On Saturday afternoon, July 4, as various members of the ChinaSource team were beginning their America250 celebrations, we began to receive text messages from friends that Pastor Ezra Jin of Zion Church had been released from prison in China and sent to the United States the day before. Like millions of Christians around the world who had prayed for Pastor Jin and the other church leaders imprisoned with him for the past nine months, we were thrilled.
As details began trickling out in the media, Zion Church posted a prayer letter confirming Jin’s release. By God’s grace, something that had seemed impossible had happened. You can read the letter in English and Chinese.
On July 9, The Wall Street Journal published a piece by Pastor Jin in the op-ed section, titled “I’m Free. Now Pray for China.” He writes of the disorientation of going “from a crowded prison cell to watching Fourth of July fireworks” with his family “over In-N-Out burgers.”
He also expresses his gratitude to President Trump, to diplomats who worked tirelessly to secure his release, and to the thousands of people worldwide who have prayed for them, noting that “even in the bleakest moments, we took great comfort in their support.”
Finally, he calls for continued prayer for the eight other Zion leaders who remain in prison, that they too will be released, and that his release “can mark the beginning of a new chapter for people of faith in China.”
Writing about his church, he said this:
When I started Zion Church in 2007, my aim was simple: to share the immeasurable love of God with those around me. As I wrote from prison, “We do not oppose dialogue with the government, nor do we confront it, but rather emphasize obedience to those in authority.” At the same time, we hold fast to our beliefs, recognizing Jesus Christ as the sole head of our church.
China’s political authorities have no reason to fear the tens of millions in China who worship in unregistered congregations. These Christians love their nation. They only want to worship God peacefully according to the Bible and to serve others, especially the poor, the disabled and the elderly. Zion Church is proud to have been among the first responders after the devastating 2008 Sichuan earthquake and to have hosted major blood drives in Beijing.
We rejoice with Pastor Jin and his family and join him in praying for those remaining in prison, along with the families of those detained. As he wrote in his editorial, “Mine is a God of miracles, and he constantly surprises….” We are also praying for Pastor Jin in these days, weeks, and months of transition from captivity to freedom, that God will grant him deep rest and healing.
On July 9, CBS News interviewed Pastor Jin’s daughter, Grace Drexel, about the family’s reunion with Pastor Jin. You can watch it here.
At ChinaSource, we are committed to praying for Pastor Jin and Zion Church. Will you join us?
Here are some specific ways to pray:
- Pray for Pastor Jin as he adjusts to his new life in exile. Pray that God will heal the physical and emotional wounds he has after months in prison and years of separation from his family. Pray that God will give him deep rest.
- Pray for the release of the other Zion Church leaders who are still in prison. Pray that they will remain in good health and that their faith will remain strong. Pray that God will comfort their families as they continue to wait. Lord Jesus, please hold them fast.
- Pray for lawyers who are working tirelessly for their release, that God will give them wisdom and keep them from discouragement. Pray also that God will provide more lawyers to help with this case.
- Finally, may our brothers and sisters in Zion Church and other churches in China that are experiencing pressure and persecution, cling to the promise God gives in Isaiah 41:10: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Pastor Jin is free! Now, let’s pray for China!
