Tibet house church members criminally detained

In a historic first, members of a house church
in Tibet were detained, interrogated,
and beaten for belonging to "an illegal cult."

Members of a house church in Lhasa, Tibet, were criminally detained by police in October, reports ChinaAid. Brother Song Kuanxin, from China’s Henan province, was one of 11 members who were held for almost a month before being released. The incident is believed to be the first time that authorities in Tibet have targeted house church Christians.

On October 5, Song returned from China to Lhasa to find his house in chaos and his belongings scattered. His wife and two little children were in shock.

“The first thought that crossed my mind is my place had been burgled. As we were going to call 110 (the emergency number) to report the crime right away, our front door was shut closed,” said Song.

A police officer walked in and said they wouldn’t need to call in the emergency. Song was taken into custody, only being told that his house had been declared a location of illegal gatherings. He was not permitted to explain or defend the gathering. Two days later, Song was notified that he was officially being charged “on suspicion of [being part of a] cult group.”

While in prison, Song was repeatedly beaten. When he was released, he was told police had destroyed items that had been confiscated from his home.

Pray for Brother Song Kuanaxin and the rest of his house church.

• Pray for opportunities for Song and fellow church members to witness the truth to those opposed to the gospel. 
• Pray that God will provide the believers’ daily needs.
• Pray that the faith of those in this house church will be strengthened.

For the full report from ChinaAid, click here.