锡安教会紧急代祷信 | Zion Church Emergency Prayer Letter
Dear bothers and sisters in Christ, peace to you!
In 2025, a new wave of religious persecution is sweeping across China. In May, Pastor Gao Jinfu of Xi’an Gospel Church was detained under the criminal charge of “using superstition to disrupt the enforcement of law.” In June, several co-workers of the Life Stone Church in Lingao City were sentenced to years in prison on “fraud” charges—Pastor Hai Yongtian received 15 years. Across the country, churches are facing widespread raids and suppression, particularly unregistered house churches.
Zion Church is an orthodox house church (unregistered) founded in 2007 by Pastor Jin Mingri in Beijing. Within a decade, Zion grew into one of the largest urban house churches in China, with about 1,500 members. In 2018, the church faced severe persecution—police violently stormed the worship site, tore down the cross, and arrested staff under criminal charges. On September 9, 2018, the government forcibly shut down Zion Church, sealing its premises. Since then, Pastor Jin has been under a travel ban and constant digital surveillance.
Despite years of heavy persecution, since mid-2024 Zion Church has continued to establish new fellowships across China, uniting believers under the motto “Christ as Head.” Over ten new gatherings have formed, guiding hundreds of believers in worship. Police harassment and warnings have become increasingly frequent in recent months, with many members being questioned or detained.
On October 9, 2025, Zion Church suffered an unprecedented crackdown. Within three days, around 30 pastors, ministers, and Sunday meeting sites were raided and sealed. Coordinated police actions occurred simultaneously in Beijing, Shanghai, Zhejiang, Guangdong, Shandong, Guangxi, and Hainan, where multiple pastors were taken.
That night, Pastor Jin Mingri and Sister Li Shengjuan were taken away from Beijing; their homes and offices were searched and confiscated. In Beihai, Pastors Gao Yingjia, Wang Cong, Sun Cong, Preacher Misha, and Brother Xiao Zhou were all detained and are now missing. More than ten other co-workers and families from Beihai are also unaccounted for.
Between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m. that night, multiple pastors and members were arrested across Beijing, including Pastors Gao Yingjia, Wang Cong, Sun Cong, Preacher Misha, and Brother Xiao Zhou. Their homes were raided, and computers and phones confiscated.
Later that night, Preacher Jiao was arrested by Beihai police in Jiaxing, Zhejiang, and forcibly transferred overnight to Beihai Detention Center. Brother Bei was detained at the airport.
At 7 a.m. on October 11, Pastor Liu Lin was taken from his home in Rongcheng, Shandong, and his house searched. That same morning, Pastor Mu Lin was arrested in Qingdao.
According to Zion members, authorities have verbally stated that “this operation was ordered directly by provincial leaders.” At least seven pastors are currently under criminal or residential detention in various regions, and many others have been administratively detained in Beihai’s Second Detention Center on charges of “illegal religious activity or gatherings.”
Zion Church earnestly calls upon all believers to intercede for these suffering brothers and sisters:
“Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with you all.” (2 Thessalonians 3:16)
“And if the righteous are barely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” (1 Peter 4:18)
We also appeal to Christians around the world to pray for the persecuted church in China and to stand with them in love and solidarity. Let us remember those in chains as though we were bound with them (Hebrews 13:3). May God Himself execute justice and revive His Church amid trials for the glory of His Name.
Zion Church Pastoral Team, Elder Board, and Church Council
October 11, 2025