Story number 1 for 14 Jun 2000

Topping today’s news, Chinese officials have been successful in stopping a church from meeting in the city of Hua Du. A month ago, Chinese authorities welded bars over the doors and built a restraining wall around the area to prevent any further gatherings. However, this week,
Voice of the Martyrs’ Todd Nettleton says the large body of believers is dispirited. “They have heavy hearts-we had a contact that was in there over the weekend and he said that they feel very much like a family-they’ve been through so much together, and to be prevented from meeting…they’re kind of discouraged. But, they continue to meet in smaller groups and try to encourage each other and witness to others outside the church.” Nettleton says the church there needs prayer support. He adds that although Pastor Li Dexian remains free: “He is under surveillance by the authorities there, and he’s actually been told by one of the village leaders there that somebody has actually taken a contract out on his head to have him killed. So, he is definitely under some stress, but he continues to minister there and continues to work with the church there.”