China Cracks Down on Christian Leaders; Jailed Pastor's Family Seeks US Support

Crackdown on Zion Church

• 🇨🇳 Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri, founder of the Zion Church Network, was arrested in October as part of a crackdown by the Chinese Communist Party.
• 🚨 Approximately 30 police officers raided the home of Pastor Jin, who is 56 and in poor health, along with his elderly mother.
• ⚖️ Pastor Jin and 17 other pastors are facing charges of illegally using information networks, a new charge that could result in up to three years in prison.

New Charges and Online Sermons

• 💻 The charge of illegally using information networks is reportedly based on Pastor Jin's sermons and worship services conducted online via Zoom.
• 🌐 This practice, which allowed people from all over China to connect for worship, is now being deemed illegal by the authorities.

Family's US Campaign for Release

• 🇺🇸 Pastor Jin's wife, daughter, and son-in-law, who reside in America, are appealing to the Trump administration and Congress.
• 💌 They have launched a Christmas card campaign, encouraging people to send letters and postcards to their father and other detained Christians.
• 🙏 The family hopes these efforts will persuade the Chinese government to release the pastors in time for Christmas.

Faith and International Pressure

• 🌟 Despite the circumstances, Pastor Jin expressed that he feels honored to join in the suffering of Jesus and is encouraged by the Holy Spirit.
• 🗣️ The US Senate has passed a resolution condemning the arrests, and the Trump administration is addressing the issue through the State Department.
• 🕊️ Anna and Grace, Pastor Jin's daughter and wife, are relying on their faith and hope that President Trump will raise the religious liberty issue with China's President Xi.
• 🌍 The family also prays for 1.4 million Chinese people to have a chance to hear the gospel.