2003 – TRIUMPH AND TRAGEDY FOR PERSECUTED CHRISTIANS WORLDWIDE (ANS)

As we celebrate the birth of our Lord this Christmas season and mark the end of another year, we need to pause and reflect on the status of our brothers and sisters who are being tortured, imprisoned and even killed for their faith in Jesus Christ.

In 2003 there was an increase in persecution of Christians in such countries as North Korea, Indonesia and India, to name just a few. The estimated 400,000 Christians in North Korea faced daily persecution, including torture in prison camps. That is one of the reasons North Korea topped Open Doors’ 2003 World Watch List of countries where persecution is most severe. In Indonesia, many Christians were killed and churches burned. Pastors and Christian leaders were imprisoned, including Rev. Rinaldy Damanik who remained in prison on false charges. In India, more states adopted anti-conversion laws in attempts to stop the spread of Christianity....

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REMEMBERING PRISONERS AT CHRISTMAS (ANS)

Many Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus in freedom and security, with family, singing, feasting and gifts. Many others spend Christmas with their joys overshadowed by fears of impending jihad or terror, or fears of fines, beatings or imprisonment if they are caught together. Other believers spend Christmas in prisons and labor camps, separated from their families, hungry and cruelly treated on account of their faith....

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