“I would like all peace-loving people to help me come back to my family,” Pastor John Cao said in a new interview from southern China. “And I firmly believe to bear the cross never means an easy path.”

Today, Cao, 67, has stage 4 prostate cancer that has spread to his bones and spine. Following chemotherapy and radiation, he lives with his 90-year-old mother in Changsha, China, relying on fellow Christians to help cover medical expenses. 

Despite completing a seven-year prison sentence in March 2024, Cao, a U.S. permanent resident, remains unable to leave China. His wife and two adult sons live in North Carolina, and Cao has never met his one-year-old grandson. Chinese authorities have repeatedly refused to issue him a passport. 

Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s planned Sept. 24 visit to Washington presents an opportunity to raise Cao’s case. ChinaAid and other religious freedom groups are urging President Donald Trump to ask Xi to allow the pastor to reunite with his family. Tens of thousands have signed petitions to elevate this message. 

In this brief interview, Cao reflects on the faith that sustained him in prison, his ministry in China and his message to those praying for him.

Faith Through Imprisonment

Pastor Cao, what do you most want people to understand about who you are and your ministry in China?

John Cao: My life might be in its last stage. If I meet the Lord here in China, I would like people to remember me as a faithful servant of Jesus Christ. Chinese people need to receive the grace of Christ. I pray that more Chinese Christians overseas will return to China with the Gospel. 

During your seven years in prison, separated from your wife and sons, what sustained your faith?

John Cao: In my imprisonment, I was cheerful most of the time. Paul set an example for me of how we can remain joyful in difficult days. Paul was not downcast much at all. 

I composed more than one thousand poems to express my faith, joy, and will to preach the Gospel to my people. I shared the Gospel with the inmates and baptized four of them in my first two years. A lot of Chinese Christian leaders believe that they must suffer with Christ. I happen to believe that, too. 

Have you ever regretted returning to China and continuing the ministry that eventually led to your imprisonment?

John Cao: Looking back, I have never regretted my journey. Given another opportunity, I would come back to China again. I truly love my country and my people. I believe it is some misunderstanding that I was treated unfairly. I don’t hate those who made the decision behind it. That is the price we need to pay.

Seeking Reunion with Loved Ones

You served your entire seven-year sentence, yet you still cannot return to your family. Amidst the current campaign to return you to the U.S., any news or progress to share? 

John Cao: I have never been given a clear answer about how long I will be barred from leaving China. So, I have kept visiting the Chinese immigration office for my passport. But I have met a dead end, after five attempts to get it, including as recently as last week. 

China’s pressure on independent churches has continued even as your own ordeal has unfolded.

What do you want American Christians to understand about the believers and pastors who remain there?

John Cao: First of all, I want my American fellow servants of Christ to understand that we should not avoid persecution and harsh treatment from our enemies for the easy way. Too many pastors take our holy ministry as a regular job like any other field.

Secondly, we need American churches to support persecuted Christians in China and to make their voice heard.

What would you like to say to those praying for you and signing petitions on your behalf — and to your family waiting in the U.S. for your return?

John Cao: I deeply appreciate all those who pray for me and who have signed the petitions. Please keep spreading the word to more people! 

I pray that my family are all safe and sound and that they will see the grace of the Lord in my life. May all of us continue to share Christ with more people.

Josh Shepherd is editor of 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.