On the afternoon of July 8, Eastern Time, after several days of rest, Pastor Ezra Jin (金明日)—who was released from 266 days of detention and flown to the US—published an op-ed in The Wall Street Journal titled “I’m Free. Now Pray for China.” In the piece, he reflected on his release, expressed gratitude to his global supporters, and called for continued prayers for China.
Pastor Jin, the lead pastor of China’s prominent unregistered Zion Church (錫安教會), was arrested during a massive nationwide crackdown on the congregation on October 9, 2025. Following a 266-day ordeal, he was released and arrived in Los Angeles in the early hours of July 4, reuniting with his family whom he had not seen in eight years.
From a Prison Cell to Independence Day Fireworks
Describing the moment he was escorted out of prison on July 3, Pastor Jin said he initially believed he was being transferred to another facility to face a trial and a heavy sentence. Instead, he was freed just hours later.
"No negotiations, no confession, all charges dropped," he wrote.
He was immediately arranged to board a flight to the United States, arriving in Los Angeles the following day. Reflecting on the abrupt and surreal shift in his surroundings, he wrote: "It was disorienting to go from a crowded prison cell to watching Fourth of July fireworks with my family over In-N-Out burgers."
Pastor Jin extended his gratitude to the US President and other officials who secured his release: "My gratitude goes first to President Trump, whose diplomacy secured my release, as well as to the members of Congress and other U.S. officials who worked on my behalf." He also acknowledged and thanked global supporters from the UK, Europe, Argentina, India, Nigeria, and South Korea.
However, his mind remains with the eight Zion Church members and other church leaders still behind bars, promising to continue advocating for them. "These men and women, some of the most caring people I have met, are confined in cramped cells and sleep on floor mats in blistering heat," he wrote, noting that many left behind young children. "I won’t rest until they see freedom."
Reaffirming Faith and Praying for Freedom
Pastor Jin reaffirmed the nature of the church he founded in 2007: "When I started Zion Church in 2007, my aim was simple: to share the immeasurable love of God with those around me." He wrote that the church never opposed dialogue with the government, nor did it seek confrontation, emphasizing submission to ruling authorities while holding fast to their faith and recognizing Jesus Christ as the church’s sole head.
To highlight the positive societal impact of Chinese Christians, Pastor Jin pointed to Zion Church’s past efforts, including disaster relief work during the Sichuan earthquake and organizing voluntary blood drives in Beijing.
"China’s political authorities have no reason to fear the tens of millions in China who worship in unregistered congregations. These Christians love their nation," he wrote, adding that their only desire is to peacefully worship according to Biblical teachings and serve others, especially the impoverished, the disabled, and the elderly.
Looking forward, Pastor Jin said he hopes his release marks the start of "a new chapter for people of faith in China," as he continues to pray for religious freedom in China.
"Freedom of religion is a universal right promised in the Chinese Constitution," he wrote. "I hope that all our church members are freed and that China becomes a place where all people can freely worship."
Pastor Jin closed his reflection with deep reverence and gratitude: "I couldn’t be more thankful, and pray that others still imprisoned will experience this same freedom soon. Mine is a God of miracles, and he constantly surprises me."
