Jesus Is LORD
Eternity Bible College
Note for my Readers:
If thou findest me short in things, impute that to my love of brevity.
If thou findest me besides the truth in aught [any respect], impute that to my infirmity.
But if thou findest anything here that serves to your furtherance and joy of the faith, impute that to the mercy of God bestowed on thee and me.
Yours to serve you with what little I have.
- John Bunyan
The Gospel is not moral conformity, religion, neither is it self discovery, secularism. The Gospel brings restructure of the heart, removal of our sin, and reversal of our values.
- Tim Keller
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Showing posts tagged Persecution
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North Korean female soldiers smile before a parade to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the founding of the Workers’ Party of Korea in Pyongyang October 10, 2010. REUTERS/Petar Kujundzic
Since Christianity first came to Korea in 1777, its followers have been persecuted. In 1801, three hundred Catholic leaders were killed for refusing to perform ancestral rites, as well as their participation in politics. Persecution continued and, in 1866, another eight thousand Christians were killed. In the late 1800’s Christianity was legalized, but under Japanese rule (1901-1945), it was again banned. When the Communists took control following the end of World War II, there were about 300,000 Christians. That number has been reduced to a few thousand. Recently, it has been reported that several underground churches exist within North Korea, but it is impossible to make any reasonable estimate as to the number of such groups.
North Korea has consistently topped the world’s human rights watch lists as being the most repressive and closed nation on earth. Reports of dreadful and inhumane actions, particularly towards Christians, make their way steadily to the west. The nation is governed under a state religion called “Juche,” meaning “self-reliance.” Citizens are required to worship their dead leader, the “Eternal President” Kim Il Sung, and his son, the current dictator, the “Dear Leader” Kim Jong Il. Kim’s lifestyle and political decisions betray his cruelty and brutality towards his own people. During the 1990’s, as an estimated 2 million North Koreans starved to death in a preventable famine, he callously continued to bolster his armed forces.
Speaking out against Kim Jong Il’s or showing signs of hostility towards his regime carries with it severe consequences, including detention in concentration and prison camps. While the current restrictions make it impossible to determine the total number of those imprisoned, current estimates suggest that some 200,000 North Koreans are languishing in detention—many of whom are believed to be Christians. Religious prisoners are often subjected to harsher treatment, and given the most dangerous tasks, all in an effort to force them to renounce their faith. When they refuse, they are often tortured to death. Those caught praying are beaten and tortured.
Many citizens attempt to escape North Korea’s deplorable conditions by fleeing to another country, but are frequently forced to return to face interrogation, torture, detention and often death. Those who do confess faith in Christ during the interrogation process have been known to be executed immediately.
Prayer Requests
- Pray frevently for what remains of the church in North Korea.
- Pray for strength and protection for prisoners of faith.
- Pray that God will reveal Himself to Kim Jong Il and graciously transform his heart and the hearts of his subordinates so that they will embrace Christ.
- Pray that Christians will have opportunities to share the love of Christ, even with those who oppress them.
Blessings,
David Jee [Eternity Bible College] -
Pray for Sayed Musa: Afghan Christian Set to Be Hanged within Days? (Updated)
The Daily Mall and others are reporting on Said (or Sayed) Musa. Earlier I had posted a link to his letter from prison describing sexual and physical abuse. Here’s the new report:
An Afghan physiotherapist will be executed within three days for converting to Christianity.
Said Musa, 45, has been held for eight months in a Kabul prison were he claims he has been tortured and sexually abused by inmates and guards.
Mr Musa, who lost his left leg in a landmine explosion in the 1990s, has worked for the Red Cross for 15 years and helps to treat fellow amputees.
He was arrested in May last year as he attempted to seek asylum at the German embassy following a crackdown on Christians within Afghanistan.
He claims he was visited by a judge who told him he would be hanged within days unless he converted back to Islam.
But he remains defiant and said he would be willing to die for his faith.
He told the Sunday Times: ‘My body is theirs to do what they want with.’
You can also read the Compass Direct News report, which begins:
An Afghani amputee in prison for his Christian faith since May will face a judge this Sunday (Nov. 21) without legal representation or knowledge of the charges against him, according to local sources.
Denny Burk suggests that if you have Twitter, you post one of the following:
Mr. President, speak wisely and boldly, in private if necessary, for Said Musa, imprisoned in Kabul. http://dsr.gd/ezR3jW @BarackObama
Mr. President, please persuade the Afghan govt. not to execute our brother Said Musa. http://bit.ly/bQ5RLQ @BarackObama Prov. 24:10-12
Update: A valid point by Paul Marshall:
If the actions of a Florida pastor who threatened to destroy a book holy to Muslims deserved public and presidential attention, then the actions of the Afghan government, ostensibly a ‘democratic’ ally, to destroy something holy to Christians, a human being made in the image of God, also deserve public and presidential attention.
Clarification and Reminder: Two things to keep in mind here:
- It’s very difficult to get reliable information in a situation like this. I’ll do my best to keep folks updated. There are rumors he is to be executed; other rumors that he is soon to be released. It’s almost impossible to know for sure what might be going on behind the scenes. All we know this far is that this man is imprisoned for his faith, and Scripture gives us good guidance for how to respond when one of our brothers is on trial for his faith.
- It is appropriate to appeal to authorities. Paul did it: “If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death. But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar” (Acts 25:11). At the same time, let us remember that there is a King of Kings and a Throne of Grace and that because of our Savior and by the Spirit we may approach our prayer-hearing God with confidence, making an appeal for our dear brother. Like the Apostle Paul, Mr. Musa is “ suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But,” as Paul is quick to point out, “the word of God is not bound!” (2 Tim. 2:9). May God be glorified.
Update:
Bob Smietana reports in The Nashville Tennessean that (1) Mr. Musa has been moved to a safe prison, that (2) the authorities in Afghan are feeling pressure to release him, and that (3) his family have fled the country.
Denny Burk writes:
Please keep up your prayers for Said Musa. Even if the authorities decide to release him, he will be in a precarious situation. His conversion is now national news in Afghanistan. When/if he is released, he will be exposed to a great many people outside of prison who might try to kill him for his Christian faith. So pray for Said and for a speedy reunion with his family. Pray that he would be a faithful witness for Christ no matter what happens.
Jesus Is Lord,
David Jee [Eternity Bible College] -
Q: I really like how you tell stories of persecuted christians. :) thats a burden on my heart. I was wondering if you had ever heard or checked out voice of the martyrs?
Its an awesome thing to look at. Lots of oppurtunity to support as well. ^_^
http://www.persecution.com/
A:
Broadly
Thank you for the reminder.We, brothers and sister in Christ, should definitely be praying for our beloveds’ overseas and distant from us.
I am subscribed to the Voice of Martyr’s monthly issues, and from time to time I look through them and pray for various communities. =]
Some Scriptures to meditate and pray through…- “But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” - Matt. 5:44
- “therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” -Matt 9:38
- “bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” -Luke 6:28
- ”[ The Believers Pray for Boldness ] When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them.” -Acts 4:22-24
- “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” -Rom. 8:26
- “For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. Your restoration is what we pray for.” -2 Cor. 13:9
- “We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,” -Col. 1:3
- “And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,” - Col. 1:9
- “At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—” - Col. 4:3
- “as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith?” -1 Thess. 3:10
- “Brothers, pray for us.” - 1 Thess. 5:25
- “To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power,” - 2 Thess. 1:11
- “Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you,” - 2 Thess. 3:1
- “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,” - 1 Tim. 2:1
- “Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things.” -Heb. 13:18
- ” Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise.” - James 5:13
- “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” - James 5:16
- “Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.” -3 John 1:2
Blessings,
David Jee [Eternity Bible College]
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![North Korean female soldiers smile before a parade to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the founding of the Workers’ Party of Korea in Pyongyang October 10, 2010. REUTERS/Petar Kujundzic
Since Christianity first came to Korea in 1777, its followers have been persecuted. In 1801, three hundred Catholic leaders were killed for refusing to perform ancestral rites, as well as their participation in politics. Persecution continued and, in 1866, another eight thousand Christians were killed. In the late 1800’s Christianity was legalized, but under Japanese rule (1901-1945), it was again banned. When the Communists took control following the end of World War II, there were about 300,000 Christians. That number has been reduced to a few thousand. Recently, it has been reported that several underground churches exist within North Korea, but it is impossible to make any reasonable estimate as to the number of such groups.
North Korea has consistently topped the world’s human rights watch lists as being the most repressive and closed nation on earth. Reports of dreadful and inhumane actions, particularly towards Christians, make their way steadily to the west. The nation is governed under a state religion called “Juche,” meaning “self-reliance.” Citizens are required to worship their dead leader, the “Eternal President” Kim Il Sung, and his son, the current dictator, the “Dear Leader” Kim Jong Il. Kim’s lifestyle and political decisions betray his cruelty and brutality towards his own people. During the 1990’s, as an estimated 2 million North Koreans starved to death in a preventable famine, he callously continued to bolster his armed forces.
Speaking out against Kim Jong Il’s or showing signs of hostility towards his regime carries with it severe consequences, including detention in concentration and prison camps. While the current restrictions make it impossible to determine the total number of those imprisoned, current estimates suggest that some 200,000 North Koreans are languishing in detention—many of whom are believed to be Christians. Religious prisoners are often subjected to harsher treatment, and given the most dangerous tasks, all in an effort to force them to renounce their faith. When they refuse, they are often tortured to death. Those caught praying are beaten and tortured.
Many citizens attempt to escape North Korea’s deplorable conditions by fleeing to another country, but are frequently forced to return to face interrogation, torture, detention and often death. Those who do confess faith in Christ during the interrogation process have been known to be executed immediately.
Prayer Requests
Pray frevently for what remains of the church in North Korea.
Pray for strength and protection for prisoners of faith.
Pray that God will reveal Himself to Kim Jong Il and graciously transform his heart and the hearts of his subordinates so that they will embrace Christ.
Pray that Christians will have opportunities to share the love of Christ, even with those who oppress them.
Blessings,
David Jee [Eternity Bible College]](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lg21dcBP2Y1qaytego1_1280.jpg)
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