Pastor Ezra’s Prison Letter to the Underground Church

Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri is a prominent leader of the underground Zion Church in Beijing, China.

He was arrested by Chinese authorities on October 10, 2025, as part of a large, coordinated crackdown on an unregistered Christian network known as Zion Church. He was taken from his home in Beihai, Guangxi Province, along with dozens of other pastors and church members across multiple cities.

Following his abrupt arrest during a massive government crackdown, Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri managed to smuggle a vital message to the outside world. The note contained just two capitalized words: "FEAR NOT." This tiny fragment of writing quickly became the definitive anthem of resilience for Zion Church and faith communities worldwide.

The arrest was tied to his leadership of an independent church and his use of online platforms to share sermons and religious teaching outside of state-approved channels. Authorities reportedly accused him of offenses such as the “illegal use of information networks,” a charge often used in cases involving Christianity practiced outside of government control.

His detention lasted for several months, during which he had very limited contact with the outside world and concerns were raised about his health and treatment in custody. The arrest drew international attention, with advocacy organizations describing it as part of a broader effort by the Chinese government to restrict religious expression and bring churches under tighter control.

Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri was unexpectedly released from a Chinese prison on July 4, 2026, after spending nearly nine months in arbitrary detention. Praise the Lord!

His sudden freedom came less than two months after U.S. President Donald Trump personally raised his case with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a state visit to Beijing.

Following his release, which Chinese officials framed as a goodwill gesture for America's Independence Day, the Zion Church founder immediately flew to the United States and reunited with his family in Los Angeles.

Pastor Jin & daughter Grace

Pastor Ji Ezra Mingri is known for his writings and emphasis on spiritual authenticity, personal conviction, and a return to lived faith rather than performative religion. His teaching often centers on the distinction between outward expressions of spirituality and inward transformation, urging believers to examine the fruit of their lives rather than being drawn to charisma or influence.

He speaks directly about modern church culture, challenging the tendency to elevate personality over character and encouraging a deeper, more grounded relationship with God.

In his writings, Mingri frequently addresses themes of humility, repentance, and discernment. He calls readers to recognize the difference between the Spirit working through a person and the Spirit working within a person, highlighting the importance of integrity over image.

His messages are often urgent but reflective, aimed at awakening believers to spiritual complacency and redirecting them toward genuine faith, gratitude, and obedience. His work resonates with those seeking a more sincere and less performative expression of Christianity.

Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri wrote a powerful pastoral letter dated October 19, 2025, shortly after he was handcuffed and detained during widespread government raids against Zion Church.

The letter was written from a detention center in Beihai, Guangxi province, where he was being held under charges of "illegally using information networks"

Pastor Ezra Jin’s letter from prison

Dear brothers and sisters, all the saints of Zion: May God’s grace and peace be upon you from our Father God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Beloved, everything here is still new to me, but I often think back to those exciting days – the days when we pioneered the gospel together, trained disciples, and established churches. They feel as if they were right before my eyes. You were always so kind, steadfastly focused on the things of Christ. My heart longs for you.

I’m gradually adjusting to life here. My blood sugar and physical discomfort are slowly improving. Don’t worry about me. I find great comfort in being able to endure this little suffering for the gospel. Thinking back over the years, many of our young ministers, deacons, and elders have been imprisoned for the gospel, and those senior church leaders I respect have also suffered.

When I heard this news, I was so heartbroken that I didn’t know what to do. Now that I’m experiencing these things myself, I feel more at peace. I’m truly joyful to be among these brothers and sisters who have paid the price for the gospel. Isn’t this what the Lord Jesus said? “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13)

Zion Church is a church that values the gospel and is a member of the Chinese house church community. We carry on the legacy of our forefathers, upholding the gospel and respecting the separation of church and state.

We do not oppose dialogue with the government, nor do we confront it, but rather emphasise obedience to those in authority. During this persecution, many co-workers have been imprisoned.

I see this as a good opportunity to share our true stories with others and to educate and grow ourselves. God works all things together for good to those who love him (Romans 8:28). In such trials, our faith is refined, becoming pure as gold; our hope grows brighter, shining like the morning star.

Remember, in 2018, our theme was “Do Not Throw Away Your Courage”. God encouraged us through the book of Hebrews (Hebrews 10:35). Back then, God prepared us to face the September 9th Incident.

Now, amidst the persecution, I hope we will not lose the courage given to us by the Holy Spirit. C. S. Lewis said that courage is the first virtue; without it, all other virtues cannot be maintained.

While expounding on the Book of Revelation, I noticed something: in the new heaven and new earth, when the Lord removes all that is bad in Babylon, the first thing mentioned is the cowardly.

“But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.” (Revelation 21:8)

Cowardice, though small, can block the door to heaven. The Lord calls us to be overcomers, giving us the courage that David had when he faced Goliath. May this persecution, like the thorns that afflicted Paul, sharpen our courage and make our faith as solid as a rock.

In 2019, God gave Zion a song: “By God the Father’s Good Forces”. (“Von guten Mächten”) God has indeed used His power to uphold us, raising us from the dead and ushering in a new round of revival. I believe that God is also testing us this time, like refining silver – painful but full of love. God will not abandon us.

Last week, on a Sunday, when I was taken to the detention centre, God gave me the words from Jonah chapter 2: “For you cast me into the deep, into the heart of the seas, and the flood surrounded me; all your waves and your billows passed over me. Then I said, ‘I am driven away from your sight; yet I shall again look upon your holy temple.’” (Jonah 2:3-4)

Even in the abyss, our hearts still look toward God’s temple.

Jonah was saved from the belly of the fish, and we will be freed from here too, for the Lord is the victor who breaks down the bronze gates.

I am always grateful and praying for you. May the Lord grant you the peace that surpasses all knowledge to guard your hearts and minds; may the Holy Spirit ignite courage in your hearts; may the grace of Christ nourish Zion, bringing abundant fruit to the glory of God the Father.

May the God of peace keep you; may the love of Jesus Christ fill you; may the presence of the Holy Spirit light your way. Amen!

Your servant in Christ, in the grace of the Lord. October 19, 2025 AD

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Please pray for the remaining Christians who were arrested with Pastor Ezra and for the persecuted Church in China.

Prayer for the church in China

Dear Father,

Thank You for Pastor Ezra's release! We rejoice alongside his family and our brothers and sisters around the world. Thank You for your faithfulness and keeping him well.

We ask for the release of the remaining members of Zion church and for all Christians held in churches in China. Fill them with hope, faith, and strength. Strengthen their families and be their comfort. May they turn to You in this time and see You move powerfully on their behalf.

W ask that the gospel continue to spread like fire in China. Thank You for all of Your workers. May they be led by Your Spirit and continue the great work until Jesus comes back.

Pour out Your Spirit on them Father. May ever chain be broken. May faith, testimonies, and miracles, and salvations be what we hear out of China continuously.

In Jesus' name we pray. Amen