Pray For…North Korea

Stats
•Population – 22,757,275
•Percentage of Evangelicals – 1.5%
•Total Number of People Groups – 5
•Number of Unreached People Groups – 4
•Major Religion – autonomous religious activities now almost nonexistent
•Human Development Rank – N/A
•Persecution Index – 1

Korea has been autonomous for much of its long history. However, Korea was occupied by Japan in 1905 until after World War II at which time it was split. The North came under Soviet-sponsored Communist control. The South was able to fend off attempts from the North to incorporate the South during the Korean War. Afterward, founder and leader Kim Il Sung adopted a policy of diplomatic and economic “self-reliance”. Since this time North Korea has been known one of the most repressive and isolated regimes in the world denying almost every kind of human right to its citizens. Almost all religious activities that were once practiced by the Korean people are now almost nonexistent. In particular, North Korea is one of the worst perpetrators of persecution against Christians in the world causing Christians to have to practice their faith in deep secrecy. Instead, North Koreans are led to adhere to “Juche” which centers around worship of the country’s leaders. But despite persecution, Christians are quietly adding to their numbers daily, though the exact number is unknown. Due to decades of mismanagement of resources, North Korea has relied on the international aide to help feed their people since the mid 1990’s. In addition, tensions have grown over the past several months between North Korea and its neighbor South Korea due to an incident at sea. This tension could result in devastating repercussions for either country and also some in the international community who may become involved.

•Pray for the Lord to work in the hearts of North Korea’s leaders.
•Ask God to strengthen our brothers and sisters in their time of affliction.
•Pray for God to establish His church in North Korea in His Word.
•Pray to God that He would redeem many to worship Christ.
•Ask God to have His hand over this sensitive situation between North and South Korea.