China-North Korea: Partnership to Persecute

Join us Sunday, November 3, for the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church.

China and North Korea have joined forces to persecute Christians, experts said at a recent U.S. hearing.

Since last year, China has forcibly returned hundreds of North Koreans to a Communist regime that believes religion, especially Christianity, is the greatest threat to its power. (Christian Daily International, October 9)

“Christianity offers an alternative way of life that delegitimizes tyranny and transcends oppression,” explained Greg Scarlatoiu, executive director of the Committee of Human Rights in North Korea at a hearing of the U.S. Commission on Religious Freedom September 26.

North Korean Christians repatriated to the world’s most dangerous country face torture, sexual violence, enslavement and murder in North Korea’s detention centers.

“Upon returning back into North Korea, one of the first questions they will be asked by authorities is whether they have met with a missionary during their time in China,” explained Hanna Song, executive director of the Database Center for North Korean Human Rights. “This question is not merely a formality. The answer determines the severity of punishment they will endure. If an individual admits to or is found to have had contact with a missionary, particularly one affiliated with Christianity, they’re often subject to the harshest forms of torture and imprisonment, … turning an already dire situation into one of extreme suffering.”

Joanna Hosaniak, deputy director general of the Citizens’ Alliance for NKHR, said China shares North Korea’s desire to punish those of religious belief. If officials were merely arresting illegal migrants, they wouldn’t interrogate them about whom they have met and whether they’re trying to escape. “The goal is religious persecution.”

“The Kim family regime is a criminal organization masquerading as a sovereign state,” said Scarlatoiu. “This is a regime that holds absolute monopoly on political power through oppression unparalleled in the contemporary world.”

(See the full story story at Morning Star News.)

Lord, hide North Korean Christians in China from authorities. Cover their faces during surveillance. Make it impossible for those bent on evil to recognize, discover their names or find them. Give Christians around them wisdom to find safe hiding places for those at risk of repatriation. Wrap Your arms around every persecuted Christian in both China and North Korea. Keep them safe from harm or illness. Strengthen their health, keep them warm and provide for all their needs. Shield, strengthen and rescue those who are in danger or suffering under heavy loads in labor camps. Let them feel Your presence so near that faith, hope and love radiate from them, drawing others to You. Deepen their faith and give them courage to forgive those who torture and kill. Speak so powerfully, performing signs and miracles and wonders by Your mighty hand, that the fame of Your name races across both nations like wildfire, bringing with it the good news of salvation and igniting every heart with desire for the One who sets them free. God of Miracles, we ask You to perform them in the hearts of President Xi, President Kim and all those bound to obey these two leaders. Whenever someone raises a weapon against a Christian, stand in the way, blocking the blow. Be a Shield so real that the bullets and blows ricochet off and hit those bent on evil. Let every oppressor see Your angels standing in front of believers, guarding them gloriously. Meet every persecutor in their dreams, bind up the demons that control them, break through the darkness of their hearts and minds with Your light. Ignite within them with such a fear of You and hunger for Your love that they repent, choose salvation and let You set them free. Release the captives, O God. Bring a swift end to the reign of terror. Lift the clouds of darkness and awaken every heart in North Korea and China to You. Isaiah 51:7-16.

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About the author: Mikaela Vincent and her husband have served the Lord for many years a dark area of the world where Christians are persecuted and few have heard the good news about Christ. They are missionaries who live by faith, trusting in God to provide for their needs as they pray for and share Christ with the nations. If you would like to help their ministry through giving a donation, shopping at Mikaela’s online bookstore, praying for them or inviting them to speak at your church, retreat or other event, click the buttons below:

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