Pastor Bike's Son Awake, But in Serious Condition

China Aid Association
Photo: Bike Zhang and his son Jian Zhang

(BEIJING — October 17, 2008) Zhang Jian, the oldest son of Pastor “Bike” Zhang Mingxuan, regained consciousness in the ER room Beijing Min Hang (Aviation) Hospital. Zhang Jian was severely beaten with iron bars at his mother’s home for 25 minutes by 15 Public Security Bureau (PSB) officers on October 16, 2008. ChinaAid has been in constant communication with this family facing severe persecution by the Chinese government.
China Aid’s president, Bob Fu, spoke by phone with Zhang Jian’s younger brother, Zhang Chuang, who was in the ER with Zhang Jian. During the phone conversation, PSB officers came into the ER room. However, just before the officers entered, Zhang Chuang was able to give an update on Zhang Jian’s condition. He said, “Zhang Jian has woken up from unconsciousness, but he is still very fragile. He could not eat by himself and his right eye is still very seriously wounded.” Doctors are not sure if he will regain his sight. Zhang Chuang also said Zhang Jian’s forehead and nose were severely beaten and he had a lot of bleeding.
Police have also attempted to shut down the house church where Zhang Jian’s father preaches. On October 13, police sealed the door of the church and blocked it with garbage. Officials were trying to block anyone wishing to enter, even though on September 28, officials gave permission for the house church to meet.
The physical assault on Zhang Jian is the most serious of the recent attacks on Zhang Jian and his family. During the past 22 years, Zhang Jian’s father, Pastor Bike, has been arrested 26 times, beaten and evicted from his home numerous times because of his faith. Despite the persecution, this family continues to boldly preach and help the house church Christians.
ChinaAid is standing with Zhang Jian and will help the family with medical expenses and other needs. Thank you to all those supporting ChinaAid who make it possible to respond quickly to families in urgent need of help.
View photos of the Pastor Bike’s sealed house church doors which police blocked with piles of garbage.
Write to the Chinese Embassy to voice your concern over violent police assault on Zhang Jian and the persecution of his family:
Chinese Embassy in Washington DC
2201 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W.
Washington D.C. 20007
Tel: (202) 338-6688, (202) 588-9760
Fax: (202) 588-9760
Find out ways to help Zhang Jian and others like him through prayer, media attention and emergency medical and legal help. CLICK HERE
click here for more information concerning Jian Zhang’s attack
Issued by CAA, October 17, 2008