(Xiamen, Fujian Province – December 8, 2023) On December 1, Yang Xibo, Pastor of Xiamen’s largest house church, Xunsiding Church, and his wife Wang Xiaofei, received subpoenas from Siming District People’s Court. They were summoned to appear at Siming District People’s Court Enforcement Center at 334 Hubin South Road, Siming District, at 9:00 AM on December 6. The reason for the summons was listed as a ‘court inquiry.’
Previously, the couple had been fined ￥450,000 yuan (~$62,966 U.S. dollars). They filed a lawsuit in court but lost the case, and the judge upheld the original judgment. Now the court requires them to report their assets and pay the fine. Refusal to comply may result in ‘credit-related punishment’ according to the law, with other potential legal consequences.
The traditional Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival was on September 29. On that day, Yang Xibo and his wife received a court ruling and a notice from Siming District People’s Court. The ruling ordered them to pay a fine of ￥400,000 yuan (~$55,970 U.S. dollars) within 10 days, while the notice decided to restrict the couple’s rights of departure from China. On October 26, the couple received an “Execution Notice” and a “Order on Restriction of Major Expenditure” Issued by Siming District People’s Court. The couple was restricted from flights, soft sleeper train compartments, second-class cabins on ships, first-class seats on high-speed trains, staying in star hotels, and going on vacation. At the same time, their bank accounts and WeChat accounts were frozen.
Over the past four to five years, the couple has faced repeated persecution. They have been subjected to hefty fines, severe restrictions, and pressure. Despite these challenges, they have not only shepherded their church, spread the gospel, assisted young co-workers in planting churches, established Christian education and theological education, nurtured devout descendants, and cultivated workers for the kingdom of God. They have also served many persecuted churches and the families of those bound in chains. In recent months, the persecution against the couple has intensified.
