Two members of the Laojie Christian Church in the village of Sangdong in China's Henan province were arrested only days after authorities officially banned their church for a second time, according to reports from VOMC partner, ChinaAid.

On August 6, the Bureau of Religious and Ethnic Affairs in Xiayi County officially banned the Laojie Christian Church, declaring it "an illegal site for religious activities." An earlier statement abolishing the church had been issued on June 27. The church's abolishment follows a recent proposal made to them by the Village Party Committee of Sangdong to exchange their church property for another only half the size. When the Christians asked for a more equitable replacement, the committee threatened to demolish the church building.

At approximately 8:00 p.m. on August 13, several police officers barged into the church building and arrested two men, Li Guangren and Zheng Xincai. When a member of the church was contacted by a foreign media correspondent from Radio Free Asia to verify the incident, he stated that the violations of privacy and freedom were wrongful and unjust. Officials, who were monitoring the call, used the interview as evidence to further detain and convict the two believers for "unlawful social activities." Guangren and Xincai were sentenced on August 14 to 10 days of administrative detention and fines of 1,000 Yuan (approximately $160 CAD).

Ask God to protect and sustain Guangren and Xincai during their detention. Pray for courage for Chinese believers as they continue to serve the Lord despite harassment and arrest.

For more information on how Christians are persecuted in China, click here.