CHINA: Young Children Detained After Bible Lesson Raid

13 May 2025

Source: ChinaAid

On 29 April 2025, a troubling incident occurred in Fuyang City, Anhui Province, China, where local police forcibly detained ten Christian children aged five to six, along with their five Sunday school teachers. According to the latest reports, two of the five teachers were placed in detention on 30 April.

The incident reportedly took place around 1:30pm on 29 April, during a routine Bible study session held in a private residence by this group of people. Officers from the Modern Industrial Park Police Substation in Fuyang forcefully entered the residence, confiscated mobile phones, and conducted a search. It is said that when parents went to pick up their children, the authorities refused to let them go.

After a period of detention, all the children have now returned to their families. However, at least one child reportedly experienced significant psychological distress, including repeated seizures, and initially received limited medical attention from the authorities. The child is now undergoing medical evaluation and is accompanied by family members.

Unfortunately, two Bible teachers, Chen Fangfang and Wang Dandan, were transferred to a detention centre at approximately 1am on 30 April.

Disturbing allegations have emerged regarding the treatment of Chen Fangfang. It is claimed that Qu Jie, the chief of the Sanshipu Police Station in Fuyang, verbally and physically abused her. Reportedly, the abuses included insulting, humiliating, spitting on her face, and dousing her with water. Wang Dandan, a member of the Maizhong Reformed Church in Fuyang, had previously been detained for 15 days on 18 January 2024, for her participation in church activities.

Eyewitnesses at the detention centre noted that when both teachers were being taken away, they appeared joyful and encouraged others. The teachers reportedly stated that they had not received any formal detention notices. When repeatedly asked about the duration of the detention, police officers responded with, “I’m not going to tell you all.”

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    Pray for them

    Ask the Lord for the safety and well-being of all those affected, praying especially for the children involved as they try to understand the recent traumatic events.

    Ask the Lord to protect Christians in China as they continue to share the gospel of Christ in this nation. Pray the Lord would continue opening many hearts to receive Him as Lord and Saviour.

    Pray for the rulers and authorities in China. Thank the Lord for His Sovereignty in this nation and pray that He would draw these leaders into the saving grace of Christ.

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