I didn’t grow up in North Korea but rather in Japan. My parents, however, had lived in Korea and were strong supporters of North Korea. They were members of the pro-North Korean Resident’s League. North Korea created propaganda specifically for people like my parents (Koreans
Voice of the Martyrs Korea has learned the story of a previously unknown North Korean Christian martyr from a North Korean government video used to train state security agents how to identify and silence proponents of religion inside North Korea. The purpose of the North
As a young girl, I can remember my grandfather praying, in secret, to avoid being reported by his neighbours and receiving consequent reprisals from the authorities. In North Korea, Christians practise their faith in secret and never discuss it, not even with family members. As
On a recent visit to Korea, I visited a facility which receives defectors from North Korea and ‘reprograms’ them for life in a Western country like South Korea. There, I was struck by the lack of basic skills of the defectors, which we in the
Our contacts in China report that there has been a huge increase in persecution against Christians since the new religious ordinance took effect on 1 February. As we are planning to distribute Christmas Care packs in China this year, we wanted an update on how
When Pastor Richard Wurmbrand spoke at Australian churches in 1969 he delivered a very challenging message about the persecution of Christians in Romania, his home country. Richard’s feet had been beaten so severely during his imprisonment that he could not stand or wear shoes. Instead,
Fellow believers, having read the book Tortured for Christ, I was intrigued to see if the new Tortured for Christ movie would do the story justice and depict the gravity of what Richard Wurmbrand experienced for his faith in prison. Every time I watch the
Myanmar’s military has renewed its offensive against the mainly Christian Kachin people in Myanmar (Burma). The military stepped up its campaign against the Kachin people in April, pounding them with airstrikes and artillery. Troops have displaced thousands and occupied churches, interrogating entire congregations. As well
The Law on Belief in Religion which came into force on 1 January 2017, has caused grave concern amongst the Christian community in Vietnam because the government insists religious groups must be registered and approved. The way in which the wording of the law can
This year in northern parts of Nigeria, outbreaks of violence have once again escalated. The continual feuding between tribal groups, especially the Fulani herdsmen, are common however, their disputes are often directed toward Christians. It can be a simple and often innocent mistake relating to
“We want a Christianity-free block. The villagers will soon return to their roots.” – RSS Saiyojak Laxman Singh Munda. That is the proclamation of the RSS (Rashtriya Seva Sangh – National Volunteer Organisation), and their goal and priority today, is to eradicate Christianity from India
Priscila who is now 40 years of age told us her husband and father of her three children had been killed during the riots which occurred in 2008. Without the main breadwinner providing for the family, Priscila has found it difficult to care for and
Dear friends, To the many persecuted believers in Nigeria, Vietnam and India this is a crucial time. They are facing increasing pressure from those who are enemies of our faith. Bibles and Rice is a campaign to first feed their hunger for God’s Word and
“In the past, persecution meant bodily harm, now they use psychological pressure. It’s a mental warfare out there too.” Therefore, what keeps you going? we asked. “I never thought about stopping serving the Lord. God is God and there is no other. I need to
“Would you stand up in your church and teach about persecution?” Pastor Wang answered, “Yes I would! As a matter of fact I have done it a lot recently because of the new regulations. I have spoken to both leaders and believers. Persecution is our
A new religious ordinance took effect in China on 1 February, with the stated intent of implementing greater controls to “eradicate extremism” in the interest of national security. Under the ordinance, organisers of unapproved religious activities and anyone providing a venue for illegal religious events
High in the mountain regions of northern China there are believers who are desperate for the Word of God. They are farmers living in a very poor area and yet, their Christian faith is strong. As the land is mainly unfarmable and their resources to
We will continue to build God’s church! Dear Friends, This is the sentiment echoed by believers at the very highest level in China. Recently, I travelled to China and sensed that the air was thick with nervous anticipation regarding the newly announced regulations by the
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