(Anhui province) Pastor Wan Changchun of Cornerstone Reformed Church, along with three believers, were charged with “fraud” after receiving tithes and offerings during worship services. Recently, the pastor’s wife asked for prayers.
Arrest
On April 11th, police arrested Wan Changchun while he ministered in Lijiang, Yunnan province. Then, he was detained by public security in Bengbu, Anhui province, where Cornerstone Reformed Church operates. The authorities suspected he committed “illegal business operations,” and they raided his home. During his criminal detention, Pastor Wan’s bank cards and other possessions were confiscated.
Selective evidence
The elders and deacon co-workers of the church went through various degrees of interrogations. All these interviews may be subjected to selective editing to become evidence of accusation or even conviction of a crime.
Wife threatened with detention
Pastor Wan Changchun’s wife, You Xiulin, revealed the news of her husband’s detention. The authorities forcibly placed her under “residential surveillance at a designated location” (RSDL). Police threatened her not to post anything online or to communicate with other believers. Otherwise, they would officially detain her.
New life
You and Pastor Wan have three children together. Their kids are now isolated at home, and the sudden turn of events has pushed You Xiulin to rock bottom. She and the children do not know how to cope with the situation. “Every bit of their past life as a family has become precious memories,” You commented.
New Fraud Charges
In her prayer letter, You Xiulin recalled that the authorities changed her husband’s charge on May 19th to “suspected fraud.” At the same time, Wan Changchun’s older sister, Wan Chunqin, and two church coworkers, Xue Shaoqiang and Cao Binting, were also arrested on the same charge.
In July, the authorities were ramping up their investigations in an intensive search for incriminating leads that may result in an arrest.
Reports from his congregation
Cornerstone Reformed Church has an open and transparent financial record. Members of the church are aware that their pastor did not commit fraud nor misappropriate anyone’s tithes. He frequently assists other Christians in need or those facing difficulties in their families.
Pastor Wan Changchun’s parents
Wan Changchun’s elderly parents were shocked and pained to see both their son and daughter being detained. His father, who was recovering from a car accident, can’t help but shed tears daily, longing for the early return of his children. Wan’s mother is a preacher of the older generation, dedicating her life to teaching her children to be faithful and to love the Lord. Wan was deeply influenced by his mother.
Increase in fraud charges
The authorities’ charges against Wan Changchun are completely unlawful. The giving of tithes and offerings during church worship is fully in accordance with the Bible and Christian tradition. However, in recent years, the Chinese government has commonly convicted house church pastors of economic crimes, using the charge of “fraud.”
In the perception of the Chinese authorities, the willingness to give has been transformed into the commission of fraud. Persecuting Christians under the charge of “fraud” is a new tactic used by the Chinese authorities in recent years. In comparison, directly persecuting Christians on religious grounds (charges) is easier to expose and more likely to face condemnation from public opinion.
Prayer and support
ChinaAid invites readers, supporters, and fellow brothers and sisters in Christ to respond to the prayer requests from the families of the victims. Pray for the imprisoned pastors to be strengthened and not grow weary. Remember the believers of the Cornerstone Reformed Church and the families of the victims. Pray for them to fully rely on God during this difficult time. Finally, pray for the release of Pastor Wan and the three believers.
~Gao Zhensai, Special Correspondent of ChinaAid
