Chinese pastor freed—prayers still needed

“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” —James 3:15

As Scripture reminds us, our prayers are powerful weapons. After nearly nine months in detention—and nine months of countless prayers—Pastor Jin, founder of China’s Zion Church, is free. On July 3, he flew to Los Angeles to reunite with his family.

Pastor Jin was imprisoned in October 2025 after police conducted overnight raids across China—one of the strictest crackdowns on the church in China’s recent history.

Reportedly, Jin started Zion Church in 2007 with 20 people. Since then, it has grown into one of China's largest unregistered churches, with a network of some 10,000 people in 40 cities nationwide. The Chinese Communist Party officially banned the church in 2018 after Jin and other leaders resisted government pressure to install security cameras in its Beijing building. Many of its branch congregations have since been investigated and shut down.

In a statement, Jin's family thanked supporters: “We truly witnessed a miracle, and we are feeling so overwhelmed with joy,” they say.
 

Prayers still needed for China’s church

While we praise God for answered prayers for Pastor Jin, we continue to call for prayer for other Zion Church leaders—and all believers in China who face persecution for their faith.

Currently, eight other pastors and co-workers from Zion Church remain in detention. Since June 18, the charges against them were changed from the original allegation of “illegal use of information networks” to “illegal business operations” and “fraud.” Although authorities have yet to publicly state a reason for revising the charges, some observers believe these charges are more serious, as they can carry substantially higher penalties if convicted.

Beyond Zion Church, many other churches and Christians in China continue to face persecution for their faith. The spiritual battle is ongoing. Throughout the country, No. 17 on Open Doors’ 2026 World Watch List, churches are underground and under pressure.

Caleb*, a country researcher serving China’s persecuted believers, explains:

“In recent years, authorities have intensified their crackdown on house churches nationwide, which remain unregistered and are considered illegal officially. Beyond the widely reported cases of Early Rain Covenant Church, Zion Church and Yayang Church, countless others face varying degrees of suppression. Some believers endure in silence, while others lack resources for support. Some are detained, sentenced, or forced into hiding—isolated from society and unknown to the wider public.”

Jason*, an Open Doors local partner serving in East China, shares specific examples of persecution against house churches where he lives.

“Recently, a house church in my area was raided during its Sunday service,” he says. “The leader was fined several tens of thousands of yuan [10,000 Chinese yuan is nearly $1,500] and detained for seven days on charges of organizing illegal gatherings. In another house church, two Sunday school teachers were taken from their homes by police on charges of sharing the gospel with minors—one was released the same day, while the other was detained for five days. Furthermore, several Christian university teachers were suddenly taken on the same day from their homes for questioning.”
 

Vulnerability and resilience

As China continues its crackdown on Christian gatherings, underground church leaders know they are taking extreme risks. On any given day, they could be called for “tea” with authorities—a somber warning that their actions and words are being watched.

In addition to surveillance and church raids, the Chinese government continues to introduce legislation to stunt the growth of the gospel and the future of the church. In 2018, China passed legislation banning anyone under 18 from affiliating with any religion and its activities (though this law is enforced to differing extents across the country).

Recognizing the urgent need to come alongside vulnerable ministry leaders and their congregations, Open Doors local partners provide ongoing vital support. As China continues to crack down even further on the church, more believers will be forced underground now and in the coming years.

When we stand with the underground church through our prayers, presence and support, we strengthen believers to persevere in their faith under increasing pressure and empower leaders to pursue their calling. Knowing they are not alone—that the worldwide Church cares and is praying—builds resilience and fortitude.

Our prayers are both powerful and effective.

Pray with us for the church in China

• Pray for the eight pastors and co-workers from Zion Church in detainment. Ask God to protect their health, strengthen their faith and grant their early release.
• Pray for other brothers and sisters who are imprisoned or detained because of their faith. Many of them remain unknown to the outside world. Ask God to guard their health, sustain their faith and comfort their families with His provision and presence.
• Pray for the families of all imprisoned church leaders in China, asking God to comfort them and provide for their needs.
• Pray for underground house churches in China. May the Lord strengthen His Church, giving believers unity of heart and steadfastness in the truth to serve Him.
• Pray for the ongoing spiritual battle for the gospel. May God’s Kingdom come, His will be done, and may He raise up more followers to stand firm and proclaim Christ in China.

*Names changed for security reasons.