Letter from Brother Hou Duoshu
Brothers and sisters, peace be with you.
The events of today (November 10, 3023) were quite sudden, and after a night, things have calmed down somewhat. Preacher Zhichao has shared some testimonies about what happened. Now, I am adding my testimony, though it’s a bit late, and I feel ashamed for having worried you all.
From the beginning, I have felt very weak, unable to bear the same yoke as my elder, especially since the incident happened in Dazhou. In the end, I emerged unscathed, which I feel is a letdown to all the brothers and sisters. Elder Yingqiang once jokingly comforted me, saying that we now share another bond, as fellow prisoners, which shows God’s wonderful intentions. We are particularly thankful to God for this.
This afternoon, I visited Elder Yingqiang at the detention center. He was smiling, continuously praying for me and everyone else, urging us to be joyful, strong, and to pray incessantly. However, the sorrow in his eyes was unmistakable, and honestly, it moistened my eyes. Turning to leave, after many years of not shedding tears, today I cried.
In the coming days, I will visit the elder again. I will pray for him, for Sister Xinyue and the children: “May the Lord bless you from Zion; may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life. May you see your children’s children—peace be upon Israel” (Psalm 128). I dedicate this scripture, praying that the God of Israel will watch over my elder in the detention center, and that the blessings of Zion and the prosperity of Jerusalem be with our elder, Sister Xinyue, and all the brothers and sisters.
Precher Daizhichao’s Response to Brother Houdou Shu
Thank you for sharing, Brother Hou. Thank you and your wife, as well as the brothers and sisters, for your care and love.
I have just safely returned to Chengdu, and Preacher An and Brother Wang Yingjie are on their way to Taiyuan by train. Originally, we were supposed to disperse yesterday at noon, but God gave us a special retreat. We intended only a brief experience, but God granted us abundant grace, which we will savor for a long time. Yesterday, we spent twelve hours at the police station in Bible reading, praying, and sharing. Finally, when only five of us brothers remained, we removed all our belongings, even voluntarily taking off our rings to let other brothers and sisters take them back. It was a beautiful experience.
Although a bit melancholic, we arrived as four people in one car, chatting late into the night. The next evening, three of us left, while you and Elder Yingqiang continued the twelve-hour retreat inside.
“From afar, I know my brothers have reached a higher place, Yet one less is present amidst the sweet osmanthus.”
Now, Elder Yingqiang has been taken to a higher place by God for a special retreat, while we continue to climb. May the Lord watch over all the brothers and sisters!
Response from Mrs. Zhang Xinyue
Brothers and sisters, do not worry about Yingqiang. I just contacted the members in Dazhou, and they said that visits are allowed daily at the detention center. Today, they also saw Yingqiang, and he is doing quite well inside. Thank the Lord 😄.
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