Korean Christians Kidnapped by Taliban

The Times Online and our friends at Mission Network News are covering the story of at least 23 Korean Christians who were recently kidnapped by the Taliban in Afghanistan.

Why were they kidnapped?  Well, not necessarily because they were Christians.  Here's what Glenn Penner from VOM Canada said,

Given the conditions, there were questions as to whether or not the group was targeted because of its national affiliation, or because the team was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. "It's not safe for NGOs period, and certainly not for Christian ones, particularly.  But I'm quite certain that they were not specifically targeted because they were Christians. I am concerned, however that the way that they are treated may differ when it is discovered that they are specifically, Christian missionaries."

The bad news is that because they have been kidnapped while doing missionary work, they could face death or life imprisonment.  The Times Online continues...

"The Taleban (sic) forbid Christians from entering Afghanistan to convert Muslims, under threat of death. Yesterday Sayed Murard Shrifi, a religious cleric who is head of the public court in Baghlan, said: “In terms of punishment the one who comes to a Muslim country to convert people to their religion must face the strongest punishment. The first choice is death and the second life in prison.”

Praying friends, please lift up our Korean family members in prayer.