Speaking about the Church in North Korea, Open Doors Staff say: “Of course God is at work! Of course prayers help.” But even after years and years of prayer for North Korea, it seems that the situation in the country grows worse by the day. The prison camps, the famine and the fierce persecution of Christians still exist. Has God turned away from North Korea?
Let’s allow Hana (not her real name) to respond. Hana came to faith in North Korea after someone secretly gave her a Bible and spent time with her explaining each book. Almost naturally she started to evangelize other people. God used Hana to convert many people; until not too long ago she was exposed and had to leave her country and family behind. She now lives in South Korea, but doesn’t want her full testimony to be published. “There are too many people who are still Believers and I don’t want them to get into trouble because I talk openly.”
“People really question if God is at work in North Korea,” Hana says. “How can they ask such a question? How can you comprehend His work in my country if you have not experienced Him in North Korea?” “Of course God is at work! Of course prayers help. I am such a weak person. I hardly had any Bible knowledge, but God used me to explain the Gospel to others. Sometimes, God sent me on the road. I clothed my six-month-old baby, fastened him on the back and I walked for miles and miles and miles. Until I saw some stranger and I knew this was the person I needed to talk to. Because of him or her God had sent me out on the road. I said what I needed to say and went home. Do you think that would be possible without God? Please, tell your friends that they need to continue to pray. God is answering their prayers.”
Hana says, “You know, after Kim Il-Sung died in 1994, so many things changed in our country. Until that time, most people truly believed he was a god. After his death, we realized the leaders were humans like us. Then the famine came and oppression became worse. People became desperate. Since the death of Kim Il-Sung there is an enormous spiritual thirst among North Koreans. Many go to sorcerers or people are possessed by evil spirits. Many succumb to their false religion. The good news is that others find God instead. That’s because our God heals sick people without asking something in return.
“I want to point out one more thing,” adds Hana. “North Koreans do not come to faith because we convince them by our words. Of course we need to verbally explain the Gospel, but more importantly is that we put the Gospel on display. God’s spirit really transformed me. I smiled all day, even though I lived in terrible circumstances. I shared my food, even though I had so little. People saw God’s Spirit at work in me.”
Source: Christian Breaking News
BIBLE STUDY: Psalm 138:7-8
Day 27 – PRAISE: That He is building His people in North Korea, and they are faithful despite the trials.
Day 28 – PRAY: That this martyred Church may be triumphant in taking Christ to their hungry people.