Persecution Blog

North Korea’s Ideology of “Juche”

Reaching North Koreans with the gospel is challenging when the repressive North Korean regime considers evangelism and discipleship to be the most heinous crimes that can ever be committed against the state.

However, helping North Koreans understand Biblical Christianity apart from what they’ve been indoctrinated with is perhaps a bigger challenge. The country’s founding ideology, “Juche,” is an intentional distortion of the gospel. So when North Koreans first hear the true gospel, they often have the same response: “Why are you copying our ideology?”

Juche, translated as “self-reliance,” claims that each individual is the “master of his destiny,” and that North Koreans are to act as “masters of revolution and construction.”

Developed in the mid-1950s by Kim Il-sung, Juche is portrayed by the Communist Party as a path toward political independence, economic self-sustenance and self-reliance in defense – all in support of maintaining socialism. Outside observers see Juche as a tool for the regime to sustain its authoritarian rule.

Since Kim Il-sung, the ruling Kim family – also including Kim Jong-il and Kim Jong-un – has been seen as the saviors of the “Korean race” and is therefore worshiped as such. Juche is the philosophy that helps the people stay on the right path. The government implements it into all aspects of “revolution” and “construction,” and all citizens must follow.

In the middle of Pyongyang, the nation’s capital, stands a 560-foot monument called "Tower of the Juche Idea." Atop the tower is a red flame and at its base are three idealized, communistic figures holding a hammer, a sickle and a writing brush.

The North Korean government also tells its citizens Juche has become an international movement and influenced other nations.

VOM's February 2016 newsletter tells the testimony of “Mr. Park,” a North Korean defector who learned that everything he was taught growing up was a poor imitation and a deliberate misrepresentation of the gospel. Sign up to receive VOM's free monthly newsletter.

Listen to a discussion on VOM Radio about Christians in North Korea.

Guide Helps You Pray for Christians Facing Islamic Extremism

Christians Living in Extremist Hotspots Need Your Prayers

ISIS. Al-Qaida. The Taliban. Boko Haram. Al-Shabab.

Islamic extremist groups threaten and attack our Christian brothers and sisters, but they continue to boldly fulfill Christ’s Great Commission. VOM created this 22-page guide featuring Christians living in nine extremist hotspots to help you stand with these believers in prayer. Will you pray?

This convenient and powerful prayer guide introduces you to persecuted Christians who need your prayers. The guide also provides information about nine of the most active Islamic extremist groups. Where are they active? Who started the group? Understanding the background of each group will help you to pray more effectively for Christians living in their shadows.

Request a copy to use in your personal devotions. Order multiple copies to share with your Sunday school class, small group or church.

SEND ME A PRAYER GUIDE.

Nettleton Back for Second Day with Eric Metaxas Radio

VOM's Todd Nettleton was back yesterday for a second hour on The Eric Metaxas Show, aired nationally on Salem Radio. While Monday's interview focused on the history of VOM and the incredible testimony of VOM founders Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand, the time yesterday was devoted to current cases of persecution, and specific ways that VOM is responding to help and encourage our persecuted family.

Click below to hear the entire interview:  

You can also hear Todd each week as the host of The Voice of the Martyrs Radio. Click here to subscribe to the VOM Radio podcast.

Radio Host Eric Metaxas on Impact of Richard Wurmbrand

VOM's Todd Nettleton was a guest yesterday on The Eric Metaxas Show, which airs nationally on Salem Radio. The two discussed the history of VOM and the life and impact of VOM's founders, Pastor Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand. Metaxas identified Richard Wurmbrand's book, Tortured For Christ, as one of the books that had most impacted his spiritual life.

Click play below to listen to the full interview:

 

You can also hear Todd each week as the host of The Voice of the Martyrs Radio. Click here to subscribe to the VOM Radio Podcast.

How Prison Changed Bob Fu's Prayers

For the first few days after Bob Fu was arrested for his Christian work in China, his prayers were pretty simple: "Lord, get me out of here!" He even prayed that God would punish his interrogators for persecuting God’s children!

But as days passed, Bob saw that God had a ministry for him in prison, and his prayers changed. Instead of praying only to be released, he asked God to use him while he was in prison. And God answered his prayer.

Today Bob is the president of the China Aid Association, a bold advocate for China's Christians and author of God's Double Agent. Listen as he shares why the Chinese government is so afraid of the growth of the church, and how persecution is spreading even to government-sanctioned churches. We'll also talk about the biggest needs of the Chinese church, so that you can pray effectively for our brothers and sisters in China.

 

You can also listen to every episode of VOM Radio by subscribing to the VOM Radio podcast.

 

Ask a VOM Worker: Advice for Future Missionaries

VOM’s Kids of Courage resources help parents and educators teach children ages 5 to 13 about persecuted Christians. The resources provide opportunities for children to serve and pray for their suffering brothers and sisters around the world. The following interview, which will be shared with children on VOM’s Kids of Courage website, www.kidsofcourage.com, includes good advice for future missionaries of all ages.

Bethany H., a VOM volunteer, would like to be a missionary someday. For a school project, she interviewed VOM’s Dr. Jason Peters (pictured). Dr. Peters often travels to meet with persecuted believers around the world. You can read Bethany’s questions and Dr. Peters’ answers below.

Bethany: Did you go on a mission trip as a youth?

Dr. Peters: No, I was not able to go on a mission trip as a youth.  I would have welcomed the opportunity, but was not aware of all of the options that I am aware of today.

Bethany: What do you enjoy about mission trips?

Dr. Peters: I have now ministered in 40 countries, and I really enjoy meeting our brothers and sisters face-to-face.  It has changed my faith to see the faith of others, especially those who are in very difficult life circumstances.

Bethany: What are some helpful things to know before going on a mission trip?

Dr. Peters: Go as a humble learner.  We sometimes fall into the trap of thinking that we are the experts who are coming to help these poor Christians, but in reality, they are often more mature than we are spiritually.  They may not have much materially, but many of them have deep faith.

Bethany: What advice would you give a new missionary?

Dr. Peters: Take the time to learn the culture.  There is a gradual, long process of maturing as a cross-cultural worker.  Trust God to place you where He needs you and to equip you for what He has called you do to!

Bethany: What are some things you have learned from your mission trips?

Dr. Peters: That God is touching lives in every corner of the world.  Our God is SO big that it is impossible for us to even begin to see all the wonderful ways that He is at work!

Bethany: What are the differences (to the missionary) between short-term and long-term mission

trips?

Dr. Peters: They are totally different.  To be honest, I believe that the greatest benefit to short-term missions is what happens in the life of the participant.  It really takes long-term missions, and ideally indigenous leaders, to really begin to make a lasting impact on a community.

Bethany: What do you know now that you wish you would have known before your first mission trip?

Dr. Peters: So much that I can’t even begin to capture it!  By God’s grace He teaches us each step of the way.

Bethany: How has your relationship with God changed since going on mission trips?

Dr. Peters: I have grown in dependence upon Him.  I am confident serving anywhere in the world as I walk with Him.

Bethany: What countries have you gone on a mission trip to?

Dr. Peters: Mexico, United States, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Peru, Bangladesh, China, Diego Garcia, India, Indonesia, Myanmar/Burma, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Iraq,  Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Austria, The Republic of Cyprus, Denmark, England, Germany, Greece, Italy, Norway, Spain, Wales, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Egypt,  Nigeria, South Sudan, Sudan.

Bethany: Is there anything else you think would be helpful for me to know for my research?

Dr. Peters: It will be exciting to see how God uses you in the years ahead.  He has a great plan for your life.  I encourage you to develop character and competencies that are based on solid scriptural principles. God bless you, Bethany!

Read Persecution Blog posts by Dr. Jason Peters.

Wang Ming-dao’s Theology of Suffering and Persecution

The story of Wang Ming-dao, one of twentieth century’s most famous Chinese Christians who suffered for his faith, is full of powerful victories and devastating defeats. He was a contemporary of John Sung and Watchman Nee, and had an outstanding ministry as a pastor and evangelist. He developed his theology midst strong resistance, persecution, and suffering. He wrote a series of sermons from which an elementary theology of persecution emerges.

Wang’s book of sermons, A Call to the Church, clearly articulates what it means to be a disciple of Christ. Like Bonhoeffer’s The Cost of Discipleship, Wang also had a clear understanding of what true discipleship entailed and in both cases, Bonhoeffer and Wang were tested on the ideas they wrote about.

Obey God or Man?

The major question which occupied Wang’s mind and set the tone for the series of sermons was “Should Christians obey God or man?” The answer is that under normal circumstances Christians should obey both. The primary obedience is to God while obedience to man’s laws and regulations is perfectly proper as long as they do not conflict with God’s commands and precepts. If, however, the human laws do conflict then we have no alternative than to disobey these laws. Christians should obey these laws, not out of fear for man but out of fear for God who has commanded us to obey those in authority (24). Yet, Wang writes, “anyone who works for God should make an irrevocable decision whether to please God or to please man” (68).

Obviously it is not always “either/or.” Wang says that Christians should be exemplary in obedience to human laws and regulations (25), respecting all authority “conscientiously” (25). But sometimes disobedience is required. Under certain circumstances Christians should not submit to man, if human systems or laws conflict with God’s commandments and principles (26-27).

In the case of authorities, no one should interfere with the Christian who is witnessing or preaching the gospel. Preaching the gospel is commanded by the Lord and it is a mandate Christians cannot ignore so therefore no one in authority should interfere with the preaching of the gospel. Christians need not be afraid of authorities because God is with us (27, 105).

Old Testament Prophets Suffered for Being Obedient

Wang uses the prophet Micaiah as an example of one who was called by God to speak on God’s behalf who suffered for it. Micaiah was determined to be faithful to God and to not please men if it meant being unfaithful to God (56). He writes: “Because he was so faithful, courageous and fearless that he would not bow under the authority of King Ahab, nor seek to please men, he spoke what the Lord wanted him to speak” (35). He knowingly took the risk of displeasing King Ahab in order to please God (34).

Wang defines determination, the hallmark of all who suffer for doing God’s will, as follows: “to obey God’s will at any cost, asking nothing about the future” (80). These courageous and determined servants of God fill the pages of the Old and New Testaments.

The Courageous Apostles

In the Book of Acts, the story is told of apostles who were imprisoned but were led out of prison by an angel. Even though they were now free and able to run to a secret hiding place, they were told by an angel to go to the temple and preach the gospel. They had been explicitly told not to do this by the High Priest as he scolded them in a public forum but they responded by saying that they ought to obey God rather than man. They had no fear of the High Priest and did not hesitate to do what God told them to do (98).

Wang says that the path the church today should take should be the same path the apostles took. They were courageous, did not hold life dear, were not afraid of authorities, and were faithful unto death (27).

The Apostle Peter, who denied Christ, was not, according to Wang, “armed with the spirit of suffering.” But after he received the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost he was then “armed with the spirit of suffering” which made him a bold spokesman for God (30). He was ready to suffer and did not try to avoid danger (30). Peter writes about those who have suffered having ceased from sin. Wang interprets this as showing that God allows suffering for our own good (30).

The same is true of Paul and Barnabas who risked their lives for the Lord Jesus Christ. Neither Paul not his co-workers seemed to count their lives as having any value (131).

Opportunity for Martyrdom

Not many believers actually have the circumstances that allow them to experience martyrdom. Yet, remarks Wang, “every Christian can be like these valiant, victorious men” so that even if they don’t have the opportunity for martyrdom, they can receive the same glory and rewards of the saints who did have the opportunity (139).

In reality, it depends upon the will of God. If he wishes for us to suffer for his name’s sake or to die a martyr, he will engineer the circumstances. It is not a matter of our doing or even seeking martyrdom (32). Generally speaking, as the Day of our Lord’s return draws closer and closer, Christians will suffer for their faith more intensely, says Wang (73). While some Christians, when facing persecution, will all they can to escape and will become afraid to confess Jesus’ name, they have no comprehension how noble and great in his name. They do not understand that to suffer for his name is a truly glorious thing (103). Wang says: “…nothing can compare with being put to death for the sake of the Lord’s name and word—which is much more beautiful, glorious and admirable” (137).

Roy Stults, PhD, is the Online Workshop Coordinator and Educational Services Coordinator for The Voice of the Martyrs. He graduated from Olivet Nazarene University (BA and MA), Nazarene Theological Seminary (M.Div.), Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (Doctor of Missiology), and The University of Manchester (England) with a PhD (theology). A Vietnam veteran, Dr. Stults served as a missionary for 19 years and pastored U.S. churches for eight years. Prior to joining VOM, he was a Professor of Religion at Oklahoma Wesleyan University.

Homeless for 12 Hours

In a couple of months, I will be moving. The stress of moving in today’s world can be overwhelming; questions like ‘How do I move my couch?’ and ‘Who will help me move?’ are only a couple of the worries.

Then there’s the gap in rent. My apartment lease ends at the end of February, but a new lease won’t start till the beginning of March, leaving a night with no housing in between. That one night of possibly sleeping in my car has me a little worried; will I be homeless for a day?

When this thought ran through my mind, I realized how selfish and spoiled I was being. Not having a solid plan for 12 hours while moving my apartment full of things is such a small inconvenience when there are thousands of people around the world who have no home at all, no comforts, and often none of the necessities they really need.

Thousands of Christians displaced by ISIS have been forced to live for months in tents like these.

There are so many refugees across the world right now who have been forced to leave everything behind – their lifestyle, their homes, and their families. Most of them have nowhere to go, and those that do manage to find a place to stay have to start from scratch.

The last couple of months at The Voice of the Martyrs we have focused on Christians facing Islamic extremists, the families of the martyrs around the world, and those on the front lines of the Good Fight. Psalm 83:3 says, “Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute” (ESV).

Even in my one day of uncertainty, I know I will, eventually, have a home and a bed to return to. I have belongings that I will take with me and friends that will help me. Right now, I have so much to be thankful for. My budget might be tight and my schedule might be full, but God has taken care of me in magnificent ways.

Matthew 25:35 says, “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me” (ESV). Perhaps the little we feel we have now can be used to feed the hungry or provide shelter for the homeless.

The Voice of the Martyrs uses the funds God has blessed us – and our donors – with to come alongside weary and downcast Christians and care for them in a unique way. We’re able to provide for their physical needs with medicine, food, clothing, and shelter, but we’re also able to help them spiritually, with encouragement, Bibles, ministry tools, and a community found in Christ.

Christine Young has only been working for Voice of the Martyrs for a few months, but helping ‘the least of these’ has always been a passion of hers. Christine has a Bachelors in English from Oklahoma Wesleyan University, where The Voice of the Martyrs was spoken of frequently. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and crocheting.

VOM Radio: Earthly Suffering, Eternal Fruit

Turn on the news and you’ll see upheaval in every corner of the world, including attacks on our Christian brothers and sisters. But Cole Richards, Executive Vice President at The Voice of the Martyrs, reminds us that in the midst of this earthly suffering God is producing eternal fruit every single day.

Listen as Cole shares some of the ways God has allowed VOM to help persecuted believers in the past 12 months—especially Christians displaced by ISIS. He’ll also give listeners a preview of an exciting new way you can be involved to directly help Christians facing persecution, as well a new book coming soon from The Voice of the Martyrs.

 

Hear every new episode of VOM Radio as soon as it's available: subscribe to the VOM Radio podcast.

 

VOM Prayer App Completely Redesigned

VOM’s all-new prayer app will help you pray and stay inspired all year long.

Start the year off right with VOM’s new Pray Today app.

The Voice of the Martyrs is pleased to announce the release of our all-new Pray Today app. This digital tool begins each day of the year with a new prayer request related to our persecuted family. A daily devotional reading and the latest VOM Radio episode are also available within the app.

Customizable notifications provide a daily reminder at the time of your choosing to help you pray for the persecuted.

Our persecuted brothers and sisters ask for our prayers, and this digital tool will help you continue to stand with them.

VOM’s Pray Today app provides easy access to these resources:

• Inspiring photos of our persecuted family
• Current country information for all 68 countries where VOM works
• A daily Extreme Devotion devotional entry
• The latest VOM Radio episode
• Access to VOM Advance conference dates and details
• Quick links to VOM’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages
• Subscription to VOM’s free monthly newsletter

GET THE APP for iOS or Android.