Here is an extended quote from his introduction (used by permission):

"In May, 1997, seven imprisoned North Korean Christians in Hambuk Province had their jaws broken by guards because they continued to pray and sing praises to God. Minutes later they were shot to death.

"Other incidents, again in Hambuk prison, took place in March and July of 1998. Four Christians were shot to death. In an effort to force one prisoner to deny his faith in Jesus Christ, guards starved him for days. When he refused to give in, he was shot to death. Three other prisoners displayed remarkable boldness and peace concerning their faith. North Korean officers beat them severely until they became unconscious. Then they were shot.

"In December 1999, two ladies were openly shot in Haesan city on charges of illegal smuggling. In reality they were faithful Christians and ministered actively. During the same month two other Christians were shot in public in Hambuk Province. One of them had every tooth broken so that he could not talk clearly. Yet he boldly witnessed and preached the gospel to the end - even as he was being dragged to the place of execution.

"These heartrending testimonies are only the tip of the iceberg..."

We Americans are used to seeing people shot to death by the scores every week on the television programs we thirstily imbibe day after day. I am grateful to God for giving me grace to put TV aside. But how I wish that the images I just shared with you from this well written book would stir me more. How I wish I had concentrated on realities rather than fantasies for these many years. How deep could my love now be?

I will share more about this book in later posts. It is the story of one family's struggle, one group that really escaped. It's a thriller. And it's true! And stories like it are happening regularly.