07/08/2019 China (International Christian Concern)- On Sunday, Chinese Christian Liao Qiang and his daughter Ren worshipped publicly for the first time in several months since their church was raided. Members of Early Rain Covenant Church have suffered intense severe persecution since more than 100 congregants were arrested in early December 2018 in Sichuan Province. Liao and his daughter recently fled to Taiwan in search of a new life and religious freedoms.

After being questioned and detained in December, the family no longer felt that they were safe in their home in China. Whenever Ren traveled outside of her house, she had to report her location to the government via social media, and was threatened with consequences if she disobeyed. It was at this point that Liao sought refuge for the family. Currently, they are in Taiwan on a temporary tourist visa and are seeking legal avenues to not go back to China.

Other members of Early Rain have suffered similar effects from the crackdown. Because Early Rain is not a part of the official government-sanctioned non-Catholic church of Three-Self Patriotic Movement, they have been subjected to severe persecution and threats. One member of the church was revealed to be detained in a basement and remains there currently. The currently imprisoned man, Gou Zhongcan, has been drained physically but continues to praise God through worship and Psalms.

Chinese Christians like Liao, Ren and Gou have suffered at the hands of the Chinese governments and had their whole lives interrupted. Despite the challenges that she has faced in China, Ren prays that, “one day when China opens up, we’ll go back… We’ll eventually make our way back to where God wants us to serve”. Please join ICC in praying for the members of Early Rain Covenant Church as they stand strong for their faith in God.

For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: [email protected].