(Hefei, Anhui Province – December 20, 2023) According to a prayer letter issued by Ganquan Church in Hefei, on November 30, 2023, around 7:00 AM, the local police conducted a sudden raid on the church. More than ten pastors and coworkers were simultaneously taken away for interrogation by the public security at their homes without any prior notice. Police also searched their homes. Subsequently, Pastor Zhou Songlin, Elder Ding Zhongfu, Preacher Mao Junma, Preacher Pei Defei, and co-worker Yang Peiyun were criminally detained for 15 days. As of December 16, 2023, these five detainees have not been released, and their families are unable to visit them. They may face the risk of arrest and prosecution.
Ganquan Church in Hefei has a history of more than twenty years since its establishment, and it owns two properties jointly purchased by donations from church members. Currently, both of these properties and the church’s financial transactions may become evidence of “fraud.” Once convicted, the 5 detained ministers and coworker could face extremely severe penalties. However, the properties of Ganquan Church were acquired for worship purposes, and the church’s funds come from the donations of believers. They have not engaged in any embezzlement privately, let alone being involved in fraud.
Currently, all the meeting places of Ganquan Church are under surveillance and cannot be used. The church has not only lost its ministers but also its worship venues. The weather in Hefei has become very cold, and the situation of the ministers and co-worker in detention is uncertain. Their spouses bear the dual pressures of the mental and physical stress alongside parenting responsibilities at home. Their circumstances are extremely challenging.
In the prayer letter, Ganquan Church earnestly requests all churches to pray for them:
May the Lord extend His grace, mercy, and assistance to the ministers and co-worker in prison, strengthening their hearts and bodies. We pray that the Lord manifests His righteousness and brings justice to those who have been wronged.
May the Lord comfort the families of detained brothers and provide for their daily lives.
May the Lord fortify the brothers and sisters in the church, supporting their weaknesses and shepherding His flock.
May the Lord grant unity to the church, preventing conflicts and divisions among the brothers and sisters due to pressure.
May the Lord rise up and manifest His glory and power before those in authority.
