Christian human rights lawyer released in China
by Staff
April 28, 2010
(christiansunite.com) - Christian human rights lawyer Gao Zhisheng, who was kidnapped by state security agents in February 2009, has been released from the guarded location in Shanxi province where he was being held by authorities. Gao was recently confirmed to be alive following months of rumours that he had died at the hands of authorities. On April 6, Gao informed ChinaAid President Bob Fu that he had returned to his apartment in Beijing.
He reportedly sounded weak on the phone and said he had been recovering from a "racking cough," but did not give any further details of his health or treatment in jail.
On April 7, Gao told reporters that he will cease his legal activism in the hopes of reuniting with his wife and children, who escaped to the United States in March 2009.
In response, Bob Fu stated, "Gao Zhisheng is a man of integrity and heart. Facing such enormous pressure and knowing that his family needs him, he has chosen to fulfill his duty as a father to his children, and husband to his wife." He added, "Gao Zhisheng and his family have suffered deeply from the long separation. Despite the persecution, he continues to trust the Lord." (Source: ChinaAid)
Praise the Lord that Gao has been released! Pray that he will soon be reunited with his family. Pray that Gao will keep his eyes on Jesus, persevere in his faith and not grow weary or lose heart (Hebrews 10:32-39; Hebrews 12:1-3). You can stand in solidarity with Gao and his family by posting a prayer on our Persecuted Church Prayer Wall at www.persecution.net/prayerwall.
To learn more about the plight of Chinese Christians, go to www.persecution.net/china.htm. A video news conference on Gao's release from VOMC partners, ChinaAid and Release International, is available on our multimedia website at bit.ly/9aMbAH.
