"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:10, NIV version)

It maybe very hard to match the word "persecution" in our walk of faith, especially in those countries which enjoy highly religious freedom. Yet in some countries which Christians are still persecuted, hundreds of men and women are in prison serving sentences that range from a few months to life. They are not criminals who have robbed or murdered other citizens but Christians who were put on trial for their faith in Christ.

In communist North Korea, only one religion is permitted: the worship of the late dictator Kim Il Sun and his son and successor, Kim Jong Il. But other religious practice is severely punished. Hence an estimated 100,000 "political prisoners" in various camps and prisons are suffering starvation, torture, or execution for their belief in Christ. Some prison authorities even hang the returned refugees from the walls by their hands, tied behind their backs, for one day to a week. They also employed "professional beaters," , the officials beat so harshly that many of those people became disabled, or their legs were paralyzed, or they died."

Open Doors USA, a ministry to the persecuted Church has compiled its annual "World Watch List," and North Korea is at the top of the pile. The list is based on reports from people in the affected nations, including field workers and victims of persecution.

North Korea has been number one on "World Watch List" for three straight years, a hundred-thousand Christians in labor camps who are killed, tortured, and separated from their families. Dr. Carl Moeller, president of Open Doors USA, echoes that sentiment. "North Korea is the most repressed and isolated nation in the world," he says.

Closely following North Korea on Open Doors' World Watch List, in order, are Saudi Arabia, Laos, Vietnam, and Iran. And currently estimated 200 million Christians worldwide suffer interrogation, arrest, and even death for their faith in Christ.