Deborah Xu, one of the foremost female Chinese Christian preachers, has extended her visit to the UK until 24 September 2006. Deborah will be speaking at the Don't Stand In Silence Roadshows in September to highlight the plight of the persecuted church worldwide.

Deborah was a full time minister in China during the murderous years of the Cultural Revolution. She spent years on the run from the Chinese authorities whilst still preaching the gospel. She was frequently imprisoned and subjected to harsh treatment and torture. Deborah describes how she and her fellow believers could only persevere by being constantly ready to die for their faith.

In 2001, Deborah took over main responsibility for the Born Again Church after her brother, Peter Xu Yongze, fled the country. She was Peter's closest ministry partner throughout the difficult years of persecution and has seen the church in China grow to a membership which has been estimated in the millions.

After many miraculous escapes, the authorities finally detained Deborah in 2004. The arrest prompted international outcry, attracting media and political attention. Deborah was subsequently released and escaped China in 2005. She is now a director of Back to Jerusalem (USA). Her visit to the UK is the first time she has shared her experiences on such an international platform.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide's Chief Executive, Mervyn Thomas, says: "Deborah has already been an inspiration to thousands during her stay in the UK, both because of her testimony and her passion. We are delighted that she has extended her visit to share her story with more people. We hope Deborah's story will motivate those who hear it to be a voice for those who suffer for their faith in China today."

Notes to editors.

The Don't Stand In Silence Roadshows will be held in different cities across the country on the following dates:
14 September: Glasgow
15 September: Sunderland
17 September: Nottingham
18 September: Manchester
19 September: Birmingham
20 September: Cardiff
21 September: Bristol
23 September: London
Back to Jerusalem is the vision of the Chinese Church to send missionaries out to preach the gospel to other nations.
China requires religious groups to register with the state. Churches under state control face significant restrictions on their activities and teaching. Those who choose to practice their beliefs outside the official church face penalties such as fines, detention and torture.
A significant number of house church leaders are detained and subjected to hard labour. All underground Catholic bishops are either in jail, under house arrest, under strict surveillance or in hiding.
The last year has seen an increasing pattern of the Chinese authorities punishing religious activities under the guise of apparently unrelated criminal charges such as 'illegal business practices'. Three pastors have been arrested and one has subsequently been imprisoned on this charge in relation to the production of Bibles and other Christian literature.
Deborah Xu is accompanied by a translator.