Communist authorities in Laos arrested 10 North Korean refugees along with two South Korean activists as they attempted to reach safety in Thailand early this month. After almost two weeks of negotiations and a ransom payment to officials, the refugees were released to South Korean embassy officials on Saturday, June 10. Although the religion of these specific refugees is unknown, the practice of Christianity is outlawed in North Korea except for a few "show" churches. However, Rev. Tim Peters of Helping Hands Korea said there are an estimated 200,000 to 400,000 Christians in the country. Leaving North Korea without official permission is a serious offense, and numerous activists have developed an "underground railroad" that smuggles North Korean refugees out of China (where they are often deported if caught) and transports them to South Korea or other countries where they seek asylum. The number of North Korean refugees has increased dramatically since 2002. (Compass Direct)

DISABLED CHINESE HOUSE CHURCH PASTOR ARRESTED FOR PRINTING BIBLES

Disabled house church Pastor Wang Zaiging was arrested Friday, May 26, on charges of "being involved in illegal business practices." The 43-year-old pastor, who was crippled from a childhood illness at age 5, is a well-known church planter and preacher in and around China’s Anhui province. He had been involved with printing Bibles and other Christian literature and distributing it free of charge to meet the rapidly increasing demand for the materials. China’s Public Security Bureau (PSB) issued the formal arrest warrant, accusing Wang and his wife of "illegally printing, editing and distributing Christian propaganda material." The China Aid Association (CAA) reported this is the third similar charge against house church leaders. The CAA believes the Chinese government tries to persecute religious leaders by "criminalizing their religious activities." (Assist News Service)

*HCJB World Radio-Australia’s shortwave station in Kununurra broadcasts 7.5 hours of Mandarin programming each week.

BANGLADESH PARTY ALLIES ITSELF WITH ISLAMIC FUNDAMENTALISTS

Bangladesh’s current ruling party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is becoming increasingly ideologically allied with fundamentalist Islamic groups. International Christian Concern (ICC) learned that the BNP may be trying to steal the upcoming election, a scenario that worries Christians. The Awami League, the country’s other major political party which is secularist, refuses to recognize the legitimacy of the current election commission because of irregularities in the 2007 voter list and concern about the neutrality of the commissioner. Within the past year more than 30 have died and 150 have been wounded in terrorist attacks by Muslim extremists, including two Christian health workers who were hacked to death last July. ICC has voiced concerns about the democratic process and the country’s commitment to human rights if Islamic fundamentalists continue to grab power in the BNP. (Evangelical News)

UPDATE: BHUTANESE MEN RUNNING OUT OF TIME TO FIGHT PRISON TERMS

Two Bhutanese men who were arrested in January for showing the "Jesus" film are running out of time to avoid their jail sentences. The two men, Benjamin Dhunigana and John Dai, received 42- and 36-month sentences respectively, both without trials after being held for more than six months. They were recently given 10 days to appeal the case with the help of a prominent lawyer. So far the attempts have been unsuccessful. International Christian Concern (ICC) is urging Christians to put international pressure on Bhutan to grant their release. Bhutan is in transition from a Buddhist kingdom to constitutional democracy. Their case comes at a critical time where debate could frame the future of religious freedom in Bhutan. (Christian Newswire/Assist News Service)

CONDOLEEZZA RICE CHALLENGES CHRISTIANS AT BAPTIST CONVENTION

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice challenged Christians to remain engaged in what is happening around the world. In a 30-minute address to around 12,000 evangelicals at the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention in Greensboro, N.C., Wednesday, June 14. Rice encouraged attendees to continue what they are already doing, including "digging wells and building dams and strengthening communities in the fight against AIDS." She said Americans must choose to either lead the way in the world or withdraw, to rise to challenges or shrink from them. "If not for America, who would rally other nations to conscience to the international defense of religious liberty?" she asked. Rice is the daughter of a Presbyterian minister and opened her speech with several lighthearted stories about her family. She ended by thanking the audience members for their commitment, dedication, compassion and faith. (Mission Network News/Baptist Press/U.S. Department of State)

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