NORTH KOREA: LETTER FROM A SECRET CHRISTIAN

A letter from a North Korean Christian is nothing short of a miracle. North Korea is the most dangerous place in the world to follow Jesus — where being discovered can lead to execution or a lifetime in unimaginably cruel and brutal prison. In many cases, even your entire family may be punished alongside you, regardless of whether they knew about your faith.

And yet, despite the extreme danger, there are tens of thousands of our brothers and sisters who follow Jesus in North Korea. “North Korean Christians are among the most devoted believers you can ever meet,” says an Open Doors fieldworker, who works with the North Korean underground church.

“Yet these Christians, because they have so little, are so eternally grateful to [Open Doors] supporters around the world. They are devoted because you are devoted.” 

And one of those believers recently wanted to share his or her gratitude. It would be too dangerous to share how the letter was smuggled out of North Korea, and some details have been edited to avoid anything that could identify this Christian. As you read it, may it help you remember that we are part of a worldwide body of Christ – and that the parts of the body that are suffering the most are our dear family members. 

The letter from a North Korean Christian 

Dear brothers and sisters, 

Have you been at peace in the Lord? 

We have been using your support for our ministry. Many believers are in great need, and we help those who are in the most need. 

We, the North Korean Christians, are united in the same faith as you and devoted to a life centred on the Lord. We strive to prepare and equip the next generation to follow the Word’s guidance and fulfil the Great Commission of our Lord. Under your guidance and support, we grow to be faithful servants of God. We regard this calling as the compass of our lives, and with an unwavering conscience of faith, we are running faithfully with deep devotion to the noble honour and weighty responsibility entrusted to us. 

We could not function as the body of Christ without your unwavering support. I’m so proud of the believers I know. They are steadfast and carry out the tasks they are entrusted with. They stand solidly upon the Rock, which is Jesus Christ. 

Today, I will end my letter here. Thank you and all the people who work for us. 

How you are helping North Korean Christians 

Your support makes it possible for us, through our secret networks outside the country, to equip North Korean believers with Christian materials, provide food aid and medicines, operate safe houses for refugees, and create and broadcast Christian radio programmes that are transmitted into North Korea. 

The Open Doors fieldworker adds his thanks: “None of this would have been possible without the steadfast prayers and generous support of believers worldwide. They know the verse ‘If one part suffers, every part suffers with it’ (1 Corinthians 12:26). Not only do they know it, but they also act upon it. So, thank you, on behalf of our entire team, for everything you do.” 

Please take a moment to pray for your brothers and sisters risking everything to follow Jesus in North Korea, and remember their courage and steadfastness.