The Heavenly Man (13 page)

Using the tiny pins from our prison badges as needles, we carefully pulled threads from our towels one at a time. Each man embroidered a small cross on the upper left side of his prison uniform. A red cross was made for Huang’s shirt. The new believers were so inspired! They gained much strength and encouragement now that they bore the cross on their chests.

On the evening of 16 August we baptized Brother Huang. Each prisoner received a daily ration of just one cup of water from the kitchen, but each man sacrificially gave half of his daily ration so we would have enough water to pour over
Huang’s head in baptism. This was the best baptism we could do under our circumstances!

After his baptism he asked, “Can Jesus also save my family? Can my mother, father, brothers, sisters and my ex-fiancé believe and be with me in heaven?”

I told him what the Bible promises,
“Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved – you and your household.” Acts 16:31.
Huang prayed throughout the night for his entire family to know God’s salvation through Jesus Christ.

Huang’s execution date was fast approaching. He desperately wanted to write a letter to his family. This was impossible, however, because his hands were tightly handcuffed behind his back.

After his conversion Huang had become gentle, and the whole prison noticed the difference. I pleaded with the authorities, assuring them Huang was no longer a threat, and that he wouldn’t try to commit suicide. The guards gave him larger and looser handcuffs, but they refused to remove the cuffs altogether because it was prison policy to keep death-row prisoners bound at all times.

With his new loose handcuffs, Huang asked the guards to bring him a pen and two sheets of paper. He sat on the floor, with the paper placed beside him. By moving his hands to the side he was able to write, but after a few words his pen ran out of ink. In desperation, he leaned down and bit the forefinger on his right hand. It started to flow with blood. Huang continued to write a letter to his parents using his own blood as ink. He wrote,

I arranged for Huang’s letter to be smuggled out of prison and delivered to his parents.

Huang was baptized on 16th August, wrote the letter to his parents on the 17th, and was due to be executed on the 18th.

On the last day of Huang’s life the atmosphere in the prison was very tense. A double guard was placed on duty. Every five minutes the guards checked on the prisoners, shining a light into our faces to make sure everything was under control. We all knew this only occurred when a prisoner was to be executed the next day.

On the evening of 17 August, the Lord led me to wash Huang’s feet, in accordance with Jesus’ command. Huang was very calm and smiled to the other prisoners. He told them, “We shall all meet again in the kingdom of heaven.”

The next morning we had an early breakfast. At 8 a.m. the guards came in with a list of names. They shouted three names, “Yun, Huang, Hong, come out!” Unexpectedly, Brother Hong and I were being sent to our own public trial that very same morning! The guards bound us tightly from head to foot.

Before they took Huang to the execution yard, he threw himself into my arms. He cried out, “I’ll see you in heaven!”

In the yard, a guard kicked Huang’s legs out from under him so that he was kneeling on the ground. He released the leg chains and handcuffs. They placed a hat on his head that said, “Condemned Criminal”.

That was the last I saw of dear, precious Brother Huang in this life. They took him to a place where they shot him in the back of the head.

I heard the shot that sent Huang into the arms of Jesus.

I was both sad and full of joy at the same time. I thanked God he’d given me a chance to see my brother go to the kingdom of God.
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” Psalm 116:15.

* * *

Nine prisoners from the men’s and women’s prisons in Nanyang were to face public humiliation and trial that day. I was one of them. We were driven around the town, while our crimes were read out on a loudspeaker. I was so full of joy at the chance of being paraded in front of people for the sake of Jesus Christ! My heart was bursting with gladness.

On the way to the trial I couldn’t contain myself. I’d just seen Brother Huang promoted to glory and eternity was so real to me. I sang out to God in a loud voice. The captain threatened me with his electric baton. “Shut up Yun! How dare you sing! If you continue to sing I’ll skin you alive!”

All nine prisoners were chained together like animals and bundled into the back of an open truck. As the truck circled the streets a heavy rain shower suddenly came and drenched us to the bone. It was like refreshment from heaven to me. I cried aloud, “Lord, I thirst after your rains of grace! Abundantly pour out your showers of grace upon your servant!”

I kept on singing loudly. Many people, huddled under umbrellas, stared at us in total amazement. Because we were all locals, many of the other prisoners bowed their heads in shame, not wanting to be recognized by their friends and relatives.

There was one young woman, aged about twenty, in the back of the truck with me. Her name was Xiaowei. She was in prison because she had fought with her neighbours and had torn their clothes. The neighbours knew some government officials, so they got the police to imprison Xiaowei and her mother on trumped-up charges. Xiaowei was a Christian, but her walk with God had not been strong.

Xiaowei was weeping as I sang. She asked me, “Why are you so joyful during such a time as this?”

I told her, “How can I not be happy? This day I’ve been counted worthy to suffer for the name of Jesus!”

Xiaowei’s face turned red. I continued to sing aloud,

Xiaowei couldn’t contain her tears and pulled a handkerchief from her pocket. I told her, “Xiaowei, the Holy Spirit is grieved for you. The prodigal’s return is more precious than gold. Return, your Heavenly Father is waiting for you!”

With many tears she repented and cried out, “O Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner! Please forgive my sins.” I prayed for her and thanked God for his mercy. She received peace and joy into her heart. Xiaowei then stood on tiptoe and wiped the tears from my eyes with her handkerchief.

The truck continued on in the direction of my home village. Xiaowei turned to me and said, “I heard there is a bold servant of God named Yun who lived in that village. Do you know what happened to him?”

I chuckled and asked, “Would you like to meet that man?”

She replied, “I heard his testimony from others in my church. How could I meet him?”

I said, “Yun is the man talking with you now.”

Xiaowei again broke down in tears and thanked God we’d been given a chance to meet. She held onto me as our truck continued its journey through the streets.

All of the prisoners on the truck were totally soaked to the skin. Even the police – holding their machine guns under their raincoats – trembled from the cold wind and driving rain. Because of their discomfort the soldiers paid little attention to us, and none of the public came out to attend our trials. The meeting was cancelled. The whole day was a failure for the authorities.

Our chains and ropes were loosened back at the police station. All the police officers had a big meal. We were allowed to eat the leftovers when they were finished.

The officers gave Xiaowei special treatment because she was a lady. They gave her a
mantou
. She came to me and whispered, “Brother Yun, I want to give you my
mantou
. Please accept it.”

I didn’t want to take it because I knew she was so hungry. She saw I wouldn’t accept her gift and she started to cry. I remembered the words of the Lord,
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35
. I therefore accepted her loving gift with a thankful heart. I broke it and gave the larger portion back to Xiaowei.

We ate together, thanking the Lord for the rich fellowship we had enjoyed that day.

The time my family visited me at the end of my 74-day fast was the first time I saw them while in prison.

Much later I was allowed to see some of them again. They shared how God’s kingdom was growing rapidly and a great harvest was being reaped throughout China. Even though the police were listening to every word, they didn’t understand what my wife and friends were saying. I was greatly encouraged and strengthened by their visit.

The Public Security Bureau were still trying to gather evidence for my trial. They travelled to other cities and counties trying to piece together a case against me.

One morning at 8 a.m. the prison gates were opened. I was taken out for my trial. The presiding judge was a short man in his thirties. He had dark eyes full of disdain and disgust.

Assisting him was a tall man about 50 years old. He was crowned with white hair and looked very wise. His face seemed quite kind, but he was actually a very sly and tricky man. He told me, “Yun, our government has been very generous to you. Because of your physical condition we gave you a few months to rest and recover. Now you’re stronger, and you’ve had plenty of time to think about what to say.
This is your opportunity. You must lower your head and confess your crimes!”

The judge started to question me, “Which counties have you been to and on how many occasions? What are the names of the people you visited? Who are your leaders? What kind of anti-government propaganda have you spread? What words have you used to stir up your followers against our religious policy? Have you taught against the Three-Self Church, telling your followers to avoid it because it is a harlot?”

I answered, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

The judge furiously banged his fist on the bench. He shouted, “Let’s see how you defend yourself. Comrade, bring the tape recorder!” A tape player was brought forward and placed on the bench.

The “play” button was pushed and it immediately started to broadcast a message I’d preached years earlier. The sound of believers weeping could be heard in the background. On the tape I said, “Brethren, don’t be deceived by the harlot. Remain faithful to Jesus…Be like Phinehas who took a spear in his hand and honoured the name of the Lord (see Numbers 25:6–18). Be faithful and don’t betray the Lord like Judas. Rise up and be willing to be a martyr! Proclaim the truth!”

On the tape I heard some brothers and sisters praying. I also heard the voices of dear Brother Xu, Brother Ying, and Brother Yu. I was so encouraged to hear their voices again and to hear my co-workers praying.

On the tape I sang aloud,

My closing prayer was what angered the PSB most. I prayed, “Lord, please drive away the dark clouds over our nation! Bind the power of the evil spirits that control our rulers. Lord Jesus, change the policies of our government. Release all the brothers and sisters who are in prison! Let our nation be governed according to your will. Lord, have mercy on China! Raise up leaders of your church in this generation who will take a stand for righteousness and truth like Daniel and Esther. Help us to listen to your voice and not to the voices of men!”

Then many believers said in unison, “Amen!”

With a click the tape stopped. I opened my eyes and saw the judge had a smug smirk across his face. He said, “Yun, you’ve heard your own words and prayers. You’ve also heard Xu’s voice. Surely you cannot deny that you oppose our government? You said our nation’s leaders are demons, and the Three-Self Church is a harlot. You’ve been caught red-handed! Now tell me the truth, apart from Xu and yourself, who are the other two people praying on the tape?”

I was so strengthened by hearing my brothers and sisters pray and sing that I wanted to listen to the tape one more time. I waited a moment and said, “I couldn’t clearly tell who was speaking. The voices were unclear. Can you play it again so I can be sure?”

The judge fell into a furious rage. His eyes bulged as he banged the bench and pointed at me, “What are you talking about? The proof is here for all to see. You cannot deny it! The evidence has been piled up before you like a mountain.
I order you to kneel down before me and repeat the prayer you said on the tape!”

Several guards with batons came and beat my legs to make me kneel down. They screamed, “Kneel down! Kneel down!”

At that moment the power of the Lord filled me. A voice spoke to my heart, “Don’t be afraid! Be strong in the Lord. Even if ten thousand enemies surround you, rest in Jesus. Be bold and courageous in the Lord!”

As the guards continued to beat and kick me I suddenly shouted at the judge in a loud voice, “By what authority do you order a servant of God to kneel down before you? You have no right! Your questions are unreasonable. Now, in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth I command all of you to kneel down! I will lay my hands on you and ask the Lord to forgive your sins. Kneel down, all of you! Kneel down! Kneel down!”

The judge, court officials, and the guards were stupefied. They stared at me for a few minutes in a daze. Then they snapped back to reality. The judge banged the bench and screamed, “How dare you, you counter-revolutionary criminal! This is treason! How dare you command the judge of the Public Security Bureau to kneel down before you? Are you inhuman?”

In my heart I wanted to say, “I am a heavenly man. In Jesus I am as strong as a diamond. You cannot break me.”

The older officer stood up and calmly said, “Alright. Because Yun has preached so many sermons, he can’t remember the occasion he spoke on this particular tape. Yun, you can now return to your cell to think about it. When we call for you next time you must clearly answer all of our questions. We have much more evidence against you than this tape. Your situation is hopeless. You’ll do well to think and answer clearly.”

I realized then that they planned to struggle against me for a long time. I thought about the words of the Apostle Paul,
“He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us.” 2 Corinthians 1:10.

Those local judges tried everything they knew to get me to confess my “crimes”, but they failed. They had used the most barbarous tortures their minds could invent, but had not been able to make me say a single incriminating word. Therefore they turned my case over to the higher Prefecture People’s Court. A pre-trial hearing was arranged. When I entered the room I discovered the judge was one of my cousins!

The Lord showed me this was a trick from the devil. My cousin said, “We have much evidence against you. It’s clear you’ve opposed and insulted our government. You have stated our actions are shrouded in darkness and controlled by demons. Not only have you attacked our religious policies, but you’ve written many materials to stir believers up against the Three-Self Church and our nation.

“The evidence we have is already enough to sentence you to life in prison or give you the death penalty. Tell me, do these materials belong to you or not? Today I offer you an opportunity to atone for your crimes. Tell me what criminal activities your partners and co-workers have committed and I’ll be lenient on you.”

Before he finished his words the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart, “Yun, you are a Levite belonging to me. You should separate yourself from your relatives because you belong to me.”

I immediately answered, “Although we are cousins, you work for the Communist Party and I serve Jesus Christ. I insist on practising my beliefs. What you’ve said about me is
true, but I know nothing about the activities of any other people.”

My cousin didn’t know what to say to me and was silent for a moment. Then he said, “Yun, accept my advice or you’ll regret it. During your trial you cannot act like this before the sentencing judge! You need to change your attitude or you’ll be in even deeper trouble.”

I was returned to my cell.

After a time my case was brought before the Prefecture People’s Court. I was bound and taken to the court in a motor-tricycle, with armed guards on either side of me. My cell mates were praying earnestly for me. I felt great joy in my heart.

This was the first time I’d been in such a large courtroom. At the front of the room was a very tall stand with many empty seats. I didn’t know where I was meant to sit, so I just sat down on a large round chair. When the judge entered he was furious and said, “How dare you, you crazy criminal? How dare you sit down in the judge’s seat? Get down immediately!”

I didn’t feel embarrassed at all. I answered him, “It’s not my fault. Nobody told me where I should sit.” In my heart I knew that one day I would sit with my Lord on his throne to judge the nations, and even to judge angels.

The trial began. I was told the head judge and all the top officials of the prefecture were present for my case. They sat in the high seats behind the bench. Another 40 to 50 official guests attended in the gallery. There were people from the United Front Department, the Public Security Bureau, the Religious Affairs Bureau, and the Three-Self Patriotic Church.

All the “evidence” against me – Bibles, spiritual books, tapes, and my notebooks – were placed on a long table. A
personal letter written to me by Brother Xu was also there, appointing me to lead the ministry in southern Henan Province, and in the whole of Hubei Province.

The judge asked, “Yun, do all of these dirty things belong to you?”

I stood up and replied, “These are not dirty things. These are holy things sanctified to the Almighty God.”

The judge didn’t understand what I meant. He asked, “Whatever you say these are, they all belong to you, don’t they?”

I felt no fear at all. I replied, “Let me have a look at some of these items so I can be sure.”

A guard handed me my Bible. I opened it and looked at the inside of the front cover. It had a written inscription from Brother Xu:
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” Matthew 5:6.
Brother Xu had signed and dated the page when he gave this Bible to me. My own name and signature were written on the page as well.

I told the judge, “This is my study Bible.”

Then they handed me the daily devotional book,
Streams in the Desert
, for inspection. When I saw it, it was like seeing an old friend again after a long absence. I held it close to my heart, opened it, and found the Scripture for that day was John 19:11,
“Jesus answered, ‘You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.’”

I knew this was God’s promise for me that very moment. I knew I must submit to the will of the Lord and be willing to go down the path he’d determined for me. I fearlessly pointed at everything on the table and declared, “Judge, I don’t have to look at all these things. I acknowledge they’re all mine.”

Everyone was pleased with my good attitude. The judge
said, “I will play a tape recording for you. Listen carefully.” After listening for a few minutes I said, “The voice on these tapes is mine.”

The judge then pressed me to give information about other co-workers and leaders. I replied as respectfully as I could, “Your honour, I know nothing about these other people.”

Before the court took a 30-minute recess they said they would announce my sentence when they returned. The PSB had told me I would either receive life imprisonment or the death sentence. I thought I would get a minimum of eight years in prison because the co-workers under my leadership had already received five-to eight-year sentences.

The officials shuffled back into the courtroom and took their seats. I was amazed when the judge announced, “Yun, we find you guilty as charged. We sentence you to four years imprisonment with hard labour!”

Only four years! I couldn’t believe it! I was full of joy because God had given me hope for future ministry throughout China. The Lord had more work for me to do!

I longed to see my dear wife, and play with my precious little son. Now I had hope for a future. One day I could again pray with the brothers and sisters in our church. Now I could start to allow myself to dream. The rest of my life would not be wholly spent inside a prison cell.

As I was driven back to the prison I had a feeling of overwhelming joy and thankfulness for the Lord’s mercy. When I shared the news with the brothers in my cell they lifted their hands and worshipped the Lord.

A few days after my sentence in October 1984, one cold morning before dawn, I was relocated from the Nanyang Prison to the Xinyang Prison Labour Camp, where it had been determined I would serve out the rest of my sentence.

* * *

DELING
: Yun’s four years in prison were the most stressful times I’ve ever had. Through prayer I received some release from the Lord. Some brothers and sisters helped to relieve some of the pressure.

In those days my relationship with the Lord deteriorated. Before the birth of Isaac I had a very close walk with the Lord. Every day I read his Word, worshipped Jesus and was full of God’s joy. But after Isaac was born I went through a very dark time and my faith weakened. I was continually exhausted and hardly knew how I would get through each day.

When Isaac was about two years old, in the summertime, a pivotal experience took place in my life. Often during the summer months it was so hot that we took our beds outside and slept in the open air under a big tree. In my exhausted condition the devil had convinced me I didn’t need to pray any more, that I could just pray to the Lord in my dreams while I slept!

Yun’s mother had gone to a meeting that night. Isaac and I were just falling asleep when I saw a dark demonic figure standing at the foot of my bed. I was terrified.