Since 1 January, Hengyang police have detained Brother Chen Wensheng, a Christian from Heyang, Hunan Province, twice for sharing the Gospel in the street.
For his first detention on 1 January, Brother Chen spent ten days in the detention centre. When officers released him, however, Brother Chen started sharing the Gospel in the street again – this time with his 84-year-old mother.
Source: ChinaAid
Afterwards, Brother Chen and his mother were taken to the Hengyang police station. Officials released Brother Chen’s mother at 11pm. Authorities detained him for 15 more days, making this the fourth time officers had detained him during the past four months. Brother Chen has repeatedly said that he wants to spread the Gospel to the police and prison officials. Regarding his detention, he posted on his WeChat Moment:
“Hallelujah! Thank You, Lord – for your grace and blessing.”
On 29 January, only days after police released Brother Chen from detention, Chinese Communist Party (CCP) government officials visited him at his home. During the visit which lasted until midnight, several CCP officials tried to persuade Brother Chen to stop spreading the Gospel in the street. Instead of convincing him, however, Brother Chen seized the opportunity to share the Gospel with the officials.
Police have transported Brother Chen to the local station so often that most Hengyang police officers and detention centre officials know him by name. Each time a police officer arrests him, Brother Chen smiles and says,
“Jesus loves you. God bless you. I will go with you.” When released, he thanks and blesses those around him.
Regardless of warnings, threats, and detentions, Brother Chen does not plan to stop. Even if imprisoned, Brother Chen said, “I have made up my mind to proclaim the Gospel, even in prison.
Let us pray.
- Praise God for the way He has worked in Chen’s life and for the resulting powerful testimony and witness.
- Thank the Lord for the opportunities Chen is seizing to share the Gospel; pray his words will bear much fruit.
- Pray for the church in China, having to endure increasing opposition.
Praise God for the courage our sovereign Lord is giving Brother Chen! He must be an inspiration to many of the Persecuted Church brothers & sisters in China, he is here I know!
How can I become as courageous as Brother Chen?
Blessed and Holy Lord Jesus, what a joy to hear of the faithful, gracious and enduring witness of our brother Chen to those around him including the authorities. I am reminded of James 1Vs2-5, “ 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” Lord Jesus, I pray for a fruitful and productive harvest not just through our brother Chen but also through the efforts and labour of love of your Church throughout China as they proclaim the Gospel, that there maybe inward conviction and calling to follow you. Pour out your Spirit on this people and their leaders that they may become servants in spreading the Gospel of grace.
Father, thank you for brother Chen’s great example of boldness and gospel-centeredness. Would you sustain him and all believers in China.
Lord, please help me to be as courageous as Brother Chen. May your will be done on Earth as it’s done in Heaven. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
2Cor:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
Lord,.
How beautiful and how encouraging to hear about brother Chen’s love for others and his determination to share the gospel with all people! Thank You for his loving and faithful example to us.
Oh Boy. What loving faith testimony to hear. This was a big praise report, Jesus is the answer! So nice to hear such bold faith. Even love for his enemies. Wow. Hallelujah. Glory goes to God. 🙂