hours past midnight, Dai Zhichao, An Yankui, and Wang Yingjie were released. However, Elder Li Yingqiang and Hou Duoshu were detained overnight at the case processing center of the police station. The next day, Elder Li Yingqiang received an administrative detention of ten days and a fine of ￥500 Yuan (~$70 U.S. dollars). He was sent to the Dazhou City Detention Center for execution. Hou Duoshu received an administrative detention of five days, but the police stated that considering her health condition, the detention was not enforced.
Officials declared gathering was ‘illegal’
Elder Li Yingqiang’s “Administrative Penalty Decision” determined that on November 9, 2023, at around 11 a.m., Elder Li Yingqiang engaged in religious activities in the name of the banned “Chengdu Early Rain Covenant Reformed Presbyterian Church” at the Gaowangdu Hotel, 3rd floor conference room, in Tongchuan District, Dazhou City.
He was apprehended by public security department. Upon investigation, it was found that the organization was officially declared an illegal social organization and banned by Sichuan Provincial Department of Civil Affairs on March 25, 2021.
The aforementioned facts are confirmed by the statements and defenses of the individuals involved, including Li Yingqiang, as well as witness testimonies, material evidence, and other supporting evidence. In accordance with Article 54, item 1, of the “ Law of the People’s Republic of China on Penalties for Administration of Public Security,” it is hereby decided to administratively detain Li Yingqiang for ten days and impose a fine of ￥500 Yuan for his unlawful actions.
Elder Li’s years of suffering persecution
Elder Li Yingqiang experienced significant persecution in the case of massive crackdown against Early Rain Covenant Church on December 9, 2018 and was arrested for eight months. After his release, he was on bail pending trial for a year and was subsequently deported to his hometown in Hubei Province. Following his release, elder Li Yingqiang took over the pastoral role from Pastor Wang Yi, who had been sentenced to nine years in prison.
Despite facing continued severe persecution, Elder Li Yingqiang, his family, as well as the church’s other elders, deacons, co–workers, and church members persisted in upholding Pastor Wang Yi’s vision on publicizing of house churches. They continued to gather and endured significant hardships because of that. Despite the challenging circumstances, they continued to serve other persecuted churches within the country.
A joyous reunion with family and friends
This morning, Christians from Dazhou “Good Land Mission Center” successfully picked up elder Li Yingqiang and accompanied him from Dazhou back to Deyang. Elder Li Yingqiang’s wife, Zhang Xinyue, and their two children greeted him with flowers upon his return home.
In the family photo, the joy on everyone’s faces was evident. Elder Yingqiang expressed that he found great joy during his time in the detention center, mentioning that the ten days of detention provided him with a much-needed period of rest.
Ningmeng, ChinaAid special reporter.
