It is well known that Christians in North Korea are among the most persecuted in the world. The ruling Kim dynasty, for the last three generations, has been a dictatorship that continues to strip North Koreans of their basic rights. The regime has been especially harsh on Christians by taking away their religious freedom and torturing them because of their faith. Christians in North Korea are considered to be a cancer by the regime as they replace worship of the “Supreme Leader” for worship of God. If discovered, they are tortured, and taken to hard labour in concentration camps. Many opt for clandestine escape to South Korea or China. This is highly risky as, if discovered they can immediately face a firing squad.

Despite this, it is estimated some 30,000 defectors are living in South Korea. Many were encouraged to faith after receiving copies of Mark’s Gospel and leaflets dropped on North Korea by helium filled balloons launched from just beyond the border when the winds were favourable. One of the defectors said: “We began to doubt Kim Jong Un. We wanted to believe in God. We wanted to
come to the free S. Korea. We risked our lives to escape. The balloons and leaflets showed us the truth.” A number of Christian groups in South Korea study weather patterns over North Korea in order to choose the best time to launch weather balloons. Often including a GPS transponder, to track balloons and see where they land.

Rev Eric Foley, co-founder of Seoul USA, a ministry dedicated to supporting defected and underground Christians in North Korea, tells of the bravery of North Koreans who risk their lives to
pass on the Gospel leaflets. “Even in the concentration camps, which are thought to be places of hopelessness, Christians have for more than a generation been engaging in discipleship and evangelism. They regard it as part of their mission field,” he says.”We always want to emphasise North Korean Christians are not in retreat, but have continued for more than 60 years to advance the Gospel with great success. It is the indigenous witness of North Koreans within North Korea that is really proving to see change.”

Source: International Christian Concern; Hello Christian

Bible Study: Revelation 14:6-7

DECEMBER PRAISE God for faithful North Korean Christians who brave persecution and suffering to stand for Jesus.
PRAY blessing on them in Jesus name!