Hello everyone, I am Ma Peipei, the wife of Cao Binting. My husband grew up in an ordinary miner’s family in Anhui. His mother, a simple Christian, always taught him that it’s not necessary to be above others, but to strive to be a kind and upright person. After completing his master’s degree, Binting became a civil servant, aspiring to contribute to the country’s soil and water conservation efforts.
On April 11, 2023, while at work, the police took him directly from his office, and he was gone for 12 hours. That afternoon, I received a “search warrant,” and our home was searched. Over the next few days, Binting was taken away repeatedly, each time for nearly 12 hours. We faced it with a clear conscience, believing we had nothing to hide. Unexpectedly, on April 22, the Bengbu City Public Security Bureau in Anhui Province detained him on suspicion of “illegal business operations,” and on May 18, they changed the charge to “fraud” and arrested him. Both lawyers who reviewed the case told me: there is absolutely no evidence that Cao Binting took or intended to take anyone’s money. If there is, please contact me. I am willing to make a public commitment to repay a hundredfold!
The injustices I had only heard about on the internet are now happening to us, tearing a wound into our lives. Those who know Binting are aware of his gentle nature, diligent work ethic, and non-contentious attitude. As a Christian, I know he does not covet others’ property. Once, we forgot to pay for our meal in our rush to get home. He insisted on going back down to pay the owner, even though I suggested we could do it the next day. He also often helps families in need. Even now, confined in the detention center, he reminded me through his lawyer to help needy families as much as possible. His kindness has always encouraged me; how could he ever do something to harm others or break the law? I can testify that he has never wished to owe anyone financially.
We started dating in 2013. He was studying in Shaanxi, and I was in Gansu. To visit me, he had to take a hard seat on a 10-hour train. I wanted to buy him a sleeper ticket, but he insisted on using his modest graduate stipend to buy the hard seat ticket, often doing so over three years. Later, to marry him, I resigned from my job in Gansu and moved to Bengbu. I was clear that he was the partner God had prepared for me, and I have no regrets about marrying him. Love cannot be quenched by many waters, nor can floods drown it. If one were to give all the wealth of his house for love, it would be utterly scorned. This year marks our 10th anniversary of dating and 5th wedding anniversary. He had told me earlier this year that we had never celebrated our wedding anniversary and that we must celebrate it grandly on October 1st. However, he is unjustly imprisoned…
Although I have been a believer for many years, I never thought I would suffer for the Lord. After Binting was arrested, I spent nearly two months questioning God: Why? Why? I couldn’t accept it; I even thought about denying my faith, thinking it might spare me from all this. I feared the judgment of others, the shame of suffering with the Lord, and the possibility of both of us losing our stable jobs. These thoughts often overwhelmed me, along with the pain of missing him. But I always felt an invisible hand holding me, not giving up on me, even if it felt weak at times. After more than two months of struggle, I reflected on my faith and read the biographies of historical saints before realizing: His arrest and loss of freedom are because God has tested him and granted him a crown of glory.
This ordeal has given me a new understanding of him. I used to think he was timid, often needing my company to handle some family affairs, which caused many arguments. Going through this has shown me Binting’s bravery, a courage that comes from the Lord. I clearly remember one night when I was crying in fear due to the persecution of the church. Binting took my hand and told me: Do not be afraid, we must never betray the Lord or our friends, even if it means losing our jobs, having the Lord is enough.
Now, I am slowly learning to rejoice in the Lord amid suffering, to take care of the family in his absence, and to face life’s difficulties alone. However, I can’t imagine his loneliness, injustice, helplessness, and hardship in the detention center. I can only entrust him respectfully to God’s hands, for God’s care is omnipresent. I particularly like John Bunyan’s prison poem, which brings me comfort, joy, faith, and hope.
“Stone walls do not a prison make,
Nor iron bars a cage;
Minds innocent and quiet take
That for an hermitage.
If I have freedom in my love,
And in my soul am free,
Angels alone that soar above
Enjoy such liberty.”
We parted in spring, endured the hot summer, and now autumn is in full bloom, but I have no leisure for the scenery. May the autumn wind carry my longing, and the bright moon illuminate the lonely nights. Seeing the moon brighten the whole night, know that in the city beneath this dark night, there is always a light waiting for the return of a loved one!
Ma Peipei
October 24, 2023
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