Land where faith can mean death

Hae Woo’s story of survival and witness in North Korea.

In a country where Christian faith can be a death sentence, one woman’s story illuminates the power of perseverance, prayer and divine courage.

Hae Woo, a North Korean Christian, has endured some of the harshest persecution imaginable – imprisonment in an astonishing ten separate prisons, torture, starvation and the constant threat of execution – yet her spirit remains unbroken, her faith unwavering.

Speaking recent ly at Rediscover Church in Exeter, Hae Woo recounted the harrowing journey that has brought her to the attention of the global Church.

Hae Woo’s ordeal began after she attempted to flee across the border to China, carrying the gospel with her.

Her mission to evangelise among fellow escapees was discovered, and she was sent to prison.

She recalls the chilling sign that greeted her upon arrival: “Do not try to escape, you will be killed.” Yet even in the darkest corners of these camps, God was at work.

Hae Woo explained, “God helped me to survive. Even more: he gave me a desire to evangelise among the other prisoners!”

Her testimony reveals a faith that is as extraordinary as it is ordinary – a faith that turns fear into purpose.

Extreme suffering

During the first three days in captivity, the pain and terror were almost unbearable.

“Because of fear I couldn’t seek help from the Lord,” she said.

It was on the fourth day, in the midst of extreme suffering, that she cried out for divine strength.

She anchored her prayer in Scripture, remembering Jeremiah 33:3, and found herself enveloped in a vivid spiritual vision.

story continues…