I Prayed have prayed
Lord, in the darkest, most desolate places, you are there with the hurting. We pray for the release of John Cao, your servant. May he also feel your presence as he is in prison.
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An appeals court in China has ruled that North Carolina-based Pastor John Cao – a permanent resident of the United States – will serve the remainder of a seven-year sentence in a Chinese prison.

The American Center for Law and Justice reports the Pu’er Intermediated Court announced on July 25th that it’s upholding a trial court’s conviction…

[EDITORIAL NOTE: John Cao is an American citizen, serving in China because of his calling by Christ and his love for the Chinese and Myanmar people. This circumstance is similar to that of recently-freed Pastor Andrew Brunson.  At the same time that Cao’s appeal was denied, a Chinese pastor (Wang Li) and many of his congregation were also rounded up and held indefinitely.  We featured that story here too.  Please pray for both situations. God is bigger!]

The Christian minister was arrested while carrying out a humanitarian mission to the people of China and neighboring Burma (Myanmar), something he has done for more than 30 years.

He is US permanent resident from Greensboro, NC, and has been incarcerated in a Chinese prison for two years.

He was convicted and sentenced by a Chinese court without any evidence against him, according to the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ).

Despite the pastor’s failing health, the trial court postponed Cao’s appeal hearing four times.
According to the ACLJ, the postponement violated Cao’s right to due process, a fair trial and equal treatment under the law.

As CBN News reported, last March Cao was sentenced to seven years in prison for “organizing others to illegally cross the border”— a crime more commonly applied to human traffickers.

Cao and a fellow Christian teacher were arrested after coming back into China from neighboring Myanmar. They had been volunteering to teach at 16 schools in northern Myanmar which serve more than 2,000 students.

Cao had been ferrying back and forth across a river which divides the countries for more than three years without any problems from either government.

While being held for a year following his arrest, Cao was sentenced to seven years in prison by a Chinese court, despite a lack of evidence. The prosecutor only submitted written witness testimonies, and the pastor was denied the opportunity to cross-examine witnesses or to provide rebuttal evidence, according to the ACLJ.
His waited nine months for an appeal, despite Chinese law which requires the appellate process shall be no longer than 2 months.

Cao has lost more than 50 pounds and is experiencing several health issues. He is forbidden to have any visitors other than his attorneys.

Now that his sentence has been upheld, Pastor Cao will be transferred from the Menglian Detention Center to prison. It is unclear which prison he will be sent to and for how long.

(Excerpted from CBN News, article by Andrea Morris.)

[John Cao is one of an astounding number of believers who are being persecuted for their faith worldwide–through wrongful accusations, imprisonment without trial, torture, and even live organ-harvesting in some countries. Mr. Cao is an American citizen, and like Pastor Brunson in Turkey, was serving the people in a country he loved and was called.  Join us in praying for John Cao and his family.]

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Trudie Coetzer
August 4, 2019

Dear Heavenly Father, we pray for Pastor Cao’s speedy release from prison. Like Paul and Silas, may he be rejoicing in Your Mighty Name and may he have the opportunity to share the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ with fellow inmates. We pray that he may feel the power of all the prayers that are reaching Your Throne of Grace. We come boldly to Your Throne Father to intercede for Pastor Cao because we are in need of a miraculouse release of Your servant Pastor Cao. Hear us as we pray in the Mighty Name of Jesus. Thank you Father. Amen

Dixie
August 3, 2019

Father God, I pray Your hand be upon John Cao to strengthen him and help him to be firm in his stand for Your Word. Our battle is not against fresh and blood but against principalities, powers, and wickedness in high places! Jesus already defeated these when He arose from the dead and made a shame of them openly. Therefore, I say this pastor is free indeed and has victory, in the mighty Name of Jesus!!

Brenda
August 3, 2019

Heavenly Father, I pray for Pastor Cao’s quick and supernatural release from prison. Until that time comes I pray Pastor Cao allows the Holy Spirit to work through him and teach the guards and other prisoners about salvation through Jesus Christ. All to your glory!

Darla Pratt
August 3, 2019

Lord, send Your mighty angels to minister to Pastor John Cao. Protect and keep him safe and whole. Your Word says that injustice is an abomination to You, Lord and so I pray for YOUR JUSTICE to be done, in Jesus mighty name! Minister Your Peace to him and to his family. Thank You that Your Presence sustains Pastor Cao and his family and we give You all the glory for his release, in Jesus Name!! AMEN!

Helen RuthDavis
August 3, 2019

Undo this injustice Lord.

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