Release International

Release International warns that persecution is set to worsen in North Korea - possibly the world's worst trouble spot for Christians - in 2010.

'North Korean Christians are arguably subject to the worst persecution in the world,' says Release partner Tim Peters in the latest edition of Release magazine.

'As the North Korean economy continues its slow-motion collapse, reports of worsening persecution of Christians are coming out of North Korea,' he adds. '2010 is forecast to be a year of tremendous hardship and food shortages since the country's harvest in 2009 was a poor one.'

Two North Korean refugees spelled out the deteriorating situation to Release International.

'The situation in the North is getting worse,' said former prisoner Kang Cheol Hwan. 'It is like a giant prison camp has crossed the land. Starvation spreads out over the entire nation; it has become the norm.

'I lived in Yoduk prison camp for 10 years; I was treated like an animal there. I had watched many people die from starvation and beatings. I witnessed open executions and watched helplessly as people died miserably. These fearful scenes have not left my mind.'

Kang became a Christian in South Korea. Another Christian refugee, Mary, secretly sends food parcels from China into North Korea, along with copied-out verses of the Bible.

People around the border area have come to know Christ as a result of her visits. They include her uncle, Mr Lee, who told Release:

'The hardest months are March, April and May. Those without food must eat grass and catch frogs. At the market there is meat, but it's not affordable.'

They tell their stories in the latest edition of Release magazine.

In a single month Mary delivered 100 packages, containing sausages, bread, soap and a toothbrush ̶ as well as Bible verses. She is taking a terrible risk: 'God has poured His love upon me so I cannot stop my work,' she says.

Release partners have given Mr Lee an mp3 player containing Christian material - which he has to hide carefully. He has also tried to memorise as much Scripture as he can.

'Pray that North Korea will open its door to Christian activity,' says Mr Lee.

'Christians found to have Christian literature, or holding Bible studies and prayer meetings are subject to imprisonment - and so are their families, 'says Release CEO Andy Dipper, who has recently visited the North Korean border. Please pray for Christians in North Korea.

'Pray that God will restore just Government to this nation.
'Pray for the thousands of Christians who must practise their faith in secret, at great risk to themselves and their families.
'And pray for all those sharing the love of Christ with refugees who make the dangerous journey through China.'

Release works through local Christian partners to serve North Korean refugees fleeing to freedom. Support has included pastoral care, the provision of safe houses, and Christian literature and Bibles.

Other areas of growing concern to Christian freedom in 2010 include Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan in Central Asia.

In August a mob accusing Christians of blasphemy destroyed 50 Christian houses in Gojra, Pakistan. Many other Christians have been falsely accused. Release and its partners are pressing for the repeal of the blasphemy laws which are often used to stir up religious hatred.

'In 2010, the most dangerous situation in Central Asia could be in Kyrgyzstan,' says a Release partner. 'A new law requires that every local church must have at least 200 members to register. This means that 95% of independent and evangelical churches could be forced to close and their property be confiscated.'

Through its international network of missions, Release International serves persecuted Christians in 30 countries around the world by supporting pastors and Christian prisoners, and their families; supplying Christian literature and Bibles; and working for justice.