Pastor Hyun-bo Son, a man of steadfast faith, now finds himself behind bars after a relentless campaign against him by authorities. For years, he led Segero Church in Busan, South Korea, where attendance soared from a mere 20 congregants to over 4,000. This growth, fueled by his dedication and charismatic presence, drew the ire of the country’s Democratic Party, particularly during the COVID-19 restrictions in December 2020. His son, Chance Son, shared the remarkable journey, underscoring the undue challenges faced by his father.
During the lockdown, the government limited gatherings, allowing only 20 members in a space designed for thousands. Defying these regulations, Pastor Son continued to hold services, sometimes attracting over 1,000 worshippers. “My father’s church is built to have 6,000 people. However, allowing just five people or 20 people, however the government wants — he rejected,” Chance Son recounted. The government shut down his church in January 2021, but Pastor Son’s quick thinking saw him move worship services outdoors, leading to the church’s reopening shortly after. This marked only the beginning of his strife.
The introduction of the Anti-Discrimination Act later that year posed a serious threat to the values upheld by many Christians in South Korea. This legislation promoted LGBTQ rights, stirring significant backlash. “Ever since then, until now, no politician has mentioned about the comprehensive Anti-Discrimination law,” Chance noted. Thanks to Pastor Son’s unwavering stance and the unification of local pastors, public protests swelled, with over a million Christians gathering in downtown Seoul to voice their opposition.
In January of the following year, Pastor Son took the initiative to start “Save Korea,” organizing prayer rallies that drew tens of thousands. These events spanned major cities, demonstrating the collective resolve of South Korea’s Christian community. Despite his efforts to inspire unity, troubles continued. In March, Pastor Son faced severe consequences after interviewing Jeong Seung-yoon, a conservative candidate for educational superintendent. “He was just briefly asking the candidate questions about how he will be pursuing education in terms of the LGBTQ, because that’s against the biblical values,” Chance explained. This action led to investigations and multiple lawsuits against the pastor.
Pastor Son has constantly battled legal challenges, racking up more than 20 lawsuits since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. “They’re trying to lawfare him to death, similar to what they did to Trump,” mentioned Rob McCoy, a fellow pastor and friend. The police raid on his home and church in May of this year culminated in his arrest in September. These developments raised serious questions about the rule of law, as Chance Son pointed out, noting that imprisoned pastors typically face only fines for such alleged violations.
As Chance watches his father’s struggles unfold, he stands vigilant, ready to share their story. “It’s been a week since my father was arrested and put behind bars. I haven’t been able to see his face or even hear his voice yet,” he said, revealing the personal toll of this ordeal. Despite the absence of Pastor Son from the pulpit, worshippers at Segero Church filled the void, raising their voices in prayer for his release.
Pastor Son’s spirit remains unbroken. He instructed his congregation before his arrest to remain joyful and prayerful. “Even if I get arrested, please come out more joyfully, please worship God even more faithfully,” Chance recalled. He believes that this persecution may ignite a revival. “I truly believe, as the Bible says, that God can even use what is meant for evil to bring about good,” he stated, highlighting the resilience and hope that defines his father’s mission.
The saga of Pastor Hyun-bo Son serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for religious freedom, where faith and conviction can face severe trials. As authorities continue to press on with their campaign, the unwavering commitment of Son’s family and supporters demonstrates a profound connection to their beliefs and a steadfast resolve to confront what they see as injustice.
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