May justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream.
I am You Xiulin, the wife of Pastor Wan Changchun from Bengbu Living Stone Reformed Church.
On April 11, 2023, my husband Wan Changchun was detained by the Yuhui Sub-bureau of Bengbu City, Anhui Province, on suspicion of “illegal business operations” and is being held in the Renheji Detention Center in Bengbu City. Our bank cards and other items were also confiscated.
After I sent out the first prayer request, on April 14, 2023, I was also subjected to “residential surveillance” as a criminal coercive measure and was threatened with reminders: 1. Do not post any text online; 2. Do not have any communication with brothers and sisters, or I will also be “taken in.”
Isolated at home with three children, the sudden change plunged me into despair, and both the children and I were at a loss on how to face it. Every moment of our family life has become a precious memory.
On May 19, 2023, the charges against my husband Wan Changchun were changed to “suspected of fraud.” At the same time, his sister Wan Chunqin and two coworkers from the church, Xue Shaoqiang and Cao Binting, were also arrested under the same charge.
On July 19, 2023, the two-month investigation period expired, and it has now been extended by another month.
The sudden news of their children’s arrest for “suspected fraud” shocked and pained our elderly parents. My father-in-law, who had a car accident last year and has not yet fully recovered, cries every day, hoping his son and daughter can return home soon.
My mother-in-law is an old-generation preacher who has taught her children to love and fear God all her life. My husband has been deeply influenced by his mother, faithfully loving and serving the Lord since his calling, willing to give his all for the Lord. He has always offered the best to the brothers and sisters he received.
The use of church funds has always been transparent, and the brothers and sisters know that my husband has never deceived any of them. He has not possessed anyone’s finances and often helps brothers and sisters in need.
Our faith teaches us to give willingly. Christian offerings are based on the Bible and Christian tradition, all voluntary. Who can be forced? How could it possibly be fraud?!
I earnestly request brothers and sisters to pray for our church.
It has been over three months since I last saw my husband, and my children and I miss him very much. During this time, I have experienced weakness and fear; I even dared not speak out for my loved ones, causing me great pain. Thankfully, during this time, the Lord taught me to rely on and look up to Him. In my lowest and helpless moments, I always hear His gentle call. Each time I draw near to Him, my heart is filled with strength. Regardless of the circumstances, I know He holds tomorrow.
I pray that the God of justice will be with every brother and sister of the Bengbu Living Stone Reformed Church, protect us from more harm, and bring those who were taken away safely home soon.
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