China: Detained Christian Pastor Sentenced to 2 Years in Prison

Veronica Neffinger | iBelieve Contributor | Updated: Jan 06, 2017

China: Detained Christian Pastor Sentenced to 2 Years in Prison

A Chinese pastor has been sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison on charges of “divulging state secrets.”

Pastor Yang Hua, who is also known as Li Guozhi, is the pastor of Huoshi Church. He was initially detained in December 2015 after he attempted to stop Chinese government officials from confiscating computer hard drives from his church.

Yang reportedly suffered torture while in prison and human rights groups such as China Aid have condemned his imprisonment.

"This is nothing but purely barbaric religious persecution. We urge President Obama and President-Elect Trump to unequivocally condemn this brutal act," stated Bob Fu of China Aid.

Despite the trials he is under, Yang remains committed to his Christian faith. In a letter to his wife last June, Yang wrote:

"Our wonderful God, our Lord forever. Who can guess His wisdom and mystery? Our faith is built on His words. He never changes and never does wrong; this is the unchangeable maxim.

The suffering is bearable. The Lord has grace. The canker sore has not returned since May of this year. Thank God.

Never be dejected and despondent, always look up at our Lord, and always keep the spiritual life above the chaos of the real environment.

Rest in God's arms,” he concluded. “'Some rely on chariots, some on horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord.' Be upright and take care. Be prepared for the rest of the road. I will go with you. If the Lord doesn't allow it, not a single hair (from your head) will drop to the floor."

 

Photo courtesy: Thinkstockphotos.com

Publication date: January 6, 2017



China: Detained Christian Pastor Sentenced to 2 Years in Prison