Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us.
2 Corinthians 1:9-10
Kang Enyoung (1950)
Communist Brutality
The Reverend Kang Enyoung was one of the first Christians to die under the Communist regime in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea), which was created in 1948. He denounced the anti-Christian policy proclaimed by North Korea and was put to death in prison on 25 October 1950. The situation for Christians in the country systematically deteriorated.
North Korea remains the Stalinist-style state that it has been since its inception and is one of the world’s most repressive regimes; citizens are denied political, religious and intellectual freedom. Everyone must adhere to the official ideology of “Juche” (self-reliance), which has almost the status of a religion. Christianity is particularly feared by the authorities and Christians are under constant threat of imprisonment, torture or execution if their faith is discovered.
Despite their unimaginable sufferings, Christians in North Korea continue to share the Gospel and the churches continue to grow. There are thought to be at least 400,000 believers, who mostly gather in small “underground” churches.
Eternal God, we thank you for the Church in North Korea. Bless these Christians as they seek to share your Son with their fellow citizens. Fill them with power and zeal as they struggle under persecution. We pray also for the many hungry and poor of that country. Give them this day their daily bread. Lord, may you open the eyes of its rulers, bring them to a higher understanding and free the country of oppression and injustice. We ask these things in the name of your precious Son, Jesus Christ.