The news: Jin "Ezra" Mingri, senior pastor of Zion Church — one of China's most prominent house churches — was released around 10:30 p.m. on July 3 after being detained since October 9, according to Christianity Today. His wife Anna Liu confirmed the release via phone call, bringing relief to Chinese Christians and international church networks who had been following his case closely.
Why it matters for church leaders: Pastor Jin's story is a sobering reminder of the pressures church leaders face in restrictive environments — and a call to pray for the global church. For Indian pastors navigating their own regulatory and social pressures, his perseverance is both an encouragement and a challenge to lead with courage and faithfulness.
The takeaway: Set aside time this week in your pastoral prayer or Sunday service to pray for persecuted church leaders across Asia, including those in China.
Source: Christianity Today
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