According to Open Doors, there exist an estimate of 400,000 Christians in North Korea, which is less than two per cent of the country’s total population of 26 million people. Here’s an excerpt from their blog.
North Korea is once more the hardest place in the world to follow Jesus, and a brutally hostile place for Christians to live. If discovered by the authorities, believers are either sent to labour camps as political prisoners where the conditions are atrocious, or killed on the spot – and their families will share their fate as well. Christians have absolutely no freedom. It is almost impossible for believers to gather or meet to worship. Those who dare to meet must do so in utmost secrecy – and at enormous risk. Even owning a Bible is a serious crime and will be severely punished.
A report issued in 2022 by The International Bar Association and The Committee for Human Rights in North Korea said that Christians are particularly targeted and exposed to torture in North Korean prisons. “Detention periods have been documented as being longer for Christians than other groups, and witnesses have reported that ‘identified Christians are interrogated for longer periods, usually under torture’, and subjected to some of the worst forms of torture to force them to incriminate others during interrogation,” it said.
DOES THIS EXCLUDE US FROM PERSECUTION?
It is true that Christians in North Korea are being totured and hunted as the day goes by, however, this does not exclude us from persecution. In the book of Matthew, the Bible assures us that we will be persecuted. For some in different part of the World, persecution could be mental, social or physical (violent approach). The fact is that we will be persecuted for the very Jesus we believe in. Some may even dare to throw very harsh words at us. All in all, persecution can’t be averted, it is a proof that you have been called and chosen, it is the seed of our harvest, it is the proof of our Love for Jesus. The disciples of God endured martyrdom and several other Christian leaders were beheaded, some were burnt, while some were hanged. This may not be the case for you or for me, nevertheless, be rest assured that the enemy will continhe making relentless effort to keep us off the feet. The best thing to do when persecuted is to pray. Pray for the strength to overcome, pray for the strength to pray more, pray for others too! Prayer builds up our faith! Never forget (Jude 1:20).
PRAY FOR NORTH KOREA
That being said, Noth Korea and several other parts of the country that are being persecuted daily needs your prayer. Unfortunately we can’t put on a combat with their adversaries but we can pray. Our prayers can go a long way helping those in persecution. Many of us reading this article may not really know what it means to be physically abused and punished for confessing Jesus as King, this is more reason why you should pray for them. Intercessors must arise! They are your brethren and just so you know, Distance has never been a barrier to prayer answer. God will hear us if we cry out to him.
Will you pray today? Join us as we intercede for our brothers. May God deliver every Christian in North Korea and around the world that are persecuted! Show us your mercy Jesus! Amen!
