On 19 November Korean evangelist Jinwook Kim was stabbed on the streets in the south-eastern Turkish city of Diyarbakir. He later died in hospital from his injuries; he was 41 years old.
The Public Security Branch Directorate of Murder Bureau has arrested a 16-year-old suspect and an investigation is ongoing.
Kim had arrived in Diyarbakir with his family earlier this year and was pastoring a small community of Christians. The assailant stabbed Kim three times: twice in the heart, once in the back. Officials, however, claim that the incident occurred in an effort to steal Kim’s phone. Local believers urge the authorities to investigate the incident as an assassination, rather than an attempt at extortion.
Kim was married and had one child and his second is expected to be born in the coming days. He had lived in Turkey for five years.
Kim is the first Christian murdered in Turkey since the 2007 Zirve Publishing House murders, which left three Christians martyred in Malatya. Christians living in Turkey have reported an increase in harassment, threats, and other non-violent incidents over the past three years.
Source: International Christian Concern
- Intercede for Kim’s loved ones, especially his wife who is about to give birth. Ask the Lord to bring strength and comfort during this time of shock, distress and grief. Pray too the Lord will guide her steps as she plans for the future.
- Pray for Kim’s church members. May the Lord give them courage.
- Pray for justice for Kim’s family. Ask God to have mercy on the perpetrator and call him to repentance.
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Creator of the universe you sent your only Son to bring us back to you (1 Peter 3Vs18) and through Him you have promised and are indeed fulfilling your purposes in every age to bring together your peoples from every nation under heaven…”And people will come from east and west, and from north and south, and recline at table in the kingdom of God.” (Luke 13Vs29); we beg you Father to strengthen your Gospel work and people in the nation of Turkey where so many different peoples find themselves as refugees or just struggling to survive in a troubled and turbulent society. Your people are so few in number and suffer discrimination and pressures because of their faith. Please help them to be strong n the grace that is found in Jesus Christ. (2 Timothy 2:1) We grieve the tragic death of Kim, our brother and fellow worker. Lord, be close to his broken hearted family especially at this time so close to giving birth (Psalm 34:18a) and watch over your fledgling Church that it might remain faithful in following Christ.