NORTH KOREA: HOPE THAT PRISONERS MIGHT BE RELEASED

The punishments facing people in North Korea are notoriously horrific, with Christians among those brutally targeted. But there is cautious hope that some prisoners might be released after the North Korean government launched an investigation into its own harsh punishments. Why, and could Christians prisoners be released?

Whilst the government has not explained its motives, those who follow what’s happening in the country believe it could be aimed at appeasing public anger and improving its image prior to the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Workers’ Party on 10 October.

PUNISHED FOR OWNING A HAND-WRITTEN PIECE OF THE BIBLE

The harsh punishments meted out to North Koreans, including Christians are pretty severe and can range from five years simply for owning and sharing foreign music and media to whole families being arrested because of their suspected Christian faith.

Christians face horrific consequences if their faith is discovered. Some have been executed, sometimes in front of a large crowd as a warning to others. Many are sent to labour camps, where they experience starvation, forced labour and abuse. Many do not survive.

One defector recounted how her father was interrogated daily, denied food and tortured for owning a handwritten copy of John’s Gospel. Eventually, he died from his punishments. In another incident, a young Christian woman was arrested because a neighbour reported seeing her praying. She was taken for questioning, beaten and sent to a re-education camp. Her family was forced to watch as police ransacked their home for hidden Christian materials.

Many flee North Korea in search of a better life – a move that carries huge dangers of its own. Neighbouring country China does not recognise them as refugees and often repatriates them back to North Korea, where they face extreme punishment – especially if they have had contact with Christians or churches.

A growing underground church

Despite extreme danger, God is very much still on the move in what’s the most dangerous country for someone to follow Jesus.

“The underground church in North Korea is growing,” says Simon*, Open Doors’ coordinator for North Korea ministries. “Believers meet in secret, whisper their prayers, and share the gospel in ways that cannot be detected. A former prisoner who became a Christian while in a North Korean labour camp said, ‘Even in darkness, God finds us. Even in suffering, He is with us.’”

One way God is with our North Korean family is through an Open Doors radio ministry that broadcasts programmes into North Korea from outside the country.

“You allow us to hear God’s voice,” says a believer. “We’re thirsting for the Holy Spirit, and you quench our thirst.”

PRAY FOR North Korean Christians?

Firstly, pray for them. Many underground believers say their greatest request is not to escape from persecution but to remain faithful under persecution. Pray for their strength, protection, and that they would continue to be a light in darkness.

Thank you for continuing to stand with our North Korean family. It means so much to them and the impact is immeasurable.