Unite in prayer for North Korean Christians!

Open Doors is urging its supporters to mobilise prayer for the North Korean church.

Letters received by Open Doors from North Korean church leaders paint a very bleak picture of what life is like for the average North Korean.

"The people don't believe the leaders anymore," writes one church leader. "The entire society is destroyed by the government and transformed to a living hell. There is nothing we can expect of President Kim Jong-Il and Kim Jong-Un anymore, and in private people are very critical."

Despite this discontent, anti-government protests similar to those sweeping the Middle East seem unlikely. Still, the government is afraid of any minor revolt and all signs of dissent are quickly nipped in the bud. Last month's tsunami in Japan has also been a cause of concern to the regime, which fears a similar disaster may hit North Korea. However, their primary concern is not the protection of the people: If there is a calamity, the population must ensure the safety of portraits of Kim Il-Sung and Kim Jong-Il by protecting them in plastic containers.

Open Doors is working to mobilise the church around the world to pray for North Korea and its Christians. In one letter a Christian states: "It makes me very emotional when I think of all the (prayer) support that we receive from around the world. I sing with a joy and gratefulness that comes from deep inside my heart. I can't help feeling an admiration for God's amazing love and His devoted care towards the believers."

Still, life is hard for every North Korean Christian. In 2010 hundreds of Christians were arrested, tortured, sent to labour camps, or even executed.

"The situation in the country is more difficult than ever," another Christian writes. "Your prayers are essential."

Prayer Resources

Use the resources below to raise awareness of the plight of North Korean Christians and to help your church, prayer group or small group to pray strategically for the country and the North Korean church.