Christian Solidarity Worldwide, October 2019
It’s been nearly a year since Early Rain Church in China last saw their pastor, Wang Yi. Arrested along with over 100 church members in December 2018, Pastor Wang has been in detention ever since. He was targeted for peacefully speaking up for churches and Christians who were being harassed by the government.
Despite experiencing an incredibly difficult year, Early Rain Church perseveres. And while several members remain behind bars, others, including Pastor Wang’s wife Jiang Rong, have been released on bail.
In a statement on Facebook in July, a member of the church wrote:
“We thank God for leading us through these trials and allowing us to share in this calling … We also thank God for giving (us) so many brothers and sisters with obedient and steadfast hearts. As many churches within God’s kingdom of grace suffer with us, he has shown us that ‘it is good … to share in our trouble’. (Philippians 4:14) We have experienced God’s wonderful promises, faithfulness, and comfort … We do this for the faith.”