Pastor Xing Wenxiang of Holy Love Christian Church in Jinhua, Zhejiang province, who was released from prison in November 2025, is struggling with the loss of her home, ministry and income, and under the burden of a huge court-imposed fine. China Aid reports that she “remains under tight state monitoring and is unable to return to ministry” and that “the challenges of returning to society have proven almost cruel”.
Pastor Xing ministered in eastern China’s Zhejiang province for more than thirty years, leading thousands of congregants at Holy Love Christian Church, which was registered with the official Three-Self Patriotic Movement. In 2015 she and her husband, Pastor Bao Guohua, were detained after they refused to comply with the Chinese Communist Party’s cross removal policy in Zhejiang province. They were sentenced to 12 and 14 years’ imprisonment respectively and while Pastor Xing was granted early release, her husband remains in prison and is not expected to be released until 2029.
The pastor had regarded the Holy Love Christian Church premises as her home for more than thirty years and her household registration was tied to the church, but during her imprisonment state-approved leaders took over the church and there is no longer any pastoral work for her. China Aid reports, “The current leadership has not only barred her from the pulpit she helped to build but has also prohibited her from living in the church.”
In addition to losing her livelihood, Pastor Xing still bears the burden of a massive court-imposed fine of 1.39 million yuan (approximately €175,000). Friends describe it as a “crushing burden” for someone recently released from prison with no social security benefits or income. Her movements are restricted and monitored, and any Christians attempting to visit or financially support her reportedly face “heightened attention” and warnings from local authorities.
Local Christians are circulating prayer requests for the couple, using the words “God is our refuge and strength” from Psalm 46v1 as an encouragement and reminder to keep praying.
They ask for prayer that God would protect Pastor Xing and Pastor Bao so that they may have peace, healing and strength amidst long-term pressure and hardship; that God would provide Pastor Xing with the necessities of life, a stable home and spiritual companions; and that God would strengthen all Christians who are willing to visit and support her, granting them wisdom, courage, and love.
(China Aid)