As the elders of Early Rain Covenant Church met quietly on Sept. 10 at a local teahouse to discuss church matters, communist authorities were already on to them.  

Around 3 p.m., police entered the teahouse, interrupted the meeting, and arrested 11 of the elders, whom they took to the police station for questioning.

This is just the latest occurrence of harassment for the church. Early Rain has a nearly 10-year history of being harassed, monitored, and pressured by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Knowing what the detained elders were likely going through, the congregation grew concerned for their health.  

Most of the elders are in their 70s. He Futao, 73, has notable health conditions. He recently underwent surgery to remove a lung infected by cancer, and subsequently needed emergency medical treatment.  

For hours following their detainment, church members and relatives camped outside the police station. Police told them they were doing an “investigation into a cult” and assured them that everything would be settled within 24 hours. 

But around midnight the following day, an ambulance arrived. Although they never confirmed what happened, they speculated that one of the elders needed emergency medical assistance. 

By 10 a.m. on Saturday, police had finally released nine individuals. However, Elder Wu Wuqing and Brother Shen Xiaqing are still being held and are accused of “illegally organizing proselytizing activities.” They were fined and sentenced to 10 days of detention. 

Faith in the Fire 

In 2018, police organized their first crackdown on Early Rain Covenant Church and arrested 160 believers. Among them was Pastor Wang Yi, who was sentenced to nine years in prison for his active retaliation against the CCP’s regulations and for “inciting subversion of state power.” 

Since then, authorities have ransacked the church several times. This year alone, they have endured at least two raids in January and June. 

Despite the government’s attempts to discourage them and shut them down, the church continues to stand firm in their faith. It has grown to more than 500 members, with more coming to faith and attending even as persecution continues. 

Story by Bella Agnello 

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