Pastor Lian Changnian of the Xi’an Church of Abundance, part of the Chinese Gospel Fellowship house church network, had been detained by authorities since August 2022 on charges of “fraud” resulting from the church receiving offerings from its members—a crime under Chinese law because the church is not a government-authorized Three-Self Church.  

Voice of the Martyrs Korea Representative Dr. Hyun Sook Foley says that a prayer letter issued by the Xi’an Church of Abundance last month says that the pastor was released on bail and permitted to return home in April but has now had to be hospitalized due to mental and physical problems resulting from his interrogation.   

“Pastor Lian Changnian and the Xi’an Church of Abundance have long been subjected to persecution,” says Representative Foley. “Pastor Lian Changnian has been imprisoned multiple times. The most recent arrest occurred on August 17, 2022, when Pastor Lian Changnian, Pastor Lian Xuliang, and preacher Fu Juan were arrested on suspicion of ‘fraud’ and detained for investigation at a secret government location. The prayer letter from Xi’an Church says that all three had to go without food for long periods of time. They were beaten. They were forced to eat certain unidentified drugs. They were denied access to the bathroom for long periods. Pastor Lian Changnian was not permitted to sleep lying down for two years and eight months.” 

Representative Foley says that as early as 2023, Pastor Lian Changnian’s attorney noticed signs of mental instability in the pastor.  

“The attorney says when he saw Pastor Lian Changnian again in September 2024, the pastor’s condition had become worse. He was afraid to sleep day or night, constantly fearing he would be drugged or even strangled to death,” says Representative Foley. 

Although the case has yet to go to trial, the attorney for Pastor Lian Changnian and the two others was able to secure their release on bail in April, and they were reunited with their families. But according to Representative Foley, Pastor Lian Changnian had to be taken to the hospital to be examined for mental and physical problems resulting from the investigation.  

“The initial medical diagnosis given by the doctors was shocking,” says Representative Foley. “They diagnosed him with several serious psychological problems, as well as severe back problems. So he was admitted to the hospital for treatment last month.” 

Representative Foley says that Xi’an Church of Abundance is asking for Christians around the world to pray for the healing of Pastor Lian Changnian’s body, mind, and spirit. The church also asks for prayers that God’s justice will be done in the legal charges against he and the other two church leaders. 

Individuals interested in learning about or supporting Voice of the Martyrs Korea’s work in partnership with persecuted Christians in China can visit www.vomkorea.com/en/china or give via electronic transfer to: 

KB Bank: 463501-01-243303 

Account Holder: (사)순교자의소리 

Please note “China” on the transfer.