China Pastor Released After 12 Years Behind Bars

11/25/2025   (ICC)

Chinese authorities released Pastor Zhang Shaojie, a 59-year-old Christian, from prison on Nov. 16, after he completed a 12-year prison sentence. The pastor overjoyed at his release. “Coming out of prison during this month of Thanksgiving has been full of God’s grace,” said Shaojie. “I have seen the Holy Spirit’s presence every day.” The pastor also stated that he was “deeply grateful for the help and support of the international community.” Officials detained Shaojie in Nov. 2013 following a land dispute between the pastor and local government authorities. His church had legally acquired land on which they planned to build a church. The Chinese authorities accused Pastor Shaojie of fraud and gathering a crowd to disrupt social order (his church congregation). China’s war on religious freedom was the topic of a US congressional hearing in November. The removal of crosses from buildings, arrests of Christians, and forced insertion of communist principles into Christian church settings have all been attempts to assuage fear within the party that the citizens of China may choose allegiance to something, especially Jesus, over them.

Please pray…

• Praise the Lord for the release of Pastor Shaojie and for how the Holy Spirit blessed him every day in prison.

• Pray that the Lord will help Pastor Shaojie to adapt to life outside prison and to reconnect with his family members and church members.

• Pray that the Lord will strengthen, guide and support the churches in China that are faithful to Him despite opposition and persecution.