CHINA: "Gospel Warrior" Grateful for DetentionSource: ChinaAid
Chen Wensheng, Chinese street evangelist
Photo: ChinaAid
 Chen Wensheng has been referred to as a "Gospel Warrior" for his unwavering passion to spread the Good News of Jesus by testifying of the fact that Christ's life-transforming power is available to all who believe. This faithful believer has been arrested multiple times by the Chinese Communist Party, but each time he returns to the streets in order to continue boldly declaring the Gospel message (read more).
On March 26th, Chen was released from custody again, this time after serving seven days in administrative detention and an additional eight days in a drug rehab centre. His time in the drug rehab facility was because of his former life as a drug addict – before he experienced God's miraculous healing and deliverance.
Upon his release, Chen stated that he was grateful for the time spent in custody, since he was able to share the Gospel during detainment. He himself came to faith after hearing the Gospel in a rehab facility. In regards to his time in detention, Chen made the following statement:
"Thank God for granting me the opportunity to preach the Gospel outside, to (also) share the Gospel in Hengyang Municipal Detention Centre while police detained me...for seven days, and then to proclaim the Gospel in Hengyang Municipal Drug Rehab Centre for eight days, right after the Detention Centre. Thank God for bringing me home safely this morning; glory to God! Dear friends, please lift up those who heard the Gospel in your prayers."
Praise God for faithful servants like Chen who courageously proclaim the Gospel message wherever they happen to be. Also, thank our Lord for the overcoming power and healing that He alone can provide to those suffering from addictions and other challenges. Pray that Chen, along with other devoted followers of Jesus, will receive wisdom, direction and help in the days to come as they continue ministering to the spiritual needs of people in China.
INDIA: Anti-Conversion Laws Expand to Haryana StateSources: Times of India, Hindustan Times, The Indian Express, Barnabas Fund, Release International, International Christian Concern
Hindu nationalists in Haryana.
Photo: Morning Star News
 Despite strong opposition, and even walkouts organized by opposing politicians, the Haryana Assembly in northern India passed the "Haryana Prevention of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill" on March 22nd. The bill's stated purpose is to instill fear among those who might be involved in unlawful conversion activities.
The new legislation prohibits "religious conversions which are effected through misrepresentation, force, undue influence, coercion, allurement or by any fraudulent means or by marriage or for marriage by making it an offence." According to the bill, the onus of proof lies with the accused to demonstrate that no illegal compulsion was used. Punishment under the act could include imprisonment for up to ten years.
This newly implemented law will also punish anyone attempting to convert minors, women or persons belonging to scheduled castes and tribes, whether by coercion or otherwise. In debating the bill, opposing politicians expressed concerns about the ramifications. They argued that the bill would serve to deepen social divides within the country.
While the anti-conversion legislation rightly condemns coercive religious conversions, these laws have been misused throughout India to empower those who oppose Christians and their message. In July 2021, International Christian Concern published a report demonstrating the adverse effects of such legislation on the state of Madhya Pradesh. Evidence indicates that since the passing of the new state legislation on January 9th, 2021, a wave of persecution has been unleashed against the Christian minority, demonstrated through acts of direct intimidation and threats of increased violence.
According to the study, there were 25 documented cases of persecution in 2020 before the new restrictions. Within six months of the new laws being passed, the number had increased to 48 incidents, which altogether affected more than 4,200 people and resulted in at least 47 church closures. For more information on the increased challenges facing Christians in India, go to our country report.
Pray that Christians in Haryana will be guided by the Holy Spirit as they continue courageously ministering among an increasingly hostile environment. Pray that those residing in this Indian state will receive the Lord's wisdom, peace and the ongoing assurance of His presence abiding with them. May the governments within each state, where such legislation has been enforced, realize the serious implications these new laws will have on the country's religious minorities, and thus make the necessary amendments to ensure they are not misused.
REPORT UPDATECHINA: Imprisoned Church Members Released; Others Remain in CustodySource: ChinaAid
Wang Runyun and Zhang Ligong with other
believers / Wang Runyun greeting his family
Photos: ChinaAid
 In January 2020, an outspoken critic of the Chinese Communist Party hosted a conference in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur. Five Chinese Christians who attended the event were charged in July 2021 and convicted on January 7th, 2022, of "illegally crossing the national border." These Christians were sentenced to prison terms ranging from six to eight months. For more details, see our previously posted report.
Over the following few months, the believers were gradually released after serving their sentences. On January 27th, Song Shoushan was released having served six months. At the time, he recounted how he was able to share the Gospel message with many "broken people" in the prison. A month later, Zhang Yaowen and Wang Shiqiang were released. The final two remaining Christians, Zhang Ligong and Wang Runyun, were discharged on March 27th. Upon his release, Wang Runyun posted a picture on social media of him holding his children. The post said: "Dear family, we are back home safely. Thank you for your prayers. I am very grateful!"
On November 21st, 2021, two other members of the same church, Pastor An Yankui and Zhang Chenghao, were arrested on the same charge. However, at the time of publishing this report, there has not been a date set for their trials. Pastor An Yankui is the preacher of the Taiyuan Zion Reformed Church, which has been a target for persecution from government agencies due to its close relationship with the Early Rain Covenant Church. (See our country report to view background reports.)
In the most recently occurring incident, which took place on April 3rd, authorities raided Taiyuan Zion Reformed Church during its Sunday worship service. Seven members were interrogated until early the next morning, including the wives of Pastor An Yankui and Zhang Chenghao. Due to pandemic restrictions, the Christians were not detained further but released on the condition that they each paid a $100 fine.
Praise God that several of these church members have been released and that the five previously mentioned believers were able to share the Gospel while imprisoned. Please continue to pray for these believers and their families as they now resume faithfully serving the Lord in their community. Also prayerfully uphold our other Chinese brothers and sisters in Christ who are still imprisoned and facing charges, in hopes that all the accusations against them will be miraculously dropped.

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