Chinese Church Leaders May Face Death Sentences

____________________

From Christian Web Life
Another excellent publication of Christians Unite.

FREE E-mail Subscription: http://www.christiansunite.com/
____________________

1.) Chinese Church Leaders May Face Death Sentences

Xu Shuangfu (also known as Xu Wenku or Xu Shengguang), along with sixteen other leaders of the "Three Grades of Servants" church in China have been falsely accused of murder and fraud. Their trial began on February 28 and, if convicted, they could face the death penalty.

Xu has been accused of masterminding the murder of twenty leaders of the Eastern Lightning, a cult which has infiltrated some of the underground house churches in China. Xu was originally arrested on April 26, 2004 and there were fears at the time that he had already been put to death. Guo Xianggao, another leader of the Three Grades of Servants, was arrested on the same day and died while undergoing police interrogation. More information on the trial will be reported as it is made available.

Bob Fu, president of Christian Aid Association, told VOMC that this trial is another example of how the Communist authorities seek to discredit unregistered church leaders by putting them on trial for heinous crimes. "It gives them justification for continuing and escalating their crackdown on house church leaders," said Glenn Penner, spokesman for VOMC.

Ask the Lord to fill these prisoners with boldness and power to share Christ with their fellow inmates. Pray that these men will be able to rejoice in the knowledge that they are being falsely accused for Christ's sake (Matthew 5:11). Pray that God will grant them release from their imprisonment.

Every month The Voice of the Martyrs reports on what is really happening around the world where our brothers and sisters are persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ. Now you can receive a free subscription to The Voice of the Martyrs award winning monthly newsletter. You will be inspired, you will learn to pray and even discover practical ways to get involved. Sign up today.

CLICK HERE:
http://christiansunite.com/vom.shtml