Nearly 2000 Chistians Arrested In China

[Alex The Hawk]

Christian News Feature








China Arrests Nearly 2000 Christians In 12 Months, Report ShowsAdded: Jun 26th, 2006 5:44 AM

By BosNewsLife News Center

BEIJING, CHINA (BosNewsLife) -- Chinese Security forces arrested at least almost 2000 Chinese Christians, including house church pastors, within a period of one year, and many were tortured, a report released Monday, June 26, shows.

The report of US-based religious rights group China Aid Association (CAA), which has close contacts with house churches, details what it calls "main persecution events" across China from May 2005-May 2006.

"In the past 12 months, at least 1958 Chinese house church pastors and Christians in 15 provinces were arrested," says the CAA report obtained by BosNewsLife.

CAA notes that "Many teacher and leadership training gatherings are viewed with particular hostility by the government whose aim is to control the indoctrination of new generations of Christians."

CHRISTIANS "TORTURED"

Police officers and religious affairs forces involved in raiding Christian meetings often "mistreated and tortured congregants," while they were in detention, according to CAA investigators. Many were also fined.

The province-by-province report says Henan saw "œthe worst persecution"� against house churches in the past 12 months. 823 pastors and other believers, including Americans, were apparently arrested in 11 raids from July 2005 to May 2006.

"Five American citizens were arrested at the same period of time. Many of the arrested were abused during detention time. After the raid on March 13, 2006 at Wen county, two arrested Christian ladies whose age are 72 and 21 respectively were forced to stripe off their cloths during the interrogation," the report says.

In addition, a disabled Pastor Li Gongshe was allegedly "severely beaten with one of his ribs broken."

"WORST PERSECUTION"

Henan province "œshould be put on notice having the worst religious persecution record,"� said Bob Fu, a former house church leader who currently leads CAA after fleeing to the United States. "It is morally imperative for any conscientious foreign investors in Henan to address this serious issue," he told BosNewsLife in a statement.

In addition, an "unusual series of coordinated raids" in May 2005 at 100 locations "netted some 600 believers in Jilin Province in what is believed to have been an attempt at shutting down the growing house church influence on an academic community," the report claims.

A few key house church leaders were reportedly detained "œto ensure their attendance at study sessions where they would be subjected to attempts to force their affiliation with the Three-Self Patriotic Movement (TSPM),"� one of the "˜official"™ denominations.

The sentencing of Pastor Cai Zhuohua, a house church leader in Beijing, and his colleagues on November 8, 2005, for "illegal business practice" after printing and distributing thousands of Bibles and other Christian literature highlights "The importance Chinese officials place on maintaining control over religious publications," CAA concludes.

AUTHORITIES DENY

Chinese authorities have denied human rights abuses, saying they only crackdown on "œsects"� deemed "dangerous" for society. The Communist government of China also points out that Christians can worship in the official churches.

However Christian groups say most of China"™s estimated 80 million Christians prefer to gather in independent 'house churches', as they do not recognize the Communist-backed denominations as genuine Christ-worshipping churches. The term "˜house churches"™ is a reference to the fact that its supporters are often forced to gather "˜underground"™ in homes of believers as they lack permissions to gather openly in other buildings.

The Chinese government insists that the so-called Three-Self Church, should accommodate all Protestants or the state-run Catholic Patriotic Association for Catholics.

"Local Chinese officials have continually repressed religious activities that they determine to be outside the scope of the state-controlled religious system. Their decisions are often arbitrarily made in a manner inconsistent with the right to freedom of religion," CAA concludes in its report. (With BosNewsLife's Stefan J. Bos and reports from China).

[Chuck7]

Alex,
can you get us an address to write to the government of China to ask for the prisoners release. VOM should have that.Trust me , when outsiders like us write it can make an effect.
C7

[Alex The Hawk]

Here is more persecution in India also.

Hindu Extremists Torturing the Children of the Orphanage

About 150 Hindu radical extremists from the Hallur and neighbouring villages in Belgaum District forcibly entered the christian orphanage home on June 22, Thursday and tortured the children and the pastors. 53 children are taken care of this orphange.

Hindu radicals conducted pooja (hindu prayers to the idols), put kumkum (vermillion) on the forehead of each child and threatened the pastor and the assistant pastor. Assistant Pastor also a converted Christian. He was beaten before by these people and even his parents also were beaten because of converting to Christianity.

The owners who gave the house for the orphanage were also not spared; they were also threatened and asked not to allow the children and the pastors to stay further.

The pastors along with the children have moved to a smaller house and struggling without enough space to accommodate the children and having their daily needs. And also they are struggling with heavy financial crisis, even starving for the food.

Please pray for us, Pastors who are looking after the orphanage and the children. It is essential to have a permanent shelter for this orphanage.

Pastor Paul Ciniraj,
Salem Voice Ministries,
Devalokam (P.O), Kottayam,
Kerala-686038, India.

web: http://www.salemvoice.com

[Alex The Hawk]

I guess one can start with the chinese Embassy,Chuck.

To contact the Chinese Embassy write or call: Embassy of the People's Republic of China 2300 Connecticut Avenue NW Washington, DC 20008 Tel.: (202) 328-2500 ...

[Chuck7]

Thanks brother,Alex
In our land of peace it's easy to forget our brothers and sisters being persecuted on a daily base. I'll get a letter out today.
C7

[The Rev]

We need to start a petition letter. We did that back in the day with some Russian Christians. They are now living in Dallas. Someone smarter than me who knows how to start one on line will get some quick circulation. Even if we copy it and send in a hard copy, with the correct address..

[Chuck7]

Don't want to disagree Rev. but VOM would rather 100 independent letters go out rather than one long one which can be easily trashed.

Also ...on that list of prisoners. If we could all take one and correlate who has who.We could contact each prisoner. I bought 4 Christian cards yesterday . I plan to take 4 of the CHinese prisoners. I'll bump them to the top.
C7

[Chuck7]

Practically ..I think I will just write to some of the following prisoners I
There are guidelines ..here are the most important rules.

1. Do not mention Voice of theMartyrs in anyway.

2. Do not bad mouth their government.

3. Send pictures and keep letters short because translating can be a problem

4. If you send a return address you may get letters from relatives asking for money.Do not send money.

5. These letters can be a huge encouragement as I'm sure they may feel that no one even knows or cares about them.

Pray about it my friend and send a few out.
Hebrews 13:3 Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.
Chuck7





AIQING ZHU

At 40 years of age, Aiqing Zhu was arrested for "˜illegal evangelistic activities"™ on June 9, 1996. She was sentenced with a twenty-year prison term.

Her prison address is:
The Public Security Department
Xiang Xiang City
Hu Nan Province





DAOXING SHEN

Shen, 61, was arrested in 2002 along with other South China Church leaders for starting an unregistered chldren's Sunday School. He may not have a Bible according to the court ruling. He was given a four-year sentence.


His prison address is:
Section 3, Sanxia Prison
Wanzhou, Chongqing City 404023
People's Republic of China


Click here to read more in the VOM Newsroom




GONG BANGKUN


He was arrested October 2002 and given a 15 year sentence
Prison Address:
No. 3 Division, Section 6
Jiangling District
Jingzhou City, Hubei Province 434110
People's Republic of China




GONG SHENGLIANG

Pastor Gong, founder and pastor of the South China Church was sentenced to be executed last December, but a re-trial was ordered by the Hubei Province Supreme Court. Gong was re-tried last October, but charges relating to cult and illegal religious activity were dropped. The second trial resulted in a sentence of life in prison. He has been severely beaten and was taken to the hospital. He is now back in prison but does not communicate verbally with his family visitors whether out of fear or injury.

His address is:
Mr. Gong Shengliang
Prison Section,Four Te Yi Hao
Hongshan Prison, Miaoshan Development Zone
Jiangxia District, Wuhan City, Hubei Province 430223
People's Republic of China


"We have seen with the overturning of the first verdict that international pressure can affect this case," says VOM Spokesman Todd Nettleton. "We urge American Christians to contact Chinese authorities and ask that Gong be released, or at the very least be allowed full participation in preparing his appeal."

Click here to read more in the VOM Newsroom




HU YING

A leader in the South China Church he has been given a sentence of life in prison.

His prison address is:
Jingzhou Prison
Jingzhou City, Hubei Province 434020
People's Republic of China




LI YING

Second in command in the South China Church and publisher of an underground church magazine. She was given a 15-year sentence.

You may write to her at the following address:
The Third Section
Female Prison of Wuhan City
No. 81, Bao Feng Yi Lu
Wuhan City, Hubei 430032
People's Republic of China


WRITE ONLINE
Write a letter online to Li using her native language through VOM"™s Prisoner Alert web site. Click here to write your letter.

Click here to read more in the VOM Newsroom




MENGYU TANG

A 27 year old female South China Church Leader was given a six-year sentence.

Prison Address:
Yongchuan Female Prison
Yongchuan City, Chongqing City 402164
People's Republic of China


Click here to read more in the VOM Newsroom




Mr Cai Zhuohua


Pastor Cai Zhuohua was taken into custody from a bus stop September 11, 2004. He has been sentenced to three years in prison. His prison address is:
Mr Cai Zhuohua
Box 106-12, Chadian Station along Railroad
Jingshan, Hangu District, Tianjin
The People's Republic of China 300481




Mr Kim Kyung Il


Kim is a refugee from North Korea. He was arrested May 20, 2002 and is in prison in China. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison and scheduled to be returned to North Korea when released. His prison address is:
Mr Kim Kyung Il
#104-1004 Mailbox Tiebei Prison
Changchun City
Jilin Province
The People's Republic of China




PASTOR DONG DAOLAI


Arrested with other South China Church leaders during October 2002. He has been sentenced to 10 years.
Prison Address
No. 1 Division, Section 6
Jiangling District
Jingzhou City, Hubei Province 434110
People's Republic of China




PASTOR YI CHUANFU


He was arrested during October 2002 and sentenced to 10 years. He has been severely beaten.
Prison Address
No. 2 Division, Section 6
Jiangling District
Jingzhou City, Hubei Province 434110
People's Republic of China




QONG LING YI

This young South China Church leader was arrested when she was 21 years old. She was eventually given a seven-year sentence for her activities with her church.

Prison Address
Yongchuan Female Prison
Yongchuan City, Chongqing city 402164
People's Republic of China




SHIGUI TAN

A 41 year old South China Church Leader. He was given a four-year sentence.

His Prison Address is:
Section 3, Sanxia Prison
Wanzhou, Chongqing City, 404023
People's Republic of China




SUN MINGHUA


Arrested October 2002 she received a 13 year sentence.
Her prison address is:
No. 5 Division, Section 3
Wuhan Female Prison
Wuhan City, Hubei Province 430032
People's Republic of China




XIANG SHUANGYU

This 29 years old was arrested with the other South China Church leaders. She was given a seven-year sentence.

Prison Address
Yongchuan Female Prison
Yongchuan City, Chongqing City 402164
People's Republic of China




XIAO YANLI

She was arrested in October 2002 and given a 10 year sentence.

Her prison address is:
No. 2 Division, Section 2
Wuhan Female Prison
Wuhan City, Hubei Province 430032
People's Republic of China


Click here to read more in the VOM Newsroom




XITAO ZHAO

This 28 year old South China Church leader was given a seven-year sentence.

His prison address is:
Section 3, Sanxia Prison
Wanzhou, Chongqing City, 404023
People's Republic of China




XU FUMING

This South China Church Leader was sentenced to life in Prison.

His prison address is:
Jingzhou Prison
Jingzhou City, Hubei Province 434020
People's Republic of China




YUMEI LU

At age 27 she received an eight-year sentence for her role as a South China Church leader.

Prison Address
Yongchuan Female Prison
Yongchuan City, Chongqing City 402164
People's Republic of China






[hr]


Prisoners In Egypt








SHAIBOUB ARSAL

Shaiboub Arsal was given a 38 year hard labor prison sentence in June 2000. He has been falsely charged over a murder that took place during the 1999-2000 New Year"™s weekend violence, which targeted El-Kosheh"™s Coptic Christian population. Write a letter of encouragement to him, care of his local Coptic bishop.

Contact Information for Shaiboub Arsal:
Shaiboub Arsal
c/o Bishop Wissa
Diocese of Baliana
Baliana
Sohag Province
Egypt





[hr]


Prisoners In Eritrea








Dr Kiflu Gebremeskel


Dr Gebremeskel was arrested May 23, 2004. A full time pastor and leading figure with the Full Gospel Church of Eritrea. His prison address is:
Dr Kiflu Gebremeskel
Karsheli Prison
2nd Police Station Zone 7 Northern East
Zoba Maakel
Asmara, Eritrea




HAILE NAYZGI


During the early morning hours of May 23, 2004, Haile Nayzgi was arrested and taken to Police Station #1 in Asmara. He was the leader of Eritrea"™s Full Gospel Church, which is comprised of 120 to 150 house meeting groups. The church groups were closed by government decree at a meeting with a government official on May 15, 2003. At that time the church groups were given an application form for government registration. The Full Gospel Church filled out the form and returned it to the appropriate offices, but no reply was ever received.
Haile is married and has four children. He was previously an accountant with World Evangelical Alliance. He is a former mathematics professor at the University of Asmara. During his incarceration Haile has been refused any personal contact with his family. When family and friends went to take food and clothing to the prison for Haile on August 24, 2004, they were told that he was no longer there. Mr. Nayzgi has been moved to various locations since his arrest, but the actual charges against him have not been released.
Haile Nayzgi
Karsheli Prison
2nd Police Station Zone 7 Northern East
Zoba Maakel
Asmara, Eritrea




KIDANE WELDOU


Pastor Kidane Weldou of the Full Gospel Church in Asmara was arrested March 18, 2005. He has been a leader in Eritrea for many years. An estimated 900 Christians are in custody in Eritrea.
Kidane Weldou
Karsheli Prison
2nd Police Station Zone 7 Northern East
Zoba Maakel
Asmara, Eritrea






[hr]


Prisoners In Indonesia








Dr. Rebekka, Mrs. Eti, Mrs. Ratna


These three women, Dr. Rebekka , Mrs. Eti and Mrs. Ratna were arrested May 16, 2005, and charged under the Children Protection Act of 2002. Their trial began June 30th and ended September 1, 2005, when Indonesian judges sentenced the women to three years in prison plus a fine for allowing Muslim children to attend a Christian Sunday school program.
LEMBAGA PERMASYARAKATAN INDRAMAYU
JALAN GATOT SUBROTO
INDRAMAYU 45213
JAWA BARAT - INDONESIA






[hr]


Prisoners In Iran








Hamid Pourmand


A former Iranian army colonel is serving a three-year sentence because he was a Christian and became an officer in the army. It is illegal for a non-Muslim to serve as a m ilitary officer. He was sentenced in a Tehran military court on February 17, 2005. His sentence automatically discharges him from the army, cuts off his regular income, and eliminates his military pension.
Hamid Pourmand
Evin Prison
Tehran
Iran


Click here to read more in the VOM Newsroom






[hr]


Prisoners In Laos








THONG CHAN

Throng Chan, a Christian pastor from Udomxai continues to be held in prison. He had been a Chao Muang (District Governor). After his conversion he was first arrested in 1999 and convicted of preaching the gospel, being a traitor to the nation and speaking badly about the nation. His estimated release will be 2014.

You may send an encouraging note to him at:
Mr. Thong Chan
Ban Na Prison
Muang Xai
Udomxai, LAOS





[hr]


Prisoners In Pakistan








ASIF MASIH and AMJAD MASIH


We have just received word today, May 30, 2006 that after 7 years in prison both these men have been released.

Asif Masih along with Amjad Masih (not related) were accused of setting a copy of the Qur'an, wrapped in a towel, on fire while in jail. The police report stated that the towel was burned but the Qur'an was unharmed. The only witnesses are the police who supposedly saw the incident. A High Court in eastern Pakistan has upheld a decision sentencing these two Christian men to life in prison during an August 7, 2003 ruling. These men claim police set them up after they refused to pay a bribe. They were originally arrested February 5, 1999.
You may send a note of encouragement to these men at:

Asif Masih
Central Jail
Faisalabad
PAKISTAN

Amjad Masih
Central Jail
Faisalabad
PAKISTAN






PARVEZ MASIH


PAKISTAN "“ JAILED PAKISTANI CHRISTIAN PARVEZ RELEASED AFTER 5 YEARS IN JAIL. CHARGES DROPPED.



RHANJA MASIH

On May 8, 1998, at the funeral procession of a Christian, Muslim witnesses claim that Rhanja threw a rock at an Islamic sign. Now 55 he has been jailed since his arrest more than five years ago. Rhanja was tried under Section 295-c of the blasphemy law which normally carries a mandatory death sentence but on April 26, 2003 he was sentenced to life in prison and fined 50,000 rupees ($830).

You may write him a note or send Christian card to him at:
Rhanja Masih
Central Jail
Faisalabad,
Pakistan

WRITE ONLINE
Write a letter online to Rhanja using his native language through VOM"™s Prisoner Alert web site. Click here to write your letter.



SHABAZ KAKA


He was arrested September 25, 2004 when mosque leaders saw the cross he was wearing and questioned him as he visited the restroom during a break on a bus ride. They fabricated an accusation that he had desecrated the Koran. He has been sentenced to life in prison.
Shabaz Kaka
Central Jail of Faisalabad
Faisalabad
Pakistan






[hr]


Prisoners In Vietnam








MA VAN BAY

He is serving an 11 year sentence and has been in prison since November 17, 2003.

Prison Address is:
Trai giam Huyen Bu Dang
Tinh Binh Phuoc
Vietnam





Y DHAM KNUL

Arrested September 2002, sentenced to 5 years in prison.

Prison address:

Trai Ba Sao Prison
Huyen Kim Bang District
Tinh Ha Nam Province
Vietnam




Y HAI KNUL

He was arrested September 9, 2002 and sentenced to 7 years.

Prison address:

Trai Ba Sao Prison
Huyen Kim Bang District
Tinh Ha Nam Province
Vietnam




Y HET NIE KDAM

Arrested August 2002. Sentenced to 10 years.
Prison address is:
Trai Ba Sao Prison
Huyen Kim Bang District
Tinh Ha Nam Province
Vietnam




Y KIM ENUOL

Arrested September 9, 2002 and sentenced to 7 years.

Prison address is:

Trai Ba Sao Prison
Huyen Kim Bang District
Tinh Ha Nam Province
Vietnam





Y KRO NIE

Arrested October, 2003 and sentenced to 7 years.

Prison address is:

Trai Ba Sao Prison
Huyen Kim Bang District
Tinh Ha Nam Province
Vietnam





Y LIA NIE

Arrested September 14, 2002. He was sentenced to 7 years.

Prison address:

Trai Ba Sao Prison
Huyen Kim Bang District
Tinh Ha Nam Province
Vietnam





Y OAL NIE

Arrested September 10, 2002, sentenced to five years.

Prison address:

Trai Ba Sao Prison
Huyen Kim Bang District
Tinh Ha Nam Province
Vietnam





Y TIM BUON YA

Arrested September 9, 2002 and sentenced to 10 years.

Prison address is:

Trai Ba Sao prison
Huyen Kim Bang District
Tinh Ha Nam Province
Vietnam









[hr]





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[hr]


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[Rebel Hog]

Brother Alex, all the letters you send these prisoners, will be read and censored before they read them!

[Chuck7]

I want to boast on brother Alex, Alex is getting 500 letters in the mail to be sent soon. That is awesome brother.
C7