(Beijing/Beihai – May 7, 2026) On the 209th day since the “Zion 10.9 Church Case” began, families of the arrested pastors continue to express their deep longing on social media. Despite facing information restrictions and the absence of their loved ones, the families have chosen to confront life with resilience, while using the early Christian “fish symbol” (Ichthys) to convey messages of peace and hope.
Recently, the family of Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri (金明日) stated: “It is said that images of my father, Pastor Jin Mingri, have now been blocked within China.” The pastor’s family explained the meaning of the “fish symbol”: in Greek, the word “Ichthys” consists of letters representing “Jesus, Christ, of God, Son, Savior.” During the era of persecution in the early church, believers used this symbol as a secret sign of recognition among themselves.
The family stated that, in today’s challenging environment, this simple symbol carries a complete confession of faith and can serve as a silent connection and source of support among believers, even in times when words cannot be spoken openly.
As Pastor Sun Cong (孙聪), Pastor Jin Mingri, and others have now been deprived of their freedom for more than two hundred days, their families have shown tremendous courage in daily life. Gu Xiaoyu (谷晓羽), the wife of Pastor Sun Cong, mentioned that the children at home had fallen ill one after another. She reflected that this resembled the refining of faith—painful to endure, yet holding hope that life may be renewed through suffering. She said she has resumed running, adding: “I completed today’s run at my fastest pace yet, doing your favorite sport of running.”
The wife of Pastor Gao Yingjia (高颖佳) also shared that their child searches for his father’s figure among the clouds and breeze. She mentioned that her husband, Pastor Gao wrote in a letter: “May the clouds in the sky carry my longing to you, and may the wind gently brush against the faces of you and our son.”
Although there are reports that related images and materials face restrictions in certain regions, the families remain determined to maintain a normal rhythm of life through activities such as running and written reflections, expressing their hope for the safe return of those detained.
The families emphasized that these records are not only private messages to their loved ones, but also encouragement to all families affected by the “Zion 10.9 Case.” They called on all sectors of society to continue paying attention to developments in the case and expressed hope that, in accordance with the dignity of both law and faith, families may soon be reunited.
The case involves multiple clergy members and believers. At present, family members and supporters continue peaceful appeals online through hashtags such as #FreeGaoYingjia and #FreePastorSunCong.
Gao Zhensai, Special Correspondent for ChinaAid