Release International

The Chinese authorities have arrested at least 12 pastors and house church leaders over the past month.

China Aid reports that 11 pastors and church leaders in Sugian City, Jiangsu Province, were detained after security officials raided a Bible study in a pastor's home. Police allegedly used electric shock batons on those resisting arrest.

A South Korean pastor among the 60 people attending the study was ordered to leave China within 48 hours. All detainees were released after 10 hours' intense interrogation.

Meanwhile, in Shadong Province, the authorities swooped on Pastor Liu Yuhua, who has been distributing free Bibles and Christian literature in his region. In a striking parallel to the case of Pastor Cai Zhuohua in Beijing, the authorities have now accused Pastor Liu of 'illegal business practices' and seized his bank account. Pastor Cai was given a three-year sentence last year for printing Christian literature.

• Ask God to bless and refresh all those church leaders and pastors arrested in Sugian City this month.
• Pray for Pastor Liu Yuhua, who has been arrested for distributing Christian literature. Pray that he will put on the full armour of God (Ephesians 6) each day.

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