Chinese Officials Relent, Jinan Adventist Church Allowed to Worship

On May 1, members of Jinan Seventh-Day Adventist Church were once again allowed to meet at their rented site, having been forced to worship outdoors for more than two months, following a raid by Shandong Public Security officials on February 27.

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The officials disrupted Jinan church during their morning service, ordering the 200 members to cease all activities by March 5, and forcibly terminating their church building rental contract. Shandong officials raided Jinan 7th-Day Adventist Church on February 27, forcing the congregation to worship outdoors. The church immediately issued a statement urging the international community to pray for Shandong authorities to end the persecution and to restore their church properties to them. Statement by Jinan Church (Chinese, English). Saturday morning's service on May 1 marked the first time the Jinan congregation was able to meet indoors without harassment. The pastors and members expressed their deep gratitude for the international awareness raised on their behalf, which led to the government's response to allow them to meet for worship. Letter to ChinaAid, May 2, 2010:

Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord, and friends, We rejoice in the Lord to tell you that we were allowed to meet as usual yesterday! We heartily thank the Lord who has answered our prayers. We thank ChinaAid for the timely release of our church's situation. We are also grateful to the understanding Chinese officials, who have responded with a pleasing act to God. The Lord's faithfulness has deepened our faith, and the fellowship with the churches over the world has warmed our heart and soul. Let us be encouraged by Paul in Ephesians 6: 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. 19Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the Gospel, 20for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. --The Brothers and Sisters of Jinan 7th Day Adventist Church

ChinaAid thanks supporters around the world for their fervent prayers on behalf of Jinan Seventh Day Adventist Church. We thank the Shandong authorities for upholding the religious rights of their citizens and renewing their commitment to rule of law.