Challenging stories

Having just returned from General Council, one of the things that touched me the most was a sermon given by a pastor from Iraq.

This pastor was held in a jail cell that was 6 by 8, with 6 men for a period of time. Their cell was totally dark. A photo was shown of a Christian woman who was martyred.

Her blood split all over a white car. Heart wrenching.

He is going back. They are buying property to build a church there before the American troops pull out.

That story causes me to pause. And be thankful. Grateful not for what I don't have but for what I do have. Liberty. Freedom. The ability to worship God without harm.

And then today.....I was reading of Human rights groups in South Korea which say that North Korea has stepped up executions of Christians, where, according to the US Government, just owning a Bible may be a cause for torture and disappearance.

One example is the case of a woman who was arrested last month for distributing Bibles. Not surprisingly, charges also including spying for the US and South Korea. She was reported executed in public. Her parents, husband, and children were sent to a prison camp.

All religions are outlawed in North Korea; only the founder of the country, Kim Il-sung, and his son, Kim Jong-il, may be worshipped. Despite the persecutions, it is believed that up to 30,000 North Koreans practice Christianity secretly in their homes.

Again may we be thankful for our freedom to worship. And may we be willing to sacrifice all the more for our faith - in giving, in service and in love and compassion for the rest of the world.