"Remember those in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body" (Hebrews 13:3).

I do not remember precisely when I began to be exposed to the plight of the persecuted. The Persecuted Church, that is (though I surely think we ought to have compassion on all who are truly mistreated around the world). Perhaps it was in the late 1990s. I recall a visiting pastor preaching in our local church in Jacksonville, NC. He had served for some years in South Korea, and had stories of those Christians who had escaped the tyranny of North Korea. I distinctly remember the Spirit of God moving my heart as that brother preached of the bold endurance of believers under extreme duress. And I remember the conviction of the Spirit, as I was challenged to ask myself if my faith in Christ could or would endure such atrocities.

Keep Reading