Deacon Jia Xuewei of the Chengdu Early Rain Covenant Church has been evicted from his rented house in Wenjiang District, Chengdu City, after less than ten days due to his Christian identity. The church reports that Jia has faced multiple hardships, including detentions and beatings by government authorities. Recently, police harassment forced him to terminate his lease, rendering him homeless once again.
On June 8th, Jia was taken away by local police and subsequently lost contact with the outside world. The police have not confirmed his whereabouts. During a previous detention in October, he was assaulted by a national security agent at the Qingyang District Public Security Bureau's case handling center, resulting in a fractured rib.
The Early Rain Covenant Church stated in a public prayer letter that despite prolonged persecution, Jia maintains a joyful heart through the support of church members. The church views these tribulations as suffering for Christ.
Another deacon of the same church, Zeng Qingtao, along with his family, has been under continuous surveillance since May 12th. They are monitored by seven or eight police officers who restrict their movements. Zeng is confined to his home while only his wife is allowed out for groceries.
On May 24th, Zeng’s wife Deng Yan uploaded a video showing four young men claiming to be from the police station monitoring their home. In the video, one man responded arrogantly when asked to move stools blocking neighbors' paths: “So what? The stools won’t be moved because I’m performing my duty.”
Deng Yan questioned if China remains a society ruled by law and criticized the young men for participating in such activities due to lack of better job opportunities.
Despite ongoing persecution since a crackdown on December 9th, 2018, both Zeng and Jia remain committed to their church roles. Their election as deacons in 2022 was followed by increased scrutiny and threats from authorities.
In its prayer letter, the Early Rain Covenant Church called on God to rebuke abusive officials and grant peace to Zeng Qingtao and Deng Yan amid their struggles.
