Reverend Ben Cooper: 0:27

Good morning, everybody. Thank you so much for joining us wherever you are across the world. Today you are joining myself, Reverend Ben Cooper, and we have sandra with us today Sandra Robson. As we look at the persecuted church, it is Thursday, and we are in the Lord's house and we are recording at 846. Within the UK wherever you are at the moment across the world, may God bless you and strengthen you in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. And as we always do, we're gonna have a quick recap, then Sandra is going to lead us very gently and very powerfully into what the Lord has for us today. But wherever you are today, you know, this is the day that the Lord has made. I shall rejoice and be glad he's with you, wherever you are. But let's just see what Sandra has Sandra. Good morning. How are you doing? God bless.

Sandra Robson: 1:09

All right, thank you. Yes. Just you know, starting to relax has been quite busy just catching up with things because been working and then you know, your holiday starts, but you've got a lot of stuff to catch up with an admin and things are starting to slow down. Good, good, taking the weekend off.

Reverend Ben Cooper: 1:28

Excellent. That's great. Well, my God bless you and your trips and everything that lies ahead for you. But we are going to be looking at North Korea and the underground church axon, and then we're going to press maybe into Afghanistan. Number one on the World Watch list. So Sandra, let's let's gently move over to you.

Sandra Robson: 1:47

Okay, so we looked at North Korea, and we looked at the fact that there is an underground church. And sadly, there is a report that many people have been executed in one of these churches. But we did say about, you know, the positive side that this church existed, and it's touched many lives, and we pray that there will still be something God, you know, uses what's happened. And there are still others, and we pray for their protection. And then we looked at a lady who's one of many who was exiled in North Korea, and her life and how she sees things. And that was quite remarkable to and how she sees where she is his mission field. And how she sees how the difficulties in her life that she has to rely on the Lord even more and her there's a closer walk with Him. And yeah, so we saw how she managed to get out and managed to get medicines and Bibles and teaching. And that's incredible. We don't know how she did that. And we were saying how, you know, that was supernatural. And so yeah, it's just, yeah, Praise Lord. And what last week, I'm reading extreme devotions, which is published by Voice of the Martyrs, and it's an international best seller. And they sold over 1 million copies in 36 languages. Wow. And it's been going for a while, and I and some of these stories from a long time ago. I mean, they when I say stories, they're real. These are accounts of either the person still was alive and able to say it, but most of them were killed for their faith. And the people who they affected told their stories. And this, this particular one, I don't know whether these people are still living. But it just gives you an idea of what might have been happening in that underground church that we spoke about. I just happen to it was in my readings for last week. After I left I had looked at this and it was North Korea, Christian village, extreme patience. So all the things are it says extreme devotions that everything is about extreme going to the extreme. And the strap line is this gift is for you. And it was what is it? The missionary asked his friend while preparing to go into North Korea. Just take it you will know when you open it. Disguised as the businessman, the missionary journeyed into North Korea. He was assigned a communist guide with a person who liked to have long naps, which was fortunate. Seeing his opportunity, the missionary quietly left the hotel while his guide slept. He entered a nearby village I met up with a small group of believers. As soon as they realized the young man was a missionary and ordained they said to him, you must baptize us we have waited for someone onto baptizes. In a land where possessing a Bible can mean 15 year sentence, you know, as we know death the having a formal baptism, death could mean that definite death. Without any lake or river nearby, the missionary simply prayed over the believers one by one as a symbol of their faith. But to his amazement, they were not satisfied. We have waited for two years for this communion, one of the believers said, and they immediately brought out some rice cakes, and the missionary thought they had been baptized without water, maybe they could have communion without drink. Then he remembered the gift his friend handed him before going into North Korea. He quickly grabbed his travel bag and took out the package. It was a bottle of wine, speechless. Each villager wept, openly praising God for His timely gift. And the sight of the scripture was trust in him at all times. Oh, people. I just thought that was amazing, powerful story. No. As I say, there's no date on it. But they had waited 40 years, 40 years to be baptized and have communion. And it could mean certain death, but they wanted it to happen. And he had, you know, and I think for him, because he did get out until this, you know, is that, you know, he was there at the right time that God created all those circumstances. And his friend knew to give him that to take in praise God. And he didn't know what it was. It's yeah, so I just thought, Wow, Lord, you know, just

Reverend Ben Cooper: 6:49

isn't it amazing? Yeah.

Sandra Robson: 6:53

that's an encouragement, because as we look at Afghanistan, I believe these things are happening there. Yeah. But we can't know about all the things because if we did, then it would put people in danger and put people at risk. And God often likes to do his work without people knowing about it. Thank you. So as we said, Afghanistan, we know that the Taliban took over, you know, America and all the forces left and they swiftly took over. And there has been a lot in the press about what's been going on. And even with, as this article says, In Release International, they've put out this article to put you know, facts rather than there was a lot of rumor and it says it says here, for many of us who watch the TV during the recent the takeover of Afghanistan, and the future look break the rumors and misinformation, abounding, sometimes stories of persecution or even taken from other countries and superimposed on the Afghan situation as fact. So they have looked at it very carefully. And, you know, and saying that, you know, even before this happened, the church was underground. You know, that people mustn't be under the you know, the idea that there was freedom there before. It's very difficult. It

Reverend Ben Cooper: 8:20

was very sharp even more Yeah, so yeah, what we're saying here then Sandra is that it wasn't free like they are in the UK. It was very tight in the first place. Yes. Now we've gone to a complete an absolute extremely lockdown like North Korea, absolute complete lockdown, no movement, no churches.

Sandra Robson: 8:41

No Christianity just squashing squashing it to the max. Yeah. And hunting people literally like animals with a with a list, although they don't. They said that they haven't heard any more about that. And so there is an underground church, there are no church buildings, believers unable to gather only in relatively small groups. And one Muslim relative person who they've managed to speak to, Said, as the father of family heard come to faith previously told our partner operation angel before the Taliban seize power. Now operation angel is a radio station that's managing to broadcast into Afghanistan. So talk tell you about them later. I got beaten up by my uncle and brother who were angry about my new faith in Jesus. They are still bothering me and my children who are afraid to go to school at the moment. Yet the family remains true. I found the truth and He is Jesus. And Jesus found me in a recent conversation with that same family and they sound as sad He said we don't even have bread eat. Thank you for your, for your listening to our heart cry and for standing with us in hard times.

Reverend Ben Cooper: 10:11

So very interesting pictures you got there on?

Sandra Robson: 10:15

Yeah, yeah, so that's um, they're listening.

Reverend Ben Cooper: 10:18

Yeah, they're listening to the Word of God and out in the middle of nowhere. Yeah, typical Afghanistan's listening to the Word of God looks quite bleak doesn't it in some of the pictures when you look at really settings that are around them and the turmoil and the destruction that they were going for. So very clearly without any shadow of any doubt that if you are a believer, there's every possibility you will be hunted down in Afghanistan.

Sandra Robson: 10:49

Yeah, there. Yeah, they are looking to, to remove Yeah, Christians. There's increased pressure, both from families and the Taliban. So it's not just the Taliban, it's families as well feel they doubt now have more

Reverend Ben Cooper: 11:07

simple pressure on them to expose or to remove?

Sandra Robson: 11:14

Yeah, cuz they're under pressure from the Imams and the mosque. You know, where's your family? You know,

Reverend Ben Cooper: 11:20

why are they not? Yeah,

Sandra Robson: 11:22

it's all. So one woman told the partners. We in our family all follow Jesus. We had Christian books, and my father always had a Bible with him. We are in hiding. Another said, we are afraid at night, homes are being robbed and people are being killed. No, it is less than, than before. But still, we hear of it every day. So CIO, they said, was it worse? And they said, No, it's less than before, but we still hear of it every day. So that in the beginning? Yeah, thankfully, up to the end of October 2021. There had been just a handful of reports the Taliban systematically searching for Christians. Christians are being taken or being killed or young girls being abducted as brides. So there's not as many reports that a number of believers have managed to escape the country others are desperately trying to escape across the borders. While most have had to stay. Many have changed locations, at least for a while. Christians who don't follow the outward forms of Islam, such as praying at the mosque and saying the Islamic PROFESSION OF FAITH stand out more clearly. So many now live with fear of being discovered and facing the consequences including being martyred. humanitarian crisis, as the win as the winter got underway, was widespread. There's hunger, and the poor harvest and food shortages, and the banking system remains not able to work. And there's a major breakdown in the economy. Known Christians are likely to be discriminated discriminated against when it comes to work and the distribution of resources. Again, that's to do with not going to the mosque and everything coming from there. They will also likely face pressures against giving their children especially daughter's a well rounded education are likely to be more fearful for the safety of women and young girls, and particularly those not yet married. And it says the satellite TV that is was in Afghanistan, seems to be there. And says since the Taliban have taken over, we are receiving many messages from Afghans that the persecution is getting harder. Afghan Christians are contacting us on a daily basis, describing how difficult the situation is they are hiding a meeting in secret locations. But winter is coming. And that's will soon become more and more difficult. And apparently Pakistan closed their borders initially, but now they're starting to ease movement of people on goods across the border. And so that's offering some hope for some Christians. And it says as some draw a parallel with the events in Iran, where under harsh persecution the church multiplied, they're not seeing it as a

Reverend Ben Cooper: 14:31

let's just pull them under harsh persecution. The church multiplied Yeah, that is an absolute supernatural move from the Holy God of Israel. It don't Don't you find that interesting? Maybe the listeners just could have a think about that a moment you think that the church the more it is squeezed, the more is chased down the more it is hunted. The more it is growing. It is moving the needle Think and hold the power of God. And and you would think when you that the threat of death, if you are a believer would reduce the church almost overnight or within the morning completely. But there is an expansion, there is a growth, there is a move of the Holy Spirit where God is moving very powerfully, obviously and very correct with bringing us into the biblical terminology we have seen from from the beginning of the church, the church has always been persecuted. And the church has never shrunk. That's what's really important. Religion shrinks, and religion disappears, comes and it goes and it blows like the wind, but the kingdom of God grows and it moves. And this is really encouraging to hear in a nation that is very brutal, and very pressed against Christianity to find that it is growing, that it cannot be controlled by a man or gun, that the kingdom of God is growing. Time and time and time again, so powerful. In line with with in line with the Word of God, I'm laughing, as I say this, that, that as the world and as nations and as leaders and controllers try to raise the church. The kingdom of God is growing. It is doubling it is moving. It cannot be controlled by man or gun. How beautiful is that? Sandra?

Sandra Robson: 16:28

Yeah, so they're taking inspiration? Yes, students there are taking inspiration from Iran from Iran saying, you know that in the last 1015 years, how rapidly Christianity has grown in Iran, if it can happen there. Why not in Afghanistan? We have a sovereign God. And we know he has the plan. Said one of the people they spoke to, I think about it. To think about it, you would say there was no chance for the church in Afghanistan. That's right.

Reverend Ben Cooper: 16:56

You'd say yeah, there's no chance for the church. But you said a word in there that they've said. And the key word is sovereign sovereign. Yeah, sovereign God. And we know he has a plan. He has a plan. He's Sovereign control. He has a plan, no matter what we see with our naturalised Our God is able.

Sandra Robson: 17:14

And they said that over the time when things were a little easier, but as we said they weren't, you know, they're still very difficult, says the underground church is increasingly well equipped to weather the storm and the church is invisible, and has already learned how to operate in secret. Wow. In the year 2000, there were just a few dozen believers by 2021. There instead understood to be several 1000s, mostly from the younger generation. And they are really committed. And so operation angel which broadcasts the Christian message into Afghanistan reported that the comments from one young man who contacted them ministry, things will get better, I will serve the Lord more than before. I had to move locations after the place where I stayed was broken into. But I don't plan to leave Afghanistan. There are many people in the West to talk to about Jesus. But here there are few, I want to stay here and serve God. And weeks later, he said, now more than before, people are open to hear about Jesus, I have shared with six or seven people already. And another woman said all families found out that I accepted Jesus and they are and they come every day putting pressure on me to turn back I follow Jesus, but I don't even know how to pray. So they, they were able, through this broadcast, they were able to encourage her and sort of the Lord's Prayer. And for the last social new believer. And for the last few days, I've been asking God to show me if I am right or made a mistake. Now I know I choose the right way. God sends you to comfort me Thank you. A week later she said thank you for praying for me last week. I had so much peace and joy all week. The pressure is increasing but so is the harvest. Jesus is right there building his church.

Reverend Ben Cooper: 19:31

He is building his church. I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail. What a powerful word from God I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail. God is building his church, the kingdom of God is moving. We had that last week. And I've just haven't watched Sandra's reading. I did a quick flick through to and looked at that extreme devotion. That book that Sandra brought to the table today. We would urge you to buy that great at counts, I will say great accounts, but lives have been lost. But you see the power of God word, martyrs, the Voice of the Martyrs very interesting the Voice of the Martyrs. And that has been and has always been kept quiet within the West. You know, it's always shouting and hollering and Jesus. And there's revival and all this and all that. But actually, when you look at the Voice of the Martyrs, and when you look at the persecuted church, that is a real church of Jesus Christ, it is moving, it is powerful. It is growing, even when the world and certain leaders and certain extreme faith are trying to crush it. The Church of Jesus Christ is exploding. It is moving, it is moving, it is moving, it is unstoppable. What else we got Sandra? Well, we're moving very swiftly this morning, and we've got some good stuff, good information coming in. So Afghanistan has suddenly lifted itself to the top. We've covered a bit of the underground church refugees. And what about the Bible situations and kidnapping and disappearing and open worship? So much going on, isn't there?

Sandra Robson: 21:14

Yeah. I mean, the other part of it is the refugees and the stories from refugees. I mean, yeah, that was the next part I had. So looking at what what people have been able to do where they have been able to flee to, yeah, we don't know the places because again, that will put them under under a lot of strain. Yeah. So some have fled and are now living together in one house in a secret location and numerous other believers. Five families who managed to escape for their live from with their lives share a single residence, while another building not far away. 10 families can put that stuff 35 members filled their rooms. But their joy in the Lord is evident for our partners to see, they are lovely Christians with a big faith and a big hope in Christ to have a good future. These believers escaped from Afghanistan, because they were associated with the Americans, either working with them or converted by them. So the Taliban knew them and wanted to kill them. But they managed to escape from Afghanistan, wow. They need our very serious prayers to survive and their new Christian faith. He said, They are entirely dependent on God and His people.

Reverend Ben Cooper: 22:44

completely dependent on God, in every way, shape, and form. So I wonder where you pull in all this information from just for a reference point for any listeners, because we've got quite a few magazines magazine,

Sandra Robson: 23:02

religious International, and it's just a continuation that particularly focusing on open doors and releasing international movies international have added quite a focus in Afghanistan before they started. So in January, March, magazine, the voice they, you know, they've got an article about what was going on in Afghanistan. And now they've updated it with, you know, those who are fleeing. So this one is called Helping believers in flight, and that's April to June. So this is the new magazine. So that's what I'm looking at. And also, there's information about what Barnabas funds are doing, and they've been quite involved with Afghanistan. And so Afghan Christians deserted and alone. But they're not. But anyway, that was the question. Okay, so rescuing Afghan Christians. So yeah, so those are the sources

Reverend Ben Cooper: 24:04

freely, freely to find easy to get information from the, from the internet, from the sites that we're always pushing about, you know, release international Voice of the Martyrs as well, you'll find some stuff and you got open doors and different other ministries that are out there in the persecuted church and such a prayer point at the moment, Afghanistan and obviously Ukraine and, and everything that goes along with all that sort of stuff. But as we are talking about Afghanistan, number one on the World Watch List, for the most hardest place in the world to live as a believer.

Sandra Robson: 24:41

Yeah, and I want to tell you about this. This is a test for me from a lady called Abra. And she came to faith in 2015 and she's had to flee. But she feels that she is now in the right place for for God to use her with Refugees. So she says that a while after conversion abuse, husband died, it was a traumatic time, even though he had been opposed to Earth eighth. I've thought my family has finished, my life is over. But the peace of Jesus was marvelous. There were many difficulties, especially when I had to take my children and leave the home. No one gave me anywhere to live for two years, and I couldn't get my children admitted to any school. It was a hard time, but the Holy Spirit was my strength. I was rejoicing in my faith in Jesus, that was my strength. Wow. And she refers to the account of Jesus calming the storm in Mark, chapter four. And she says, My life was like a boat in a storm. Like with the disciples in the boat with Jesus's rebuked system, Jesus was rebuking every storm in my life. When I read scripture, I felt strength in my soul in my body. And she is now involved in a ministry, to a number of families who have come out of Afghanistan. And she's, in fact, she believes that that's why God's settled her in her new home, to be there to care for the Afghan refugees at this time, my prayer message is that I want my relatives, neighbors and friends to know Jesus, the light of the world, pray for me, that more and more will be open to Jesus and receive him. My faith is big, and I believe my God is big, she declared,

Reverend Ben Cooper: 26:28

wow. Such a powerful testimonies, stories, you know, you listen to this stuff, and your mind just switches off for a moment. All this powerful stuff where God is moving, God is saving God is providing God. Lots of things across the

Sandra Robson: 26:45

board. You know, because we can get very caught up in what's going on now. I mean, you know, I've got a lot of concerns, you know, and again, you have to, you know, my God will supply all my needs, according to his riches and glory. And we've been praying for the harvest and for God to send his work as he is, maybe not in the way that we would like it to be. But it is great that we can partner in this. That's right. And when we hear this, it does shift our focus, because he said, keep keep your eyes on me. And this is what we have to do. And look at this lady. I mean, she had nowhere for two years. To you. Yeah, you're just like, Oh, two years. And I and you know. So I don't know, it just puts things in perspective. You know, I am concerned about the everything that's happening, though, you know, the, everything that's going on in

Reverend Ben Cooper: 27:48

what we're living in, in times in Ukraine

Sandra Robson: 27:51

at all the prices going crazy. The food shortages, they're calling they're saying that happening scare mongering is the fight knows, you know, and so you have to sort of sometimes saying no, I'm just not going to listen to it. Some of it may be true. But you know, I'm not going to listen to you now I need to just focus on you. What are you doing, Lord? Where are you working? And let me be involved in your harvest. Thank you, and also in the protection of my brothers and sisters so that they can you know, preach the Word,

Reverend Ben Cooper: 28:24

think where you were you said about keeping your eyes on Jesus. I think that that is very clear, Hebrews chapter 12 verse to keep your eyes on Jesus, the author and pioneer of one's faith. So now is the time wherever we live across the globe, whether we are in Afghanistan, whether we're in a UK, America, you know, Korea, wherever we are across the world, whoever and whatever. And wherever we are living. It's really, really important that we just keep our eyes on Jesus. Keep our eyes, keep our eyes, keep our eyes, the Psalmist says, Where does my strength come from? I lifted I lift up my eyes and I look to the hills, I look to Jesus, I look to God. But that can be so difficult. carnate when that when everything is beating against the house, yeah. But then it comes back to that scripture. Don't build on sand. Build on the rock.

Sandra Robson: 29:16

And this is so encouraging again, you know, when you go into small hardships, they're not big, you know, they're but they're just like, we're not used to it because we've had it so easy. And you look at this, and it just as I say puts it in perspective and get I encourage you to think well you know, Lord, Your Word is true. And you did look after this lady, and you know, she is you know, she did have her needs provided for it took time she went through a hard time but you were with her, and you strengthened her in her faith. So now she can live and she appreciates and she is also authentic in what she's saying to these Afghans who are coming out I've lost everything because she's that happened to her she knows. And she can share it in that way that we can't. So, you know, but it's just like, Yes, Lord, You are doing great things, you are doing amazing things. And as she says, Our God is a big God, my faith is big, and I believe my God is big. And this is it. I think this is where we sometimes are non with started? Well, I don't know. I mean, depends. Some people may think that God is big, but I think sometimes we have made him not so big. So well, maybe you can do this, or maybe, you know, my God is big, and he is able, they see it, and they see each time. Yeah, because there is no one else there is nothing else for them. You know, and I mean, Easter must be a really special time for them. And that's sort of where I want to end is to remember, all our, you know, brothers and sisters in these places, you know, that they will be able to celebrate Easter in some form or other price. You know, because obviously, that is the time it's it is Ramadan now, and I'm, you know, looking at these prayer points, and they're asking us to pray for a particular group of Muslims in Afghanistan, who are also being discriminated against and persecuted. But in that they come alongside Christians, because of that, because they struggle in that way. But are they were saying that the Taliban has realized that and is being quite hostile towards them, and has sort of cut them off. Because some believers had been sharing the gospel with them. And so, you know, to pray for them, and the things that was sown there will take, you know, roots. And we're just saying, you know, think about, you know, when you think about Easter, and you know, Geez,

Reverend Ben Cooper: 31:57

how of each, and I've started to put put a bit more weight and a bit more prayer into the word, the Passover, you know, remembering the passing over, of, you know, the blood will be a sign, the blood will be a sign, it's really, really important, as Sandra said that we pray for the Taliban. And there must be uncountable amount of people that have been lied to and falsified to and brought into an ideology and brainwashed. So there are a lot of people that don't really know the truth. And then that, you know, and I'm not just referring to Christianity, you know, the truth and the truth will set you free. So many yarn, so many spins have been given out, so many falsehoods have been given out over the generations. And over the years, this also money has a lot to do with money, you know, yeah, we'll

Sandra Robson: 32:47

We will give you education. And that's why so many open the city gates and said, Yeah, come in, because, you know,

Reverend Ben Cooper: 33:01

God is supplied, you know, so they use they use that they use that band, and they, you know, are we are that there's so much hidden in religion isn't there's so much hidden and it's got this big circle around it. But yes, we must pray, you know, for for the terrorists for the extremists, and all those that are caught on the other side, because how did they get to where they got to? You know, but as Sandra said, Our God is able, God is speaking through visions and dreams. Yes, when no Bible has been landed, no Bible has been landed on their dining room table. Suddenly, God takes them out of extremism. God takes them out of that situation. And he puts them in the kingdom of God.

Sandra Robson: 33:46

Yeah, like this. Are you saying that? I have another short testimony. And this is a former a man who's had to flee. And it says, while studying the Koran, I found that there was something missing. So I started reading the Bible. Not long after I had a meeting with a pastor and came to faith. Now he's had a grenade thrown at him he's had is at his at his house, rather where he lived, and he's been attempted kidnapping. And so he's had to, you know, he had to flee. But he said, I've lost everything except Jesus. And I pray for me this I will be steadfast and live as a Christian even to death. My fear has gone and I have a living hope in Jesus. So I am not afraid of persecution or being killed. My eternity is safe.

Reverend Ben Cooper: 34:41

Okay. Beautiful. What a way to finish my eternity is safe. And that brings us round to a circle that we really just or I don't even know if we actually picked up on what Sandra said. We talked we spoke very early. I might have even been off the mic when we said about salvation. I'm not quite sure now myself, you know, I think the most important thing that anyone can do now is work out your salvation with fear and trembling, trembling, I saved, if we're asking these questions am I saved? And that is a scary question to ask, Am I saved? God is working in you and through you. And when you get to that sort of point, when you get to that point, God, I'm I saved God helped me please. Yes, yes. Oh, yes. It's when we get in a religious skin. And we just take things and we become arrogant. And we dogma sets in and all types of things setting. But the question I asked myself, and I'm so pleased that I have the confidence in Christ to say, Lord, am I saved? Yes, I know you have. I know you're saving us. I know you set us free. So that is what we're going to leave you with today. Sandra has brought a beautiful, very gentle, very interesting, very powerful recap North Korea, underground church exile Afghanistan. Number one on the World Watch list, the underground church refugees, you know, spoken about so much, and she's bought this beautiful book. And as I look across the table there, extreme devotion. Very interesting, very thick book, very powerful book. So wherever you are today, put that in the search engine, extreme devotion, grab yourself a copy, have a read. And as Sandra said, it will bring things into a line of okay, God. I'm all right where I am. Amen. And amen. Santa, we thank you so much for what you brought today. May God bless you and strengthen you. And may God just give you rest as you have a few days away, and whatever that may look like in the name of Jesus, but may God bless everybody on the other side of the mic wherever you are across the world today. You've been listening to Sandra Robson as she brought the persecuted church to the mics today as she does every week. And as we were getting back into the rhythm of the Thursday as we gather whatever your timezone is across the world. It's round about half past 925 past nine here within the UK, we just want to say thank you so much to everybody that shares these podcasts out. Can we please urge you to keep pressing and sharing and, and contacting and communicating with us you can find us on bus about Spotify, I Heart Radio, and so many other social platforms. Thank you so much for joining us on this journey that we are all on a journey, following Christ in the precious name of Jesus. All things are possible to those who believe have a great day. In the name of Jesus, Amen.