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Four weeks without arrest for Chinese pastor Li De Xian

Four weeks without arrest for Chinese pastor Li De Xian

Pastor Li De Xian preached twice this week in his usual Tuesday meeting in Huadu near Guangzhou, China without interference from Chinese authorities. This marks four consecutive weeks without arrest or interference for Pastor Li's ministry.

Between October 12th and January 18th, Pastor Li was arrested nine times as Chinese authorities tried to force the pastor to register his church meetings. He was beaten during one arrest. He was released within a day after eight of the arrests, but in November was held for 15 days in prison.

The Voice of the Martyrs and other groups brought Pastor Li's story to Christians and others in the West, encouraging calls of protest to Chinese embassies around the world.

Chinese authorities want Li to register his meeting with the government, and agree to come under the authority of the Three-Self Patriotic Movement. He has consistently refused, saying that Christ is the head of the church and not the Communist Chinese government. During an arrest about two years ago, Li promised the officers that he would preach until he dies.

The Voice of the Martyrs urges American Christians to continue to pray for Pastor Li and other Christians in China who face persecution because of their faith.