“Even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.”
The Chinese government continues to target the long-persecuted Early Rain Covenant Church, infringing on fundamental human rights such as religious freedom and the right to housing.
According to ChinaAid, on the morning of May 28, police officers from the Jitouqiao Police Station in Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, forcibly entered the rental home of church members Fan Dingwen and his wife Zhang Ping. The officers packed up the couple’s belongings and forced them out of their home. The couple had moved from Shanghai to Chengdu in March, intending to register with the Early Rain Covenant Church.
Since mid-May, they faced ongoing pressure from local police and community authorities. A prayer letter released by the church reported that on May 17, police, the landlord, and community officials demanded personal information and requested their eviction. The couple refused but agreed to voluntarily appear at the local police station on May 19.
Citing 1 Peter 3:14–15, the church called on believers to pray for Brother Fan to have courage and wisdom during the investigation. On May 19, the couple met with police and the landlord, once again rejecting the eviction demands. However, the pressure intensified. On May 22, their water and electricity were cut off in an attempt to drive them out. Then, on May 28, police forcibly entered the residence and carried out the eviction.
The church urged believers to pray that God would grant the couple grace to put down roots in Chengdu, remain devoted to the Early Rain Covenant Church, endure persecution for their faith, and be willing to move wherever the gospel calls.
ChinaAid stated that this incident is not merely a housing issue but a direct assault on religious freedom. The government’s forced entry into a private residence without any legal ruling or just cause, and the removal of tenants’ belongings, represents a serious violation of the rule of law.
Though the Chinese constitution claims to guarantee religious freedom, persecution of house churches continues. From the arrest of Pastor Wang Yi in 2018 to recent cases where ordinary Christians are evicted simply for their faith, the Early Rain Covenant Church has become a stark example of the hypocrisy of China’s religious policy. (Source: Gospel Prayer Newspaper)
But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats ; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. (1 Peter 3:14-15)
God, we ask You to rebuke the Chinese government that claims to guarantee religious freedom yet strips away even the basic right to housing from those who choose Christ. Show Your justice, LORD. We pray that the Early Rain Covenant Church and all churches in China, long persecuted, may be strengthened and comforted by Your promise that those who suffer for righteousness are blessed. Let them not be discouraged by the government’s hypocrisy, but instead proclaim with boldness the gospel of Jesus Christ, who is the reason for their hope. May the day of Christ come quickly to China.
Prayer 24·365
prayer@prayer24365.org
