My name is David Lin; for the sake of sharing the Gospel, I was kept in a Chinese prison in Beijing for 17 years.
The past 17 years separated me from my family, my friends, my church brothers and sisters, and society. I could not participate in my children’s graduations, my daughter’s wedding, or witness the birth of my grandson. Many of my friends passed away, and I could not share the good tidings with them of inheriting the Kingdom of God. What grieves me most is that the persecution I endured—and the many years it took before I was released—caused serious damage to my wife’s and daughter’s health, which will take time to recover.
Life in prison is something all hostages and wrongful detainees know too well. Not only is the body tortured, but the mind also. I believe many of us, even after returning home and living again with our families, still suffer from nightmares and midnight cries we cannot control. It will take a long time to heal.
Praise the Lord Jesus Christ, who kept me strong in prison and granted me the strength to recover quickly after leaving that dark place.
I am very grateful to my sister, Carole Chedid of Hostage Aid Worldwide, for allowing me to share some of my experience for your reference. I hope these reflections can help you find your way out of this deep hole as well.
Gratitude
I give thanks to God every day and praise the Lord Jesus Christ for everything He has done in my life. I express my appreciation—by word or by handwritten note—to our government officials; Hostage Aid Worldwide; the Foley Foundation; Hostage USA; the Dui Hua Foundation; ChinaAid; the McCain Institute; all media and news outlets; and to all my church brothers and sisters for their support and prayers. I am deeply grateful to everyone who has helped me rebuild my new life.
Forgive
I forgave those who persecuted me and wrongfully detained me, for they did not know what they were doing. By doing so, I freed myself from bitterness, anger, and emotional burdens—things that offer no benefit but only harm my health.
For the past 17 years, I could not fulfill my duties as a husband, father, and grandfather, causing great turmoil for my family. I asked them to forgive me.
Forget
Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before.
I have left behind everything that happened to me in that foreign prison and now look toward a better future. This frees me from the bondage of painful memories that could hinder my health and my new life. Throwing all of that into the trash bin and letting it go is the best solution.
Be a listener
No one can turn back time.
When I landed in San Antonio, Texas, I was a complete stranger to my family. They recognized me, but they no longer knew me. And although I had prayed for them and understood some things spiritually, I did not know what they had endured during those long years.
To make up for the time I lost and the void in my life, I spent many hours listening to their stories, learning what they lived through. The faithful Lord Jesus Christ carried them through those difficult days and saved my wife at her most critical moment.
Praise be to the Lord Jesus Christ! The blurry picture became clear, enabling me to pray for them more precisely. I am no longer an outsider, but once again a member of my family.
Compassion for others
Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth.
Many people remain in the same situation we once faced, and they need government intervention and public support. Our prayers and appeals to the authorities are crucial. We pray they may regain their freedom soon.
Today, in our country and throughout the world, many people live in invisible prisons—suffering from pain, depression, anxiety, illness, and spiritual oppression. When people call me and ask for prayer, I am more than glad to do so. That is why the Lord Jesus Christ called me: to serve His people.
Learn something new
It is never too late. As soon as you are determined to learn, you can always catch up. Before I was arrested, technology was not advanced—no iPhone, no AI, no free calls, no YouTube, no online ordering.
After I returned, I studied day and night, consulted experts, and researched carefully. Praise the Lord, I can now record podcasts and upload messages to YouTube, Spotify, and more.
This ensures I will not be left behind by technology, isolated by society, or laughed at by my children or grandchildren.
Learning something new keeps the mind sharp and the body healthy.
To contribute one’s strength to one’s family, society, and country
1 Timothy 2:1–4
I EXHORT therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our savior; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
After returning to my country, I began to pray for our national leaders, federal officials, state officials, leaders around the world, the residents of the United States, and all nations.
For 17 years, I could not do the work God called me to do. I must redeem the time and make up for what was lost. I visited hospitals, prisons, senior centers, and churches to share the Gospel and pray for those who need healing.
Brothers, Sisters, and Friends, thank you for all your support and prayers.
This is the beginning of a long journey to fulfill God’s mission.
The Great King Ministry needs your participation, your support, and your prayers.
The Great King Ministry is ready to serve you. If we can do anything for you, please feel free to contact us at
info@greatkingministry.org
You may also listen to messages on:
YouTube.com/@greakingministry3
and https://greatkingministry.org
I wish all of you a Merriest Christmas & Happiest New Year!
May the Lord Jesus Christ pour out His divine blessings and anointing upon you, your families, and all those around you, and grant you peace, joy, love, and prosperity. Amen. Amen. Amen.
By: David Lin – American Pastor & Former Unlawful Detainee in China (2006 – 2024)
