San Antonio Celebrates Return of Freed Pastor After Nearly 20 Years in Chinese Prison

San Antonio Welcomes Home Freed Pastor After Nearly Two Decades

San Antonio, Texas – A Christian pastor from California, David Lin, is finally back on U.S. soil after almost 20 long years behind bars in China. His release has been confirmed by the State Department, bringing joy and relief to his family and supporters.

A Journey of Faith and Perseverance

Lin, now 68, was detained back in 2006 for what started as a mission to preach and share his faith in China. After years of conviction and legal battles, he was sentenced to life in prison under charges of contract fraud, which advocacy groups argue were politically motivated. His daughter, Alice Lin, couldn’t contain her excitement and shared the news with Bob Fu, a longtime supporter. “Praise God! We got the call late last night!!! Dad is free and over Alaska now,” she texted, expressing the elation of a family finally reunited.

A Ripple Effect of Diplomacy

The Biden administration has tirelessly worked on Lin’s case among others, utilizing every opportunity to address the issue with senior Chinese officials. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has raised concerns over Lin’s imprisonment during high-stake meetings, demonstrating a commitment to open communication between the U.S. and China, despite ongoing tensions. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller celebrated Lin’s release, stating, “We welcome David Lin’s release,” and affirmed that efforts to secure the freedom of other Americans detained in China remain a high priority.

The Struggles of Unregistered Churches

David Lin has been an unwavering advocate for his faith, frequently returning to China in the late 90s to spread the gospel. However, his lack of authorization from the Chinese government did not go unnoticed. Under China’s strict laws concerning religious practice, all Christian churches must be registered with the government and align their activities with the ruling Communist Party. Lin found himself in hot water after assisting an unauthorized congregation, leading to his eventual arrest and conviction.

It’s not just Lin’s story; many others facing similar fates know the harsh reality of operating outside state-sanctioned assemblies. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom has consistently reported that those involved in such underground churches often end up facing intimidation, harassment, and severe penalties. The crackdown on unregistered religious activities has intensified in recent years, turning faith into a contentious battleground.

Health Concerns and Ongoing Efforts

During his time in prison, reports emerged in 2019 indicating that Lin’s health was deteriorating, causing rising concerns among his family and advocates. The State Department has made it clear that they will continue to work toward the release of other Americans, such as Kai Li, who is being held on espionage-related charges, and Mark Swidan, imprisoned on drug charges.

Elsewhere, two other Americans, Nelson Wells Jr. and Dawn Michelle Hunt, are also facing drug-related charges in China. Their families are set to share their stories at a congressional hearing, all aiming to shed light on the plight of Americans detained abroad.

A Bold Stand for Freedom

Rep. Michael McCaul, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, expressed his happiness for Lin’s release but emphasized the need for the immediate freedom of others still remaining behind bars. In a world increasingly subjected to hostage diplomacy, Lin’s case reflects a rising trend that calls for urgent attention and action from government officials.

Lin’s emergence from nearly two decades of captivity not only marks a personal victory but also ignites hope for others still fighting for their freedom. As he embraces his family once again in San Antonio, the journey ahead still has many challenges, but for now, there is joy and relief in this long-awaited reunion.