The World Bible Translation Center (WBTC) reports that an evangelist found distributing New Testaments has been put to death in North Korea.

World Bible Translation Center’s U.S. office received a report today of the execution of a North Korean evangelist for possessing and distributing WBTC’s Easy-to-Read Version™ Korean New Testaments. According to early reports, the texts, which were bound in a simple one-color cover, became recognizable to North Korean authorities. Details are sketchy regarding the nature and circumstances of the evangelist’s death. WBTC’s U.S. office is attempting to gather additional information at this time. According to Vice President for Publishing and Distribution, John Andersen, “This is the first confirmed death of a Christian martyr who was sharing the gospel using WBTC’s Scripture texts. Throughout the history of this ministry, others have been severely beaten and some believers have been harassed, but this is the first confirmed death. We are saddened and humbled that God has chosen us to bear this grief.”

WBTC is now working to vary the format of its Korean Bible translations for the protection of those risking their lives to make God's Word available to the people of North Korea. Possession or distribution of the Bible is illegal in North Korea. The minimum punishment for offenders is 13 years; the maximum is death.

Christians are subject to persistent and ruthless persecution, but details of particular incidents are sketchy because the totalitarian regime imposes strict controls on information flow.

North Korea, one of the most isolated and repressive nations in the world, recognises no human rights of any kind. It is not unknown for those who confess Christ to be executed on the spot. Those discovered worshipping God are imprisoned, beaten, and tortured, along with their families.

More information on the persecution of Christians in North Korea is posted here. Also, visit the Pray for North Korea 2007 website.

h/t: Voice of the Martyrs Canada

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