The officials in Hua Du have stated in the past that they do not
want to arrest Li, but their orders are coming from a higher
authority.  It is now known that the Religious Affairs Bureau of Guangzhou is giving the orders.

Upon arrival to prison Li was immediately put in chains.  Unlike other prisoners the authorities shackled his ankles, not once, but two times.  His ankles were placed into steel cuffs and then cranked down by bolts on either side.  Then a second set of steel cuffs was put on above the ankle near his shins.  After this they then placed a large steel bar in between the cuffs that spread his legs wider than his shoulders.   In the center of this bar there was a ring.  His hands were then shackled and they were brought down to the bar between his feet and cuffed to the ring in the center of the bar.  This left his back in a bowed position.  He was left in this position for three days with no relief. 

By the second day his back was in severe pain.  After three days they finally released his hands and he was able to straighten up.  He was thankful that his back was not injured during this time.  With his hands released they then forced him to labor.  The labor that he had to do was assemble Christmas lights that were going to America!  Li needs glasses to read and he could not see very well what he was to assemble.  These tiny lights had to be pur together and they gave him a quota of 4,000-5,000 per day.  If he did not meet this quota, he would be whipped.  He had to start every day at 6 a.m. and worked until 11 p.m. - 17 hours of labor.

On April 26, Li was released with a stern warning not to preach in Hua Du.

Li never speaks harm to any of those who arrest him; he preaches the gospel.  For this he suffers.  His wife also suffers constant surveillance and his son suffers in school.  Li has vowed: "I will preach [the gospel] until I die, " and his wife has vowed to stand with him.

We urge Christians everywhere to pray for Pastor Li and his family.  Further, pray for the authorities, and take the time to write or call and express your concerns for Pastor Li's safety and the clear violation of his religious freedons.  You can contact the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C. via phone at (202) 328-2500 or fax at (202) 588-0032.

Question to Voice of the Martyrs:

Q. Are you (VOM) boycotting China-made goods, and opposing
MFN for China?
A. As an international mission with over 30 offices around the world, we have chosen not to set policies on political matters. This does not mean that we have no involvement with our government or that of another country. We (VOM) will assist in any way to help in raising awareness of our suffering and persecuted Christian brothers and sisters around the world. We have cooperated with U.S. Congress in giving information and documentation to assist in
forming laws and policies that effect persecuted Christians. We will also continue to encourage our readers and friends to write to government officials on behalf of those who are in bonds for Christ's sake.