American-Korean Pastor Arrested

Friday, October 27, 2006

By Michael Ireland
Special Correspondent, ASSIST News Service

MIDLAND, TEXAS / XIJIANG AUTONOMOUS REGION, CHINA (ANS) -- Local police raided Qilin Mountain Villa in the suburb of Uramqi City, Xijiang Autonomous Region, when some Christians were having a Bible training program held by a Korean pastor from America.

China Aid Association (CAA) says there were 35 Christians taken to the Yongfeng Township Police Station for interrogation, including the American-Korean pastor and his interpreter.

The names of some of the Christians arrested are: Sister Zhou Li, Xia Lingzhi, Bao Lin, Ren Baolan, Feng Yan, Hu Ying.

CAA reports that Sister Zhou Li and sister Xia Lingzhi were put under custody for 2 weeks last year and fined because of regular service attendance. They were also abused during the interrogation.

An e-mail report from CAA, obtained by ANS, states: "Sister Xia Lingzhi is 66 years old. She suffers from coronary heart disease and high blood pressure, thus should not be detained in any harsh environment. CAA appeals the local police to release the Christians as soon as possible, for their belief does absolutely no harm to both the society and the nation."