Source: www.ChinaAid.org
Date: June 10, 2021
Elder Zhang attends 2017 conference marking the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation.
(Photo: ChinaAid)
(Guiyang, Guizhou Province—June 09, 2021) Guiyang Ren Ai Church reported that on June 4, the lawyer representing Elder Zhang Chunlei, accused of “fraud,” met with him in Guiyang No. 2 Detention Center. Elder Zhang, detained since March 16, appears thinner, but spiritually healthy. He told his lawyer:
Tell my Brothers and Sisters in Christ, my spiritual friends, and relatives that I remember them in my prayer each day. I hope they will submit me to God’s hands. Tell them, “Don’t worry about my situation. Try to be joyful and hopeful often."
I am thankful for my family and friends and particularly for my wife—Sister Yang Aiqing. I am thankful that God gave her to me as my wife…, for His grace.
I could not live without God’s presence during my detention, but God is with me every second. Please ask Brothers and Sisters in God’s Kingdom to pray for me during this time…, that I let God guide me.
I am ready to sacrifice myself for the sake of the faith.
Elder Zhang Chunlei and his wife—Yang Aiqing.
(Photo: ChinaAid)
Elder Zhang stresses that he firmly believes in the triune God, the God Who reveals Himself in the Scripture. He teaches the authentic Christian faith that Christians have passed from one generation to the next for the past 2,000 years. Elder Zhang said that regardless of the set charge of fraud or any indictment, he has kept his conscience clear. He realizes that many of his fellowmen, including police officers and procurators who handle his case know little about the Christian faith. He hopes he will receive the opportunity to preach the truth to them, to help them understand Christianity and personally know the precious gospel.. As Guiyang City’s Chinese Communist Party (CCP) authorities have cracked down on house churches, and targeted Guiyang Ren Ai Church, they raided the March 16 gathering. In addition to police arresting the pastor and several Christians, officers searched the homes of the pastor, and confiscated possessions.
Regarding Elder Zhang’s 3-months detention, CCP authorities:
- detained him on March 16,
- initially held him under administrative detention for 11 days,
- held him under criminal detention for 37 days,
- officially arrested him May 1 on a charge of “suspected fraud,” and
- failed to clarify when, where, and how Elder Zhang will be tried.
Elder Zhang initially thought that authorities would release him shortly after his detention. Nevertheless, even though he remains detained, because he believes that God will work His good will to work things for good—no matter what happens ahead—he will face everything with joy.
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Guiyang Ren Ai Reformed Church publishes prayer petition. (Photo: ChinaAid ) On June 6, Guiyang Ren Ai Reformed Church published the following in their prayer petition: We earnestly request that you continue to intercede for Elder Zhang Chunlei and Ren Ai Reformed Church. May the Lord give grace to His servant, Elder Zhang, and make His church strong. May the Lord awaken authorities’ consciences, so they use their power appropriately and dispense the law without bias. We believe God protects His servant in secret and wills good for His servant regardless of any situation. History testifies to Christ and the grand power of the gospel.The Lord’s Church remains indestructible from one generation to another. |
~ Yu Bing, ChinaAid Special Reporter
Previous ChinaAid posts regarding Elder Zhang Chunlei:
https://www.chinaaid.org/2021/03/police-detain-elder-zhang-chunlei-14.html
https://www.chinaaid.org/2021/04/human-rights-lawyers-persecuted-during.html
https://www.chinaaid.org/2021/05/police-formally-arrest-elder-zhang.html
https://www.chinaaid.org/2021/05/police-continue-to-detain-elder-zhang.html
https://www.chinaaid.org/2021/05/imprisoned-elder-zhang-chunlei-do-not.html
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For this is God,
Our God forever and ever;
He will be our guide
Even to death.
~ Psalm 48:14 (NKJV)
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