Zhang Chunlei is an elder with the Ren’ai Reformed Church in Guiyang, China. He was detained in March 2021 and remained in detention without charge until his trial in November 2022, when he was accused of “inciting subversion of state power”. The trial was held in secret, without any witnesses, and a verdict has never been announced since then. In the meantime, Elder Zhang continues to remain imprisoned.
On 4 June, Elder Zhang’s lawyer was finally notified that he could review the case files and transcript of the trial. While in prison, the Christian leader has been encouraging believers, saying that it is an honour to be imprisoned for the Lord. However, his wife Yang Aiqing has revealed that the church elder is suffering from worsening health conditions. In August 2023, he was taken to the hospital due to inflammation of his gallbladder.
It has now been revealed that Elder Zhang has been diagnosed with liver cirrhosis. Other prisoners have also developed liver problems while in custody which may be related to a long-term diet of mouldy, spoiled rice. Yang has asked Christians to pray that her husband will be released for medical treatment and ultimately completely healed of his present liver condition.
Submit a Prayer