Yang Rongli is in prison for Christ.
Yang Rongli is the head pastor of the Linfen Church Network in Shanxi Province, China. She was arrested and sentenced to prison in 2009 after one of the Linfen churches was brutally attacked by local government officials.
In the early hours of 13 September 2009, a mob of 400 police officers, local government officials and hired thugs descended upon Fushan House Church, a member of the Linfen Network. They demolished the new church building and clashed with hundreds of the Linfen Church members who had rushed to defend their church. Many believers were beaten by the mob with bricks and clubs. More than 30 were seriously wounded and taken to hospital in critical condition.
Yang Rongli and four other church leaders were later arrested as they planned to file a complaint with the Central Government. They were accused of "gathering people to disturb the public order."
In a farce trial outside the normal court system, Yang Rongli was sentenced to seven years in prison and fined 30,000 Yuan (AUD$4,700) on 25 November 2009. Nine other church leaders were sentenced to prison or labour camp terms ranging from two to seven years.
Since then, five of them have been released. Yang Rongli and four others remain in prison. Police continue to occupy the site where the church building once stood. The authorities believe that they have succeeded in scattering the sheep, but the believers continue to meet and worship in their homes.
Bob Fu, president of ChinaAid (one of Voice of the Martyrs key partners in China), stated,
The Linfen Church leaders and their families suffered cruel persecution of the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the church. We express our great respect for them, and continue to lift up prayers for them and their families. These loyal and devoted brothers and sisters are not only the hope of the church, but also the hope of Chinese society.
How You Can Help
1. PRAY for Yang Rongli and other Christians who are in prison for their faith.
That God will encourage and strengthen Yang Rongli and the other prisoners, enabling them to endure the harsh conditions.
That the authorities will release Yang Rongli and other Linfen Church leaders.
That God will continue to grow and strengthen Linfen Church while Yang Rongli is in prison.
Use this PowerPoint to share Yang Rongli’s story and pray for her at church, youth group or school.
2. WRITE a special note of encouragement to your persecuted sister.
Your prayers are vital and your letters of encouragement speak loudly to the authorities in China that Yang Rongli is not alone and will not be forgotten!
Print 13:3 Advocacy Profile Yang Rongli and get your youth group to write to encourage Yang Rongli.