Wanyu will never forget October 10—the day her husband was violently arrested by the authorities in China.
Pastor Sun Cong, pictured above, was one of a number of members of Beijing’s Zion Church taken away by security officers in a dramatic, authoritarian clamp down.
The incident left the wife and young mother distraught—and caused the pastor’s elderly mother to suffer a heart failure.
Wanyu said: ‘As a wife, I witnessed my 72-year-old mother-in-law faint and relapse into heart failure when she saw her son violently taken away. She was rushed to hospital, while I stood helplessly watching my husband being taken away.
‘My little one, still so young, kept crying and asking, “Where’s Daddy?” I held him tightly, with tears streaming down my face, and told him gently, “Daddy has gone to work for God.” Since then, he has been clinging to me constantly.’
The dramatic and traumatic arrest of Pastor Sun was part of a coordinated crackdown by the Chinese authorities that had begun the previous day, when another pastor was apprehended by police at Shenzhen airport.
The police then conducted raids to arrest a number of Zion Church members. Pastor Sun was one of those apprehended, by the Yinhai Branch of the Beihai City Public Security Bureau. ‘He did not resist, yet his hands were forcefully twisted behind his back and he was shoved to the ground. This is not only oppression against a defenceless man, but also an assault on his faith,’ his wife added.
The homes of those arrested were searched, and electronic devices were confiscated. It is not yet clear what those who have been detained in the coordinated raid will be charged with. Wanyu’s request to be able to visit her husband has been denied.
Through our partner for China, Release International supports the families of prisoners and provides legal aid to support churches who are coming under pressure from the Chinese authorities.
Partners who work in places like China—where oppression is intensifying—need us to be able to respond quickly to situations like this.
Could you send a gift of £30 or more to Release International, to help us support persecuted Christians like Pastor Sun and his family?
The Zion Church has long been a target for the authorities in China. It was shut down in 2018, but various branches have continued to meet. Last month’s renewed crackdown hit the headlines and prompted fears of increased pressure on China’s underground churches.
Reflecting on the current uncertain and intimidating situation, Wanyu said, ‘Though the pressure is immense, and I feel fear and weakness, I believe in the strength that comes from the One in whom we trust. Even in tears, I will praise Him. My husband, my family—we are surrounded by God’s boundless grace. He is good, merciful and faithful to those who stand firm in their faith.’
In many places in our world today Christians face ongoing threat and oppression for their faith in Jesus Christ and for their gospel witness.
As we get ready to celebrate again the birth of our Saviour, will you remember those who pay a high price for believing in him and serving him?
Your gift of £30, £50, £100, £250—or any amount you are able to give at this time—can make a real difference in the lives of Christians who have suffered, and who continue to suffer persecution.
Thank you for your concern for persecuted Christians around the world. Your prayers are always valued. And every gift you send enables us as a ministry to resource our partners around the world, as they continue to do vital work, in loving and caring for those who suffer for Christ.
May God bless you this Advent and Christmas season,
Paul Robinson
CEO, Release International
