Its now twelve months since that bright August afternoon in 2014 when we heard the news of the release of Gao Zhisheng, a Christian human rights lawyer who’s been detained multiple times and tortured.

But Gao’s situation now is far from easy. His release was subject to another year of restrictions: this means that although he’s out of prison , he hasn’t been able to leave his hometown for the last year. As a result he hasn’t been able to get the medical treatment he urgently needs after his years in prison.

As we go to print we don’t know whether the authorities will lift the restrictions on 7 August, one year after his release. But we’ve heard that he’s in very good spirits, and is able to talk to his wife, Geng He, who has asylum in the United States.

• Thank God that campaigning and prayer last year resulted in Gao’s release from prison;
• Ask God to move the hearts of the Chinese authorities to mercy, so they’ll allow him to access the medical treatment he needs so badly;
• Ask God to continue to heal him mentally, emotionally and spiritually after his ordeal;
• Pray for his relationship with his wife and children, who are still in the United States;
• Thank God for Gao’s inspirational faith as he stood strong despite horrific torture;
• Pray that, if he feels led, he would one day be able to continue his vital work defending victims of human rights violations, including many Christians;
• Pray that his example would inspire Christians in China who are facing increasing oppression from the government.

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