President's Corner

Dear workers for persecuted brothers and sisters,

Last month, pastor Zhang Chongzhu from Pingyang Christian church in Zhejiang was released on May 9 after being accused of spying and imprisoned without trial for 240 days. The real reason? He was scheduled to meet with a U.S. Ambassador of Religious Freedom. At his release, he was welcomed by hundreds of believers at his church. He saw his smiling wife Zhang Suchao holding flowers, brothers and sisters lined up on both sides of the streets toward the church like a parade. Fireworks erupted as a big banner hung over the church door declaring: “Welcome and Glorious Return, Pastor Zhang!”

By any reasoning, welcoming home a pastor jailed on such a serious, politically sensitive charge is extraordinary. (In China, “spying” could bring more shame and social isolation to family and associates than a murder charge). Moreover, to treat a “politically rebellious” pastor-prisoner as a hero shows an awakening in the spirits and souls of millions of believers.

They know the real reason these pastors like Zhang Chongzhu, Huang Yizi, Bao Guohua, and others were accused, imprisoned, and charged has nothing to do with whatever fabricated “crime” the authorities claimed in their propaganda machine. These believers want to show that contrary to the conventional wisdom of shame and isolation, they are proud to associate with “criminals” who are persecuted for the Cross. These pastors and believers were beaten, wounded, charged and sentenced for defending their pure faith in Christ Jesus and protesting the forced demolition of 2,000 crosses. They praise God for their pastors’ imprisonment.

It reminds me a scene in Acts. When Peter and John proclaimed the news of Christ's resurrection, they were threatened by the rulers of that time. After they were let go, the authorities could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened.

At China Aid, our staff are also proud to walk firmly with these “prisoners for Jesus.” We thank you for walking with our team in exposing the abuses, encouraging the abused and equipping the heroic leaders.

Bob Fu