Consider that North Korean group for a moment: A South Korean pastor spoke at a missions conference in Germany last March, and gave us some insights into the almost unreal dedication of our dear family in Chosun. He said that at their secret gatherings they have begun to recite, alongside the Lord's prayer, the following five principles. How meaningful might this be at your assembly?

1. Our persecution and suffering are our joy and honor.

2. We want to accept ridicule, scorn and disadvantages with joy in Jesus' name.

3. As Christians, we want to wipe others' tears away and comfort the suffering.

4. We want to be ready to risk our life because of our love for our neighbor, so that they also become Christians.

5. We want to live our lives according to the standards set in God's Word.

I can imagine some fundamentalist groups in our land giving the nod to number 5, and isolated believers throughout the nation amen-ing the others, but by and large the North's "principles" may as well have been written on some other planet. It is not where we are. It is not what we do. We cannot comprehend this way of life.

If you are a Western believer reading this and in serious disagreement, please write to me soon and correct me. Tell me the story of how your church is being persecuted and your people are rejoicing in it. Let me know of the ridicule and scorn you are receiving for Jesus' sake. Tell me of tears and suffering on the behalf of Christ, and serious efforts to bring neighbors to Jesus.

I will be glad to publish your stories here. We need more of the North Korean spirit in our midst, and your tale could help us get closer to it.