China: Pastor 'Bike' returns to lead his church
Oct 14 2008
Postings >> China

A prominent church leader hounded out of his Beijing home during the Olympics has been able to worship with his congregation for the first time in months.

Pastor Zhang 'Bike' Mingxuan and his wife Xie Fenlang returned to the Chinese capital on September 21 after spending three weeks on 'forced vacation' in Hebei in the company of government officials. Before that, they had been forced out of their home and their orphanage had been shut down (7x7, 8 July 2008).

Their troubles did not end with their return to Beijing. The authorities cut off the water and electricity supply to the flat they rented. Their landlord was threatened and told to throw them out. Officials told Pastor Bike he was not welcome in the city, according to China Aid.

After five days of harassment, Pastor Bike lodged a formal complaint with the Chaoyang district Public Security Bureau (PSB). After consulting the Religious Affairs Bureau and the city government, officials told Pastor Bike he was free to lead a house church and his flat's power and water supply would be reconnected.

(Source: China Aid)

Thank God that Pastor Bike and his wife have had assurances they can live in Beijing and worship in peace now. Pray that officials will be true to their word.

Pray that officials will leave house churches in peace now the Olympics are over.