Chinese Communist Party (CCP) authorities arrested Pastor Hao Zhiwei in July 2019; however, she still awaits trial. Four months after Hao’s arrest, officials charged her with swindling 2.24 million yuan ($469,340) in church offerings. CCP authorities also accused two church staff members, Hong Ying and Wang Yuanxiang, of fraud but because they “confessed”, they warranted leniency. Prosecutors have not set a trial date for Hao.
“The case is set to have a far-reaching legal impact that could see other house church pastors like Hao come under more legal scrutiny on top of the existing administrative regulations over religious affairs,” Si Weijiang, Hao’s lawyer, said.
Hao’s trial was originally set for January and then apparently postponed until August but there is still no notice of when it will take place. The coronavirus pandemic has also caused delays.
Hao’s husband died two years ago, her two sons, aged 13 and 17, are without both parents.
According to Hao’s 17-year-old son, identifying himself as Paul, “The government is indefinitely postponing the trial as they continue to look for evidence so they can frame my mother by building a fraud case against her that never existed in the first place,” He said he was staying on campus at a university in eastern Zhejiang province but his brother lives at home in Ezhou with a part-time domestic helper.
After authorities arrested Hao and her two co-workers, they contracted to demolish the church to make way for expansion of a steel plant. To justify destroying the church, the local religious affairs department issued a notice in July last year stating that because the church was too close to a power plant, it had to be demolished. Amidst the separation from his mother and the church demolition, Paul stated that he and his brother are at peace. “We have faith in God that he will never give us a trial that we cannot bear.”
Si said Hao refuses to plead guilty and if convicted, faces a minimum of 10 years in prison. He expressed concern that a conviction could set a precedent for CCP authorities to use charges of financial irregularities to prosecute other house church leaders.
Sources: ChinaAid, South China Morning Post
- Remember Hao, her sons and her fellow church members. Pray they will continue to rely on the Lord and His purposes and not lose heart.
- Pray that God will sustain Hao while in prison and ask Him to provide her with spiritual enrichment while she endures. Ask God to hasten her trial and secure her release.
- Pray for the authorities responsible; that they will not fear the Gospel but will submit to the Lord’s merciful and sovereign hand.
Post your prayer in the comments below.
Prayer is important [Luke 18:1] But more important is prayer said according to THE LORD PERFECTED WILL. Please VOM, find-out if the offence in question was really committed or merely fabricated; Meanwhile let us avoid partisan response and approach.
We should fully support our brothers and sister with prayers in a non-judgemental manner. Justice can only be served by god, not anyone or any authority in this world.
I understand Evangelist John O. Elder comment and encourage us to pray according to the words of 1 Peter 3:13-18, which states, “13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats[b]; do not be frightened.”[c] 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17 For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.” I suggest, we should pray for our brothers and sisters even when they have faltered or transgressed and ask for Jesus to have mercy and His Holy Spirit to help them be restored and remain true and faithful to their Lord Jesus.
Lord teach us to pray. God of the nations you sent your Son into this hostile rebellious world to bring life, to save us from a Christless eternity. Blessed Lord Jesus, you are our great High Priest; You have opened a new and living way that we as sinful people can approach you with boldness and confidence. We pray for China’s leadership especially Xi Jinping (The President) and Li Keqiang – Lee Cu-Chi-Ang (The Premier). May their hearts of stone become hearts of flesh under the direct influence of your Spirit and the Gospel of Christ. You have said in the scriptures, “…holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus… our apostle and high priest.” Have mercy on suffering believers particularly widow Pastor Hao, still awaiting trial and her sons; we pray also for co-workers Hong Ying and Wang and ask you to help them by your Spirit to focus on Jesus and bring their lives daily to Him. We especially pray for endurance, wisdom, patience and grace as they face intimidation and dispossession by the Chinese Government officials. Help them to cherish the greatness of your Son, the sufficiency of His person and sacrifice, and the effectiveness of His intercession for them. Blessed are those who are persecuted for your name’s sake. There is no one like you Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God. We plead for all your people in China. Deliver them from the work of the evil one and give them courage and discernment that they might continue to serve you and bring glory to your name. We ask all this in the precious name of Jesus Amen.