PERSECUTED CHRISTIANS – NORTH KOREA

The Nation of North Korea is led by Kim Jung – un. The modern-day North Korea was founded by his grandfather – KIMII – sung. The family are worshipped as god’s. Anyone who dares to believe in a higher authority than the Kim family is seen as an enemy of the state. North Korea is regarded as the worst Country to be in as a Christian.

In North Korea we have an estimate of between 200 – 400,000 Christians but really it is difficult to get an accurate figure as the Christians must keep their Faith completely secret. 50 – 70,000 of them are imprisoned in labour camps simply because they have chosen to follow Jesus, but we thank God that despite the risk, The Church of God in North Korea is slowly but steadily growing.

Christians in North Korea are persecuted because they dare to believe in a higher authority than the Kim family. The North Korea regime demands absolute loyalty and obedience and the Kim family are worshipped as gods. Their portraits MUST be hung in all homes and schools. The first words the Parents MUST teach their children are “Thank you Father Kim II- sung.

In North Korea as I said earlier our brethren must keep their faith secret. Ownership of a Bible or part of it must be hidden and read when it is safe to do so. Our brethren can’t even share their faith with their young children for fear of them telling somebody.

Any Christian discovered is arrested and imprisoned in the terrible labour camp where they are worked like slaves and tortured, most are never able to escape. Despite all the persecution our brethren still declare that knowing Jesus is worth the risks they face. The Church of God is not only surviving but growing. There is great hope for the future. They believe that one day the borders will open, and North Korean Christians will be united with The South Korean and Chinese Church to spread The Gospel to the darkest places on earth and also the darkness in the labour camp. Our God is at work!!!

Despite the persecution we see the determination of our brethren. We see lives sold out to Jesus Christ. We see a focus on the finished work at Calvary. They are not moved by the distraction of persecution. They continue to offer unparalleled service in The Vineyard. Truly presenting their lives as a living sacrifice. No compromise. O what Faith. Their focus is on the propagation of The True Gospel, reaching out to the lost and making Disciples of men. These brethren are not casual, they are dedicated, committed to the Kingdom labour regardless of the challenges. Their eyes are fixed on THE CROSS and its provision. They trust God always to equip them and meet their needs. Indeed, God is faithful. We see this through the work of OPEN DOORS MINISTRY

The OPEN DOORS MINISTRY stands on Revelations: 3 v 2a to “strengthen what remains and is about to die.” Their work in North Korea focuses on meeting the needs of our persecuted brethren, Distribution of Books and Christian Materials, Training through radio broadcast, Provision of training and materials to North Korean believers in China.

PRAYERS.

·      Let us thank God for our persecuted brethren in North Korea. Ask God to strengthen them. They will not be discouraged.

·      Ask God to raise up intercessors for our brethren.

·      Father give us a burden for our brethren, we will not be selfish.

·      Pray for God’s protection especially those imprisoned in the labour camp.

·      Pray that the Leader of North Korea Kim Jung -un will encounter Jesus Christ and the doors of that Nation will be open for the Gospel to permeate the Nation.

·      Pray that the recent meeting between Donald Trump and Kim Jung – un will provide a positive step forward for Christians in that Nation.

·      Pray that every ban preventing access to Christians be lifted in Jesus name, amen.

·      Lift up OPEN DOORS work force, as they labour over our brethren in North Korea.

·      Let us pray that God will enlarge their coast in North Korea and every other place they labour in.