Extreme Devotion — Day 341: Extreme Cross

Podcast: Extreme Devotion (Voice of The Martyrs)
Date: December 7, 2025
Host: The Voice of The Martyrs
Episode Theme: The Cost and Power of Following the Cross in North Korea

Episode Overview

This episode powerfully recounts the story of Kik, a young North Korean believer, and his courageous commitment to the cross of Christ despite intense persecution. Through his journey between North Korea and China, listeners grasp the very real dangers and the deep spiritual devotion involved in sharing Christianity in one of the world’s most repressive regimes. The narrative also explores the symbolic and practical meaning of the cross—both as a mark of hope for believers and a target for enemies.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Scripture Setting the Tone

• The episode opens by framing the topic with a poignant scripture:

  "For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ."
  — Philippians 3:18 [00:20]

2. Kik’s Journey: Seeking the Cross

• Kik escapes from North Korea to China, following word-of-mouth to "look for a building with a cross" for help.
• Upon finding the cross, Kik receives not only material aid but also "a new relationship with Jesus Christ."
  [00:32]

3. Discipleship and a Dangerous Mission

• Kik is discipled for three months by the church in China.
• He is compelled to return to North Korea to share his newfound faith, taking with him five Bibles and food for the journey.
  [00:52–01:05]

4. Suffering and Sacrifice at the Border

• Kik and a companion are captured by border guards upon their return.
• The guards discover the Bibles; Kik’s friend is beaten to death with an iron rod, while Kik narrowly escapes.

  "The guard then beat Kik's friend to death with an iron rod. Then they turned on Kik, but he managed to escape."
  [01:15–01:20]

5. Underground Faith Grows

• Kik begins sharing Christ and establishes an underground church in North Korea.
• The church grows, leading to a need for more Bibles. Kik reflects on his friend’s sacrifice and prepares for another risky mission to China.
  [01:26–01:33]

6. The Cross as Hope and Target

• Kik recalls advice: "just look to the cross"—a saying that echoes both spiritual focus and the practical strategy for persecuted believers seeking help.
• The cross, while a beacon for believers, is also a target for enemies:

  "Kik did not realize his enemies were looking for the same sign... They knew that Christians rally under the sign of the cross. Since they opposed Christianity, the cross became their enemy."
  [02:08–02:18]

7. Challenge to Listeners

• The hosts reflect on how the cross divides and inspires:

  "Our spiritual enemy looks upon the cross with fervent disgust, fear and hatred. Are you looking to the cross with the same intensity expressed in joy, hope and gratitude?"
  [02:26]

• Echoes a call for self-examination in devotion and willingness to honor the cross.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "He finally found one, and with it food and clothing. He also found a new relationship with Jesus Christ."
  — [00:43]
• "He remembered how his friend had given up his life trying to bring the word of God back to their homeland."
  — [01:33]
• "Kik remembered the advice given to him some time ago. He simply replied, just look to the cross."
  — [01:51]
• "The cross is controversial. Many people will talk about religion, but the cross makes them uncomfortable and even offends them."
  — [01:57]
• "Are you equally focused on honoring, serving and loving the cross?"
  — [02:26]

Important Segments & Timestamps

• 00:20 — Philippians 3:18 sets the spiritual frame.
• 00:32-00:52 — Kik finds help, discipleship, and faith in China.
• 01:05-01:17 — Arrest, martyrdom of a friend, and Kik’s miraculous escape.
• 01:26-01:33 — Establishment and growth of an underground church.
• 01:51 — Kik’s reflection: “just look to the cross.”
• 02:08-02:26 — The cross as both hope for Christians and a target for opposition; listeners challenged to personal devotion.

Tone & Style

The episode maintains a sober, challenging, and inspiring tone, blending narrative storytelling with scripture and moral exhortation. The language is direct and moving, designed to evoke empathy and stir deeper thought in listeners.

Summary

This episode presents an evocative narrative of faith under severe persecution, symbolized by the cross—a sign of both hope and danger. Kik’s journey is a testament to courage, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion. Listeners are not only informed about the realities faced by North Korean Christians but are also invited to examine their own commitment to the cross and its significance in their lives.