Call for Nominations: ChinaAid 2026 Lin Zhao Freedom Award

Nominate a Fearless Voice of Freedom


Lin Zhao was one of the most courageous Christian dissidents in modern Chinese history. Born in 1932, she was a gifted writer who first believed the promises of the revolution, then refused to stay silent when she saw persecution, lies, and political violence.

During Mao’s Anti-Rightist Campaign, she defended freedom of conscience and human dignity, knowing it could cost her life. Imprisoned, she was denied the ordinary means to write. So she did something extraordinary: she wrote with her own blood. Thousands of words—letters, poems, prayers—became her testimony.

Many regard Lin Zhao as a Christian martyr because she refused to betray her conscience. She chose truth over survival and conscience over conformity. Her blood became her ink. Her life became her witness.

On April 29, 1968, at only 36, she was executed by firing squad at Shanghai’s Longhua Airport. More than half a century later, the regime that tried to silence her has made her voice more powerful.

Why her story matters now: people in China are still imprisoned for faith, speech, journalism, and peaceful opposition to injustice. One person armed with truth and conscience can still challenge a system of fear. Her question to us is simple: When injustice demands silence, will we remain silent; or will we speak?

The 2026 ChinaAid Lin Zhao Freedom Award exists so the world remembers Lin Zhao—and so we find and support the Lin Zhaos of today. The award tells persecuted advocates and their families: You are not forgotten. You are not standing alone. It brings international attention to their cases, amplifies their voices, and transforms an individual struggle into a global witness.

Nominate a fearless voice for freedom by November 9. Confidentiality is guaranteed. Nominate here or via email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

“Remember those in prison as if you were together with them.” (Hebrews 13:3)

Thank you for stewarding Lin Zhao’s legacy, not only in memory, but in action.

In hope and prayer,
Dr. Bob Fu