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TechnoratiA father of two, Shi has been held without any family visits. His wife, Zhang Jing, has received no word on her husband’s condition, and she has been prohibited from bringing him any food or clothing since his re-arrest. Until the end of April, Shi had also been denied a visit from his attorney.
Adding to his family’s stress is the intimidation they are experiencing from being under surveillance by the Public Security Bureau. They are followed wherever they go, even when Zhang sends her daughters to school. The movements of Shi’s lawyer are also being monitored to ensure that he will not make contact with any foreigner or groups overseas. The PSB tell him, though, that they are only doing that in order to “protect him” so that his work will not be interrupted.
On June 19, the three-month deadline for a hearing expired and Shi’s hearing never took place as expected on the last day. Therefore, Shi is now being held illegally.
Open Doors is urging Christians in the United States to email Chinese Ambassador to the United States Zhou Whenzong to express their concern over the status of Shi, including access to medical care and medicines, adequate clothing, visitation rights for his family and a fair and prompt trial. To send an email and for more information, go to www.OpenDoorsUSA.org.
It is not too soon to ask: What will happen after the Olympic Games?
Open Doors’ China director says: “I expect that the pressure on the Church will again be reduced and that China will continue to modernize. We also hope that Christian books will finally become available. But there are no signs which indicate that we can expect any more changes in the area of freedom of religion. China is becoming increasingly open, but this applies mainly to secular China. Despite the persecution, the Chinese Church is and remains very positive. The Christians are continuing to tell their fellow-citizens about God and the Bible.”
The gold, silver and bronze medals will be handed out to the fortunate few during the Olympics. But the true winners are those Christians who stand strong in their faith in Jesus Christ. Paul says in 2 Timothy 4: 7-8: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness….”
Dr. Carl Moeller is president/CEO of Open Doors USA
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