On June 10, a Chinese court sentenced Christian bookstore owner, 38 year-old, Shi Weihan, to three years in prison for “illegal business operations,” and fined him US$21,975 , according to China Aid Association.

Shi Weihan operated a legal bookstore and only sold books with the government’s approval. His Holy Spirit Trading Company printed Bibles and Christian literature and distributed then freely to local house churches.

Weihan was arrested in November 2007 for printing and distributing Bibles and other Christian literature. He was released in January 2008 due to insufficient evidence, but was arrested again in March and held indefinitely. China Aid reported his sentence will run from November 2007 to November 2010. Believers hope that Weihan will be allowed to appeal his sentence because of medical reasons. While in prison his diabetic condition has worsened.

The Voice of the Martyrs has been actively involved in ministry in China for the past 30 years. VOM supports persecuted believers like Shi Weihan, who are paying a great price for their faith in Jesus Christ.VOM encourages you to pray for Weihan and his family during this difficult time. Ask God to encourage and protect them and for Weihan to be released from prison.