In Guiyang, Guizhou Province, Elder Zhang Chunlei was recently visited by a defense lawyer at the Guiyang City Detention Center where he has been imprisoned for three years. The news of the release of Elders Hao Ming and Elder Wu Jiannan from Qingcaodi Reformed Church in Deyang brought him comfort.
Elder Zhang reflected on his past actions within the church, acknowledging that he had often neglected the feelings of his brothers and sisters in his zeal for ministry work. He expressed regret over his previous harshness towards unbelievers, recognizing that his lack of love in communication had pushed them away instead of drawing them closer to the gospel.
He told the lawyer about his belief that people's lives go through different stages and drew parallels with Jesus' disciples who, despite their criticisms of each other, remained loyal to their faith even unto martyrdom. Elder Zhang recalled a saying by Pastor Peng Qiang which gives him strength: "The core of doctrine is grace, the core of ethics is gratitude, and the core of life is joy."
Reflecting on his past career as a secretary in the Standing Committee of Guizhou Provincial People’s Congress and later success in business, Elder Zhang acknowledged that it was God's protection rather than his own greatness that guided him. He emphasized that serving the church is not akin to running a business and expressed concern over recent departures from his church.
Despite these challenges, Elder Zhang remains grateful for those who have stayed and blesses those who have left. He spoke candidly about his personal failings - if one lacks love, they lack an understanding of grace; they may have received grace themselves but are legalistic towards others. If love is lacking, it indicates a deficiency in prayer and issues with one's relationship with God.
Elder Zhang also expressed remorse over recent scandals within the church attributing them to a lack of prayer and mutual oversight especially among independent churches. He stressed the importance of a good, genuine preacher and noted that having correct theology does not necessarily equate to living a correct life.
Elder Zhang spoke about the importance of praying for congregation members and co-workers by name. Despite his natural impatience, he credits his endurance over three years of imprisonment to the work of the Holy Spirit. He expressed gratitude for God's Word which he often meditates on and from which he derives great benefit.
Elder Zhang highlighted the crucial role of educating the next generation in faith, drawing from the example of the Israelites who quickly forgot about God despite Moses' exhortations because they did not educate their children well.
The defense lawyer noted that Elder Zhang is not only a suffering saint but also an increasingly mature and humble pastor. He was falsely accused of inciting subversion of state power after resigning from a government official position. The lawyer stated that according to legal provisions, at most it involves administrative management disputes and absolutely cannot constitute fraud. It has been one year and four months since the trial with no verdict yet delivered.
