Worst Christian Persecution Expected In Saudi Arabia, N. Korea
Muslim Countries Dominate Open Doors Top 10 Persecutors List
Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you....
March 9, 2008
Open Doors
Christian Persecution
www.opendoorsuk.org/downloads/wwl_downloads/WorldWatchList.pdf
If you are a Christian, the worst place to live in the world is North Korea, according to Open Doors’ 2008 World Watch List released:
• Muslim Countries Dominate Open Doors Top 10 Persecutors List
• Death Row Christian in N. Korea Incites Demand for Release, Pleas for Life
• Worst Christian Persecution Expected in Saudi Arabia, N. Korea
• N. Korea Expert Probes Regime's Crimes Against Humanity
The annual country persecution list ranked North Korea in the No. 1 spot for the sixth year in a row. There were more arrests of Christians in the country in 2007 than in 2006, according to Open Doors. In North Korea, considered by many the most repressive regime, citizens are strictly banned from worshipping any other gods beside those enforced in the state religion – a personality cult revolving around current dictator Kim Jong Il, and his deceased father, Kim Il Sung. Moreover, Christianity is considered a serious threat to the regime’s power and there are many reports of Christians being publicly executed, tortured or imprisoned indefinitely simply because of the discovery of their faith. It is estimated that there are at least 200,000 underground Christians and up to 400,000 to 500,000 believers secretly practicing their faith in North Korea. At least a quarter of the Christians are imprisoned for their faith in political prison camps, from which people rarely get out alive, according to an Open Doors local source. “It is certainly not a shock that North Korea is No. 1 on the shame list for the sixth year in a row,” said Carl Moeller, President/CEO of Open Doors USA. “There is no other country in the world where Christians are being persecuted in such a horrible and systematic manner.” In second place behind North Korea is the kingdom of Saudi Arabia where fundamentalist Wahabbi Islam dominates society and oppresses believers. Under the kingdom’s strict interpretation of Islamic law, apostasy (conversion to another religion) is punishable by death if the accused does not recant.
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Mt 5:10).
Following close behind in third place is Mideast neighbor Iran. Although Christians are officially recognized as a religious minority, believers regularly face discrimination and persecution. Islam is the predominant religion in six of the top 10 countries: Saudi Arabia, Iran, Maldives, Afghanistan, Yemen and Uzbekistan. This year, several countries moved up in the list including Bhutan (No. 5, up from No. 7), but mainly due to Somalia and Yemen’s decrease in persecution. Afghanistan also rose from No. 10 to No. 7 due to the South Korean Christian hostage drama last summer as well as other events that contributed to its worsening persecution status. Two new countries were added to the 2008 list: Uzbekistan at No. 9, up from No. 11, and China at No. 10, up from No. 12 last year. Three of the top 10 countries – North Korea, Laos and China – have communist governments. Bhutan is the only Buddhist country on the list. Improvement in human rights occurred in Somalia (from No. 4 to 12), Vietnam (from No. 8 to 17), Burma (from No. 19 to 25), Ethiopia (from No. 37 to 43) and Colombia (from No. 43 to 50). The World Watch List ranks countries based on the intensity of persecution Christians face for actively pursuing their faith. The list is compiled based on answers to 50 questions covering various aspects of religious freedom from Open Doors’ indigenous contacts, field workers and persecuted believers. Open Doors encourages Christians to join its prayer campaign for North Korea and participate in North Korea Freedom Week, April 27 - May 3.
2008 World Watch List
1. North Korea
2. Saudi Arabia
3. Iran
4. Maldives
5. Bhutan
6. Yemen
7. Afghanistan
8. Laos
9. Uzbekistan
10. China
Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also (John 15:20).
Recent Incidents Of Persecution In Orissa State, India
February 22, 2008
Recent Incidents of Persecution in Orissa State, India Doors
Voice of the Martyrs
http://www.persecution.com
In December 2007, four Christians were killed, many injured and numerous homes and churches destroyed or damaged in Orissa state in violent clashes that began on Christmas Eve. According to The Voice of the Martyrs sources in India, “Hindu extremists used anti-conversion laws to terrorize Christians. More than 18 churches and prayer houses were ransacked and torched in several areas of Kandhamai district in Orissa. VOM contacts have continued gathering information of what transpired during the attacks and are providing assistance to those affected. Below are some of the reports from believers who remain faithful in their faith despite losing their homes and livelihood.
•BUDREKIA VILLAGE – On December 25, a mob of Hindu extremists distributing pamphlets that called for riots and attacks against Christians stopped Pastor Bijoy as he was going to a Christmas service. According to VOM contacts, “Later that evening, a Hindu mob of 200 people began to march through the town shouting. The armed mob attacked one Christian home. At this time Christians ran to the Piju Bali forest on the side of a mountain for safety.” VOM contacts added that the following day 50 more believers sought refuge on the side of the mountain. When Pastor Digal returned to his village on January 13, 23 Christian homes and one church had been destroyed.
•BALIGUDA VILLAGE – On December 24, Tapas, a youth pastor for young men at his church and owner of a small business, was confronted by a group of 25 Hindu extremists that demanded all stores and businesses close early in honor of a well-known swami (Hindu monk). According to VOM contacts, “Tapas and his family fled the mob later that evening. They ran to the forest with the other Christians. Tapas stayed on the edge of the forest and watched Hindu extremists loot and destroy vehicles, homes and churches.” VOM contacts added that since December 31, Tapas has moved from place to place in search of accommodation. “Most of the Christians have no place to go except for the government refugee camp in Barakhma. Tapas spends some nights at his uncle’s home and some nights at the refugee camp with members of his young men’s group. He continues to meet with them, fellowship and minister to them,” VOM contacts said.
The Voice of the Martyrs has provided assistance to these displaced believers in Orissa. Pray for believers in Orissa state who have endured great hardship and pain. Ask God to comfort, encourage and provide for them. Pray their awesome testimony will draw nonbelievers into fellowship with Christ.
Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
(II Tim. 3:12)
A Religious Fault Line
February 22, 2008
Persecution
Bible League
http://www.bibleleague.org/index.php
An invisible—but easily identifiable—line extends across the continent of Africa. Beginning on the west coast of Sierra Leone, and moving straight eastward to the Indian Ocean, is where the bulk of persecution takes place. The vast majority of African Christians reside south of this line. On the other hand, the northern population is almost entirely Muslim. Where these two religions meet is nothing short of a full-scale collision. And Christians in countries like Nigeria, Sudan, and Ethiopia face the brunt of this conflict on a daily basis.
A Different Kind Of Pain
When a northern African acknowledges faith in Jesus Christ, he is viewed as a traitor to his family, his neighbors, and his culture. And choosing to accept this status does not come without its consequences. African Christians often forfeit their burial rights, their standing within the community, and the love of their family. In addition, African culture does not view child custody in the same light as most Westerners. The dowry given for a marriage often dictates to whom a child belongs. As a result, many Muslim families have taken children away from their parents when the mother or father converted to Christianity.
Violence Persists
In several instances, the persecution of African Christians has also included violence. Even in recent days, religious extremists have struck out with horrendous acts of torture. Compass reports that a Nigerian pastor and 48 members of his congregation were among 200 killed February 2004. Religious militants had attacked the church in a rampage within the predominantly Christian village. In addition, they went through the village killing Christians and burning down their houses. Compass goes on to report that, the day after the pastor’s funeral, a group of bandits burned down two additional church sanctuaries.
Power Through Prayer
In the midst of such extreme pain and violence, Africans are still turning to Jesus Christ. Lift up these Christians in your prayers. Ask God to provide them protection as well as the strength to live out their faith on a daily basis. Pray also for those who are committing the crimes against Christianity. Pray that they, like the Apostle Paul, will turn away from their wickedness and come to fully understand the grace of our loving God.
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you,
do good to them that hate you,
and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you... (Mt 5:44).