(Beihai, Guangxi, China – June 15, 2026) Gao Yingjia left a promising academic career to enter full-time Christian ministry at Beijing Zion Church, one of China’s most influential Protestant house churches. Today, the physicist-turned-pastor is being held in detention after authorities arrested him during a nationwide crackdown on the church in October 2025.
Yet when Gao’s father was asked how he was coping with his son’s imprisonment, the elder believer offered a response that surprised observers.
“What is there for me to worry about?” said his father, who is not named for security reasons. “This is all the Lord’s plan. Everything is in the Lord’s hands.” He spoke in an interview conducted by attorney Wang Quanzhang, who is representing relatives of detained Zion Church members.
Gao is among 18 Zion Church leaders and members formally approved for arrest by prosecutors in Beihai, Guangxi. He faces charges of “illegal use of information networks” related to his religious activities and ministry work.
The case has attracted attention because Gao abandoned a path that appeared destined for academic distinction. Instead, he chose Christian ministry at Zion Church, a congregation that once drew about 1,500 worshippers in China’s capital before authorities shut its main gathering in 2018.
The interview offers a rare glimpse into Gao’s life through the perspective of his father, tracing his journey from a fourth-generation Christian to a church leader now facing criminal charges.
A calling his parents didn’t expect
During his childhood, Gao spent extended periods living with his Catholic grandmother, whose influence helped shape his faith. As he matured, he developed increasingly independent convictions about faith, purpose, and vocation.
Gao completed his undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral studies in physics at Peking University, one of China’s most prestigious institutions, before conducting postdoctoral research at the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
“My son was always an especially honest and obedient child. He would never do anything outrageous or illegal,” his father recalled.
When Gao decided to enter full-time ministry, his mother initially struggled to accept the decision, hoping he would combine church service with a professional career. Gao, however, remained committed to ministry.
While all five of his roommates at Peking University eventually chose to study abroad, Gao alone pursued a life serving the church.
“This had to be the Lord’s calling,” Gao’s father said. “Otherwise, after attaining such a high level of education, why wouldn’t he pursue wealth, success, and honor like others? But he didn’t take that path. He walks the same path as the Lord.”
Responding to his arrest
Gao’s detention has become a test of faith not only for the pastor himself but also for his family.
During a church gathering in Zhangjiakou, a fellow believer asked Gao’s father why he did not appear worried about his son’s arrest.
His father replied: “What is there for me to worry about? This is all the Lord’s plan. Everything is in the Lord’s hands. What else can happen? Are they going to execute him? There are so many believers in China—can they arrest them all?”
When another believer remarked that he was unusually broad-minded for a father, he responded: “Because no one can replace the Lord. Earthly rulers are only temporary. The ultimate ruler is in heaven. Jesus Christ is the only true ruler.”
Despite his calm demeanor, Gao’s father also expressed frustration over the allegations against his son.
“What is wrong with preaching the Lord’s word? It makes no sense,” he said. He pointed to Zion Church’s charitable activities, including blood donation campaigns in which church members regularly participated.
At the conclusion of the interview, Gao’s father offered a message to his son from outside the prison walls:
“My son, you are truly blessed. Although you are now behind high walls, the Lord is with you, and you will surely receive His favor. Thank the Lord for His care and protection for you.”
The Zion Church crackdown
Beijing Zion Church was founded in 2007 by Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri and grew into one of the largest house churches in China’s capital, attracting intellectuals, university students, lawyers, and other professionals. At its peak, the congregation numbered about 1,500 people.
Authorities increased pressure on the church after revised religious regulations took effect in 2018. When Zion Church refused to install government surveillance cameras inside its sanctuary, officials shut down its main congregation. The church subsequently continued through smaller in-person gatherings and online ministry.
China further tightened restrictions on online religious activity in 2022, requiring official authorization for the online dissemination of religious content.
According to relatives and legal representatives, on Oct. 9, 2025, Chinese authorities launched a multi-provincial crackdown against Zion Church. Eighteen church leaders and members were formally approved for arrest by prosecutors in Beihai, Guangxi, while others were released on bail pending trial.
Gao’s case reflects a growing legal challenge faced by Chinese house church leaders, as authorities increasingly scrutinize online preaching, Bible studies, theological training, and evangelistic activities conducted through digital platforms.
Gao Zhensai is a special correspondent for ChinaAid News. Founded in 2002, ChinaAid is an international Christian human rights organization committed to promoting religious freedom and the rule of law in China through advocacy, legal support, and international awareness campaigns.