Prior to his visit to China, it was reported that U.S. President, Donald Trump, would lobby for the release of Zion Church’s imprisoned founding pastor, Ezra Jin, during Trump’s meetings with Chinese President, Xi Jinping. Multiple media sources reported that the release of Pastor Jin was indeed one of the topics that the POTUS discussed with President Xi.
During a conversation with members of the media this past Friday (05/15/26), President Trump stated that President Xi said that he was “giving very serious consideration to the pastor.” The case against Pastor Jin and the Zion Church leaders and workers is at a critical junction.
Sources from Zion church recently reported that suppression of their legal team continues. As a result of this suppression, communication with the detained leaders and workers is difficult, as their communication rights continue to be severely violated. The detained pastors and coworkers did receive notification that their detention is being extended until June 18 and that they could receive a prison sentence of more than 10 years.
Additionally, sources from other house church networks reported that the Chinese Public Security Bureau (PSB) raided four different Bible schools throughout China. They also reported that several leaders were arrested during these raids as well.
BTJ will continue to update each of these situations. Please pray that the Chinese President Xi and his advisors will be moved to rule favorably in Pastor Jin’s case. Please also pray that the favor will be extended to the other detained Zion Church leaders and workers who are still imprisoned; and the other house church networks as well.
