Members of the Mayflower Church—a group of Chinese Christians who have been living in Thailand—are on a flight scheduled to arrive in Texas on Good Friday evening.
One week earlier, members of the Shenzhen Holy Reformed Church—nicknamed the “Mayflower Church” for their commitment to seeking religious freedom—appeared at a deportation hearing in Thailand.
The Christians, who had been living on expired tourist visas in Thailand, feared they would be sent back to China, where they had been persecuted.
Bob Fu, founding president of Midland-based ChinaAid, announced the news, saying it was “truly a Good Friday” for the persecuted Chinese Christians.
“Barely a week ago, members of the Mayflower [Church] were still incarcerated in a jail, facing imminent danger of [Chinese Community Party] kidnapping threats. Now, they are safe and free,” Fu said. “This is a successful example of nonpartisan international cooperation.”
This article will be updated after members of the Mayflower Church arrive in Texas and as more information becomes available.
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