Five members of a family in North Korea have said ‘All for Jesus, even in death’ after the authorities arrested them for holding an underground church service at a farm. Please pray for them.
The incident happened early on Sunday 30 April at a farm in Tomgam village, South Pyongan Province. Police raided the meeting, arrested the believers and sent them to one of the country’s notorious prison camps. They also confiscated Christian literature found in their possession. The group have been charged with promoting an underground prayer service.
It is common for Christians facing this charge to be held in prison or a labour camp indefinitely.
“All for Jesus, even in death.”
North Korean family
The group had reportedly been meeting on a weekly basis, and their arrest followed a tip-off by an informant.
It is not clear where the five are being held, but they are said to have refused to renounce their faith. The believers refused to tell where they got their Bibles and said, “All for Jesus, even in death.”
Unimaginable consequences
The village of Tomgam has a history of Christianity, once housing a large church. It’s a reminder of how the country at one time held a strong Christian presence. The parents of Kim Il-sung, the ‘eternal president’ of North Korea, are even said to have been devout Christians. But today, the risks that come with following Jesus in North Korea are enormous.
It’s unimaginable what could these five brave believers could now face following their arrest. Please pray for them, and the many other believers who are experiencing appalling suffering under the regime.
please pray
- That these five believers will feel enveloped by God’s peace and presence
- For their safety and release
- For wisdom, discernment, boldness and protection for secret believers as they seek to follow Jesus in a climate of extreme hostility.
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