A Letter of Thanks Heard Around the World as Recently-released Chinese Believer bids Farewell to her Elderly Spouse
By Michael Ireland, Chief Correspondent, ASSIST News Service, February 13, 2009
"So I sincerely plead to brothers and sisters all over the world to continue to pray for me and my husband. At the same time, I want to thank each one of you for your continuous prayers, care and support for my husband, Hua Zaichen, and me."
Shuang Shuying at her dying husband's bedside the
day after she was released from a Chinese prison.
BEIJING, CHINA (ANS) -- Just one day after writing 'A letter of thanks to the Brothers and Sisters all over the World,' 79-year-old Chinese believer, Shuang Shuying's ailing 91-year-old husband passed into the presence of the Lord.
Shuying had been released from prison the previous morning (February 8), and wrote to believers all around the globe pleading for them to continue praying for herself and her husband, Hua Zaichen, who lay dying in a hospital bed.
She wrote: "When I was released from jail this morning (February 8), I went to visit my hospitalized old companion (husband), who is not even able to recognize me anymore because of losing consciousness.
Two years ago, Shuying's son Hua Huiqi (a house church pastor in Beijing) was put in jail by the Chinese police.
"In order to force my son to compromise his faith and betray brothers and sisters, I was sentenced to two years in prison as a hostage by the Public Security Bureau," Shuying said in a letter released to the media by ChinaAid.
"During my imprisonment, the PSBs of Beijing came to my prison interrogating, threatening and harassing me numerous times. They even directed other prisoners to take off all of my clothes and forced me (to) stand alone outside in the evening without letting me sleep.
"Seven prisoners kept watching me in turn. I was not allowed to move even when the mosquitoes bit me or I would be slapped on my face and poked in the veins on my hands. I still had wounds that were unhealed on my hands. The PSB officers even forced me to drink my own urine. They threatened me not to tell anyone about the tortures I experienced," Shuying said.
During these terrible circumstances, Shuying "prayed without ceasing", she said.
"I asked God to give me strength. Every time when my son came to visit me and shared with me that brothers and sisters from all over the world had been praying for me, I felt greatly strengthened and empowered, which has enabled me to continue to live."
In a media release, ChinaAid said: "We are grateful for the witness of this elderly couple who have laid down their lives for the Truth and for religious freedom in China.
"Shuang Shuying and her family continue to suffer persecution from Chinese officials. Thank you to all who are praying for this family and are providing aid for them in their hour of great trial."
Please write an encouraging letter to Shuang Shuying as she rebuilds her life:
Mrs. Shuang Shuying
Room#107, Building #23
Tai Ping Qiao Xi Li
Fengtai District
Beijing, CHINA 100076
