Korean Hostages Told Convert to Islam or Die

While traveling by bus from Kabul to Kandahar, 23 South Korean Christian aid workers were kidnapped by the Taliban. Two of the Christian workers were killed; the group’s leader, Pastor Bae Hyung-kyu, and another male hostage. The other hostages were released last month following arrangements made between South Korea and the Taliban. They were held for six weeks, beaten and ordered at gun point to convert to Islam.

According to the BBC, the former hostages told a press conference they were made to work like slaves while in captivity.

Jae Chang-hee told reporters, “We were beaten with a tree branch or kicked around. Some kidnappers threatened us with death at gunpoint to force us to follow them in chanting their Islamic prayer for conversion. I was beaten many times. They pointed a rifle and bayonet at me and tried to force me to convert.” Jae Chang-hee added, “We lived like slaves. We had to level the ground for motorbikes, and get water and make a fire.”

BBC reported that Yu Jung-hwa said she thought she was going to die. “The most difficult moment, when I had a big fear of death, was when the Taliban shot a video. All 23 of us leaned against a wall and armed Taliban aimed their guns at us, and a pit was before me. They said they will save us if we believe in Islam. I almost fainted at the time and I still cannot look at cameras.”

Recalling how Pastor Bae Hyung-kyu was led away to his death, the BBC said Han Ji-young, in tears, added, “Bae didn’t even look at us when he was leaving the room. He only said, ‘Overcome with faith.’”

Continue to ask God to touch the lives of these believers as they deal with their experience in Afghanistan. Pray God comforts the families of the two that were killed and pray the testimony of these Christians will draw nonbelievers into fellowship with Him.