Here are a few statements in response to the news that
has been released among the overseas Christians about the kidnap that happened
to China Gospel Fellowship.
1. The actual number
of people kidnapped:34 people.
2. Ministry status after the kidnap of the leaders:
After the
kidnap of our leaders on April 16, the remaining core leaders and the second generation
leaders immediately formed a new core leadership group that has since undertaken
various ministries in our Fellowship, as well as the task of rescuing the kidnapped.
The ministries of the Rescue Team, Administrative Team and Itinerating Team have
been progressing steadily and orderly, not in "chaos" as some have described.
3. The rescue and release of the kidnapped:
Our Rescue Team
and Administrative Team made the following decisions:
1. Set
up intercession teams in each region in China to fast and pray particularly for
this event.
2. Report the case to the police. We reported the
case to the public security offices of the cities in which the kidnap happened,
and received the recognition of the government.
With the pressure
the government has put on the Eastern Lightning cult, and with the prayer of many
overseas churches before the Lord, our kidnapped leaders are being gradually released.
4. About the information many have released:
Many
people have released news without the approval of China Gospel Fellowship. We
have made an Internet statement that no individual or organization should release
any information about the April 16 kidnap without our permission, so as to keep
wrong information from confusing the readers. We don't understand why some people
have ignored our request.
In the future, at the appropriate
time, we will give more detailed statements relating to this event.
5. How people have responded:
Ever since the occurring
of the kidnap, people have been responding to us in many ways. Some prayed fervently
for us, some called to comfort us, some visited to encourage us. However, some
spread words of condemnation. Some looked on with folded arms, hit us when we
tripped, and applauded in secret. Some took advantage of our suffering and spread
rumors so as to promote their own interest.
We make this request
to those who condemn and exaggerate: please restrain yourselves! Those who spread
rumors or purposefully promote themselves to beguile overseas churches, please
be aware that one day everything will be revealed.
To those
who have helped us and prayed for and encouraged us, we hereby extend our great
appreciation on behalf of all members of China Gospel Fellowship as well as the
kidnapped and their families. May God remember you even more!
