This July, a miracle took place in China, when Ezra Jin, an imprisoned Christian pastor from an unregistered house church, was suddenly set free. Throughout his 266 days of imprisonment, the international community rallied behind Pastor Jin, culminating in his release.

I write this article in desperate need of one more miracle. My father, Pastor Gao Quanfu of the Light of Zion Church, and my mother, Pang Yu, remain behind bars. My father faces 12 to 13 years in prison on baseless charges of fraud. As their trials approach, I can only hope that the international community will similarly support their cause.  

For my parents, faith and service were a calling. My father became a Christian at age 28, at a time when public religious practice was nearly nonexistent in China. He served as a minister for 40 years: mentoring the next generation of religious leaders, carrying out ministry work, and supporting families in his congregation. He was also a talented musician; he played an instrument called the suona horn. My mother had a successful career as an actress, TV anchor, and producer. It was love at first sight for the two of them, and they anticipated a bright future for their family and community. 

In 2025, my parents paid a steep price for their faith. On May 16, authorities in Xi’an arrested Pastor Gao and eleven other members of the Light of Zion Church. Initially, my father was charged with “using superstition to undermine the implementation of the law.” The charges were later altered; he is now facing charges of “fraud” for accepting voluntary donations from his congregants. Three weeks after my father’s arrest, my mother was detained, simply because she is married to Pastor Gao. 

My parents’ ordeal is reflective of a wider crackdown on unregistered house churches in China. The Light of Zion Church, and other such entities, have drawn Beijing’s ire due to their refusal to submit to state surveillance and restrictions that can include controlling the content of sermons. Although some practitioners have since been released, my parents, Pastor Tang Bingyi of the Light of Zion Church, and eight members of Pastor Jin’s congregation (Zion Church) remain in prison.  

My father continues to maintain that Christian churches should respect the governing authorities, but he believes that his church must preserve its autonomy and biblical convictions regarding worship, doctrine, and church governance. Even as his church endured deepening surveillance and pressure, the congregation responded peacefully – with prayer rather than hostility, and faith rather than fear. 

What my parents are going through is unimaginable. They languish in overcrowded conditions, with more than a dozen detainees in one cell. They are not allowed to communicate with or visit family members. Authorities closely monitor their visits with legal counsel, adversely impacting their ability to freely communicate with their lawyers. 

My parents are almost 70 years old; both have severe health concerns, yet their meals are nutritionally insufficient, and their medical needs are left untreated. I am terrified of what might happen next.   

After more than a year in detention, my parents’ cases are underway – and the potential outcome is chilling. At my father’s pretrial hearing on August 10, we learned that he could be sentenced to 12 or 13 years. We await my mother’s pretrial hearing, and potential sentence, with trepidation. Without a groundswell of international support, I fear that my parents will spend the rest of their lives in prison. 

I respectfully, but urgently, ask governments and policymakers around the world to stand in solidarity with my parents. To the consulates and embassies in the PRC: please show up at their trials in Xi’an, China. Visible engagement and interest from foreign diplomats will signal that the represented countries protect freedom of belief and religion. It will send a message to Beijing that the world has not forgotten Pastor Gao Quanfu, Pang Yu, and other Christians detained in China. 

I cannot be there, so I plead with all those who can to attend. Bear witness and remind my parents that they are not alone. 

My mother and father devoted their lives to me and their congregation. Now, they are elderly, sick, and need me, but I cannot do this alone. I respectfully ask the international community to stand with me – to fight for the freedom of Pastor Gao Quanfu, Pang Yu, and all peaceful Christians imprisoned in China. 

I am proud to be my parents’ son. One day soon, I hope to be reunited with them, to hear my parents play music and sing together again. Even if it takes a miracle – be it political or preordained – I will not rest until my parents walk free.