​​(Beihai, Guangxi — December 15, 2025) The Zion Church case has entered its tenth week. For church members and their families, this period has repeatedly been described as “long and uncertain,” with days and nights passing but the rhythm of life difficult to mark. 

According to information provided by families and the church, a total of 18 Zion Church members are currently being held in two detention centers in Beihai, Guangxi. Beihai No. 1 Detention Center is holding nine female believers: Wang Cong, Wu Qiuyu, Li Shengjuan, Hu Yanzi, An Mei, Zhan Ge, and Wei Yunfei (Mesha), as well as two sisters identified only as Sister Z and Sister M for safety reasons. Beihai No. 2 Detention Center is holding nine male pastors: Ezra Jin Mingri, Yin Huibin, Gao Yingjia, Wang Lin, Liu Jiang, Sun Cong, Liu Zhenbin, Lin Shucheng, and Wang Zhong. 

Several detainees continue to undergo frequent interrogations. Last week, Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri was permitted to meet with his lawyer and a legal assistant. During the meeting, he was handcuffed and communicated with his lawyer through iron bars while seated in a fixed, enclosed chair.

This form of meeting made communication especially difficult.

Health concerns have also remained a source of ongoing worry for families. Elder Wang Zhong previously underwent heart stent surgery and currently has blockages in two major arteries near his heart, requiring further urgent medical intervention. His wife, Tong Hong, has repeatedly applied for medical bail pending trial, but all requests have been denied. 

Under the shadow of detention, contact among family members has become one of the few remaining channels of support. Last week, families of the detained briefly met via an online video call. Some shared updates; others prayed. These moments of mutual comfort allowed them to feel a strength that has not yet been taken away.

Some families have already been forced to begin a new life in exile. Pastor Wang Lin’s wife, Sister Ziming, recently arrived in what was described as a “land of freedom” with their two young children and has begun trying to rebuild a stable life. According to those with knowledge of the situation, this had long been Pastor Wang Lin’s hope that his children would grow up in an environment free of repeated expulsion or the sudden deprivation of their schooling.

For families who remain in China, the reality is even more heartbreaking. Pastor Wang Cong’s mother and young daughter have remained in prolonged grief since his wife was taken away and the family lost a mother and a daughter-in-law figure. Family members say the elderly woman often weeps.

Zion Church stated that members in many parts of the country continue to receive phone calls from police, are summoned for questioning, and are required to sign interrogation records. Law enforcement agencies persist in attempting to characterize members’ voluntary, faith-based tithings and offerings as “fraud,” an accusation that has drawn strong opposition from Christians and their supporters.

Amid a series of restrictions, there have also been rare “small advancements.” Last week, Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri finally received a Bible, which he had repeatedly requested while in detention. However, other detained pastors and coworkers are still unable to read the Bible or any other books.

Despite mounting pressure, the church’s collective religious life has not ceased. On December 14, Zion Church held its Sunday worship service as scheduled. The church reported that more than 1,500 Zoom accounts were simultaneously connected for the online service. To them, this was not only a worship service but also a public and quiet act of perseverance.

In the midst of fear, they have not stopped worshiping, one church member said, nor have they abandoned their spiritual life.

In its communications, Zion Church cited a verse from Romans in response to the current situation they are facing: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?”

Reported by Special Correspondent Gao Zhensai for China Aid