Source: www.csw.org.uk
Date: September 11, 2021
But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. (Psalm 5:11)
This psalm reminds us that the love of God gives us a reason to sing, even in the midst of great trials. We know that God is a place of refuge for all who call on him, so we pray this verse over Chinese journalist Zhang Zhan, whose health remains critical.
‘I will continue to pray for God’s great love to guide me’ – Zhang Zhan
In 2020, Zhang Zhan made the brave decision to travel to Wuhan, prompted by her Christian faith, to investigate and report on the situation of the COVID-19 pandemic. She was subsequently arrested and sentenced to four years in prison for ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’ – a charge which is frequently used against human rights defenders.
Throughout her detention, Zhan has protested against her unjust imprisonment by carrying out both full and partial hunger strikes at different times, which has led to a serious deterioration in her health. On 2 August, prison authorities informed Zhan’s parents that she had been hospitalised on 31 July, with symptoms indicating severe malnourishment. They haven’t been allowed to visit their daughter, despite her being in a critical condition. She was sent back to Shanghai Women's Prison on 11 August.
Use the words of Psalm 5:11 to help you pray for Zhang Zhan, asking God to give her a reason to rejoice, a reason to hope and a reason to live.
Prayers answered in Pakistan
You may remember that in July, we gave thanks and asked you to keep praying for a Christian couple in Pakistan, Shafqat Emmanuel and Shagufta Kausar, who had been acquitted of blasphemy charges after seven years on death row. The couple and their lawyer, a devout Muslim, had all received death threats since their sentences were overturned on 3 June.
We’re delighted to share that Shafqat and Shagufta have since been released and are now safely out of the country. Thank you for standing alongside them – this is exactly what we were praying for!
In summary, please pray:
- That God will bring miraculous healing to Zhang Zhan’s body, reversing the damage caused through her hunger strike and prolonged ill-treatment in prison.
- For Zhang Zhan’s parents, that they may be able to visit her soon and be comforted.
- Giving thanks that Shafqat and Shagufta have safely left Pakistan, and asking God to help them settle into a new home.