About The Gadfly Project

Posted by exodus8one

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Opening Statements: The ‘Events’
Opening Statement: The Nature of the ‘Events’
Overview of Exodus8one.org
Stated Goals: Ratify & Release

Opening Statement: The ‘Events’

What took place:

Two attention-getting events occurred in hotel rooms in two Beijing hotels on the evening of Tuesday August 5th 2008, solely carried out by Pastor E. Perez Romero of Haceinda Christian Fellowship, La Puente California.

In these events, as a culmination of his Exodus8one project, he sought to bring attention to the plight of people of all faiths in China, as well as highlighting the increasing human rights deficiencies in that country.

He did this by creating artistic murals on the walls of the two hotel rooms. He also made 2 effigies to illustrate those who have been effectively silenced by the authorities of the Peoples Republic of China.

He filmed these events and they are now beginning to appear on Youtube and other similar websites, under his title “IamGadfly”

Having completed the project he has left the area and will remain hidden until the completion of the Olympic Games so as not to disrupt them in any way. After the Games he will surrender himself to the authorities.

Reliable sources in Beijing inform us that local media were able to enter these rooms and confirm that this happened, but that shortly afterwards the rooms were completely cleaned of all signs of his work.

Where and when:

1st LOCATION: Novotel Peace Hotel, Room 1602, 3 Jin Yu Hutong Wangfujing, Beijing, 100006 between 6:20pm and 8:55pm, Beijing time on August 5th 2008.
2nd LOCATION: Traders Hotel, Room 417, 1 Jianguomenwai Avenue, Beijing, 100004 between 9:20pm and 11:47pm Beijing time on August 5th 2008.

Opening Statement: The Nature of the ‘Events’

Along with many others we have deep concerns over the ongoing human rights abuses within China, widely reported by many trusted organizations. These are despite the promises of the Government of the Peoples Republic of China when being awarded the present Games.

The primary function of the ‘events’ carried out by Pastor Eddie Romero in Beijing is to draw attention to these human rights abuses. Having done this we request the Government of the Peoples Republic of China to honor their promises by ratifying the United Nation’s International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and, as an act of good intent, to release five significant prisoners who have been unjustly imprisoned for their stand on human rights.

We are aware that there may be criticism over the nature of these ‘events’. First of all, we wish to say that our desire was that this situation had never arisen. However, despite voices raised around the world, the Chinese government apparently continues to ignore the concerns over human rights abuses. It is the hope that if those voices become sufficiently loud, they will not be able to be ignored, and that the Government will rethink their position and take a more humanitarian approach.
Second, the damage done was strictly limited and did not cause personal injury, which cannot be said of the violence brought against the faith communities in China. We deeply regret having to do this but concluded that here was the only way to further raise awareness at this time. Our desire is to make plain the oppressive and violent nature of that which is being done against people of faith in that land, and give a voice to the voiceless.

We respect the great nation of China, and its history. We are saddened by what appears to many in the watching world, to have been a refusal to acknowledge the human abuses that are carried out in the name of the State. We believe this demeans the great name of China in the eyes of the world.
We further believe that these ‘events’, and the response of the Government of the Peoples Republic of China, will further reveal the nature of their approach to freedom of religion and protest. Our hope and prayer is that they will realize how they are portraying themselves as they are increasingly emerging on the world stage, and that change will follow.

Overview of Exodus8one.org

The PURPOSE:
It is the purpose of exodus8one to move forward the giant wheel of God’s justice for a religiously persecuted people: Christians and all other peoples of faith. By “other peoples of faith” we mean any and all religions that are persecuted by the Peoples Republic of China. Regardless of our confession of faith we share together the same persecution and are thus joined together by suffering. These include but are not limited to Falun Gong, Tibetan Buddhism and Islam.

We believe that people ought to be FREE to speak, FREE to listen, FREE to choose and FREE to practice the spiritual path they want to walk. It is our conviction, as Christians, that in a genuinely FREE marketplace of ideas— Our God reigns!

The PLAN:
This will be an “attention-getting” event that will speak in terms the PRC understands.

The PLACE:
Peoples Republic of China (PRC), 2008 Summer Olympic Games.

The POINT:
To call attention to the covert state-sanctioned persecution of Christians, specifically, and all other persecuted religious faiths inclusively. Furthermore, the goal of this event is to bring about dramatic and verifiable changes in state policy and attitude toward Christians and all other peoples of faith.

ABOUT THE SUMMER OLYMPIC GAMES
It must be said from the outset that exodus8one fully respects the nations and the athletes that have trained so hard to compete in these wonderful friendship-building games. Exodus8one is committed to take all reasonable measures not to disrupt the games nor disturb competing athletes. It is with this in mind that the exodus8one event will go silent immediately before the official opening of the games and will remain so until the games are officially concluded. Our guiding principle is the greatest effect with the least disruption.

Stated Goals: Ratify & Release

The ultimate goals of exodus8one are requesting the government of the Peoples Republic of China to:

1. RATIFY the United Nation’s International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR),

and

2. RELEASE five key prisoners being held unjustly, as a sign of good will and intent.

Note: Article 18 of the ICCPR
1. Everyone shall have the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. This right shall include freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice, and freedom, either individually or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in worship, observance, practice and teaching.
2. No one shall be subject to coercion which would impair his freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice.
3. Freedom to manifest one’s religion or beliefs may be subject only to such limitations as are prescribed by law and are necessary to protect public safety, order, health, or morals or the fundamental rights and freedoms of others.
4. The States Parties to the present Covenant undertake to have respect for the liberty of parents and, when applicable, legal guardians to ensure the religious and moral education of their children in conformity with their own convictions.

The Five ‘Friends”
The five prisoners being requested for release are:

Pastor Zhang Rongliang
Co-author of bold manifesto delivered to communist regime

Xu Na, Falun Gong
Celebrity Musician’s Widow, Xu Na is a 40 year old well-known and respected painter.

Hu Jia, Buddhist / Activist
Hu Jia campaigns against Beijing’s abuse of human rights.

Shi Tao, Journalist
10 years in prison for sending an email.

Guo Feixiong, self-trained “barefoot” lawyer.
Dissent with a dose of nationalism

Permalink | August 8th, 2008

12 Responses to “About The Gadfly Project”

  1. "Cat" Says:
    August 8th, 2008 at 8:07 pm

    Though I am among those that understand that the “vandalism” was necessary for the project, I am compelled to ask the following:

    -Were the hotel rooms pre-paid as planned?
    -How will reparations for “damages” be made?
    -How can people go about contributing should the need for funding arise to pay for “damages” and other needs for the project?

  2. Sally Says:
    August 9th, 2008 at 4:58 pm

    I have read all the interviews on this website and know that the hotel rooms were pre-paid and that the damages will be paid for. The money is already available for release.
    All that is required and being asked for is the release of the five prisoners.

  3. John Says:
    August 17th, 2008 at 8:30 pm

    Shame on you!
    You are a cheater!
    I never heard that a pastor didin’t pay the bill after stayed in a hotel for two days. You hate the chinese goverment, but it’s nothing to do with a hotel.
    Shame on you again!

  4. ANDRADE FAMILY Says:
    August 24th, 2008 at 8:16 am

    PASTOR EDDIE WE THINK YOU ARE VERY COURAGEOUS! I DONT SEE HOW PEOPLE CAN COME AND JUDGE YOU FOR THE PROTEST THAT YOU DID WHEN YOU ARE JUST DOING THE WORK OF GOD, BUT I DO UNDERSTAND WHAT IT REPRESENTS AND THAT IS WHY I SAY; MAY GOD CONTINUE TO WORK THROUGH YOU AND KEEP COVERED BY HIS BLOOD. WE WILL CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR YOU AND FOR ALL THE PEOPLE AND INTEREST YOU STAND FOR. GOD BLESS YOU PASTOR FOR YOUR COURAGE AND MAY HE BRING YOU BACK HOME!!

  5. Matt Viv Says:
    August 24th, 2008 at 4:04 pm

    Pastor Eddie, I still can not believe I was in your class for an entire semester without knowing you were a pastor… but furthermore someone who is not afraid to stand up for what is right.

    I encourage many more to do their part and voice out for those that can’t. This event may be one drop in an ocean, but with our continued support, let it not only be a drop but rather a storm that not only causes a ripple that fades, but a tsunami of love and support for those oppressed. With an amazing God who works through someone like Pastor Eddie, we can really make a difference in the world.

  6. Matt Viv Says:
    August 24th, 2008 at 4:05 pm

    GOD BLESS YOU PASTOR EDDIE… AND I CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU SOON!!!

  7. Bill Welsh Says:
    August 24th, 2008 at 7:10 pm

    There are few opportunities in life to have as great an impact for Jesus Christ as we can have right now. It is a privilege to be in partnership with the Exodus8one movement. The voices of so many have been raised on behalf of those who suffer at the hands of oppressors who fear freedom. Many have asked “What if nothing changes in China?” If that is the case at least the precious people of that beautiful land will know that our hearts are with them. This was the RIGHT THING to do at the RIGHT TIME. Don’t stop raising your voice for truth, justice and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

    Eddie, Rose & HCF - we are standing with you - For The King - For His Kingdom - Until Our King Jesus Returns.

    Grace & Peace

    Bill Welsh

  8. Big Noble Says:
    August 26th, 2008 at 3:24 am

    What a joke..while Romero is out protesting against violations and other religious freedoms the members of his “church” have very disrespectfully painted their church a god awful bloody-shitty red with huge home made banners that violate every zoning and municipal code in our City. Your disregard for abiding local laws and trashing private property over seas is ridiculous.

  9. Big Noble Says:
    August 26th, 2008 at 3:26 am

    His 15 minutes of fame will last 10 minutes…lol.

  10. Ring Sting Says:
    August 26th, 2008 at 4:46 am

    From a Christian living in China, you should know that this whole project is totally bone headed.

    Have even you for 1 minute thought about what you are doing?

    Yes there are serious problems here in China, is vandalizing a hotel room they way to fix it? Of course not.

    Even if the Chinese government were to pay you any attention, it would only be to make things tighter for Christians in China.

    How about you spend some serious time here with the people and learn a little bit about their world view and perspective? Maybe that could effect the change in a positive way.

  11. Jose Raul Rodriguez Says:
    August 28th, 2008 at 2:06 am

    Dear Brother:

    Praise be to the Lord for your return, Praise be to the Lord for your brave heart and for the roaring of a lion for freedom the Lord placed on you to do this. Dear Brother, when I see this I can make a connection with Daniel’s event when he was thrown in the lion’s den, and he was delivered, by the Lord’s doing; your deliverance was the Lord’s doing. PLease keep me informed of your ministry, I would like to be connected and help in any way i can.

    In Christ,

    Jose Raul.

    “…So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den. The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!” A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the rings of his nobles, so that Daniel’s situation might not be changed. 18 Then the king returned to his palace and spent the night without eating and without any entertainment being brought to him. And he could not sleep. At the first light of dawn, the king got up and hurried to the lions’ den. When he came near the den, he called to Daniel in an anguished voice, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?” Daniel answered, “O king, live forever! My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, O king.” The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God. At the king’s command, the men who had falsely accused Daniel were brought in and thrown into the lions’ den, along with their wives and children. And before they reached the floor of the den, the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones. Then King Darius wrote to all the peoples, nations and men of every language throughout the land: “May you prosper greatly! “I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. “For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end. He rescues and he saves; he performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.” So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus [a] the Persian….”
    Daniel 6:16-28 (NIV)

  12. cholo-E Says:
    September 1st, 2008 at 5:05 am

    Although, the message is clear and clearly necesary the medium suggests there could be some pressure to “drink the kool-aide.” Is this the image you want to convey about your church? Is that why you painted it red?

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