North Korea defector reveals Christian persecution in Kim's kingdom | World | News | Express.co.uk

North Korea defector reveals Christian persecution in Kim's kingdom | World | News | Express.co.uk



North Korea defector reveals TERROR of Christian life in Kim’s kingdom
A NORTH Korea defector has revealed the constant terror of life as a practicing Christian in Kim Jong-un’s kingdom.
By JOEY MILLAR
PUBLISHED: 09:02, Sat, Jan 6, 2018

GETTYA North Korea defector has revealed Christian persecution in Kim Jong-un's kingdom

North Korea is all but a religion-free state with idolisation reserved for the ruling Kim dynasty.

While Pyongyang does boast several churches, these buildings are essentially empty shells used to sell foreign visitors a vision of religious tolerance.

Instead Christians are forced to practice in secret - risking their lives for Christ, as one defector has now revealed.

Kim Sang-Hwa, whose name has been changed for her own safety, is a North Korean defector now living in South Korea.

This week she revealed how her life was changed when she discovered a Bible hidden in her family home.

GETTYNorth Korean Christians are forced to practice in secret

She told anti-Christian persecution charity Open Doors: “My parents continued to hide their faith from the outside world, but I remember waking up one night when I was six. Our house was very small, so we all slept in the same room. When I opened my eyes, I saw my father and mother under the blanket and I could hear the soft noise of the radio. Later I learned they were listening to a broadcast from a Christian radio station.

“In our house was a hidden closet. When I was 12, I accidentally found it. I don't know why, but I started to feel inside the cabinet with my hand and I felt a book. I pulled it out, opened the book and began to read.

“‘In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth…’ I began to shiver and dropped the book. I was so scared. My discovery could cost me my life. I was afraid to touch the Bible, but I couldn't just leave it there. I closed my eyes, picked up the book and put it back.”

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She briefly considered telling the authorities about her parents’ Bible but instead talked to her father, who began to teach her about Christianity. He admitted he was a priest operating in secret - risking his own lives and the lives of his wife and daughter.

From that point on Ms Kim became a practicing Christian, albeit in absolute secrecy.

On several occasions it appeared the game was up.

She said: “Sometimes my father met people in a secret location. Many children of believers came to that location too and learned the Bible. We prayed together. Among the people visiting the secret meetings were some non-believers too, even spies.


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“When one of those visitors was dying, my father went to see him on his death bed. He confessed ‘I know everything about you, your family and your faith. I was a spy and ordered to watch you.’.

“‘You are a good man. I never told anyone you were a Christian. Tell me how I can become a Christian too.’

“In the final moments of his life, this man repented and entered the Kingdom of God. My father was able to lead him there.

“Once there was a random house check and it seemed this man also knew we were Christians. But this official was a really great guy and really nice. He never gave us away.”

GETTYA 'pastor' in a show church in Pyongyang, North Korea's capital

Eventually they were tipped off about a imminent crackdown and they fled. Now living in South Korea, Ms Kim prays for North Korea.

She said: “Sometimes I'm discouraged. It seems like nothing is changing in North Korea. When I pray, I often ask God ‘What's the point? Why do you want me to keep on praying for North Korea?'

“But then God reminds me 'You know North Korea better than anyone else. You know the people and their suffering. If you won't pray, who will? Rely on Me. Believe in Me.’”