Five North Korean Christians have been arrested and charged with “promoting an underground prayer service”.
The five family members met early Sunday morning, 30 April, to pray together at a farm in Tongam village, central South Pyongan province, when police raided their meeting. They were taken by the authorities, as well as Christian literature found in their possession, reported Radio Free Asia after the news broke last week.
Sources told the broadcaster that the small group had been meeting weekly and that the arrest followed a tip-off by an informant.
North Korea is the most difficult country to live in as a Christian. Christians in the country are actively targeted for their faith.
When caught meeting with others or having a Bible, they are severely punished and their families as well. They can expect deportation to a labour camp or being killed immediately.
It is not clear where the five are being held, but they reportedly have refused to renounce their faith. “A staff member of the judicial agency told us that the [believers] refused to tell where they got their Bibles and said, ‘All for Jesus, even in death,’” a source told RFA.
“This case is only one of the many religious freedom violations happening in North Korea,” says Simon Lee, OD coordinator for North Korea whose real name is withheld for security reasons. “As Open Doors we are aware of many similar incidents that have taken place all over the country in recent years. We do, however, not publish any details as they might put the local Christians in danger. But what is clear is that continuous prayer and attention for the plight of North Korea’s secret believers should never stop,” Lee said.
Earlier this month a US Government report referenced a report by human rights organisation Korea Future, describing how a Christian family, including a two-year-old child, was arrested in 2009 for practicing their faith and possessing a Bible. They were reportedly all sentenced to life in a prison camp.
A monument to the North Korean leaders.
Be in prayer
Please be praying for this dear family, and for all North Koreans who are in captivity because of their faith.
June 25th is One With Them Sunday – a day that Open Doors sets aside to pray for Christian Captives around the world. Will you commit to praying for them too?
You can take the One With Them prayer pledge and add your name to Christians across Canada praying for our brothers and sisters who are held captive for their faith. As a thank you, we’ll send you a free One With Them prayer guide – five days of scripture readings, stories, and prayer points from around the world.
