NORTH KOREA: ‘WE ARE LIKE A JEWEL THAT’S BURIED IN THE GROUND THAT WILL NEVER LOSE ITS BRIGHTNESS’

“Thanks to you, we are like a jewel that’s buried in the ground yet will never lose its brightness.” That beautiful image was shared by a North Korean Christian who is receiving help from Open Doors secret fieldworkers, having managed to flee to another country. 

Even after escaping, it’s far from simple for North Korean believers to live out their faith openly – but your gifts and prayers are helping Christians keep going. As this believer says, they will never lose their brightness.

Through underground networks in China, Open Doors supports North Korean Christians in a number of ways. That includes food, medicine, clothes and other essentials – as well as Christian material, Bible studies, safe houses and pastoral care. For persecuted men, women and children who have been given so little in their lives, it truly is a God-send. 

Recently, a number of North Korean Christians shared how much they appreciate the support of the worldwide church, and what it has made possible. 

“We, North Korean Christians, have to walk the narrow road,” says a Christian from North Korea. “There are persecution, trials and other troubles. Some waiver. Only those who view themselves in the mirror that is God’s Word and who train their heart can walk this way.

“We run with strength to the beautiful future which our Lord has promised us. He gave us the certainty of our salvation. We will get through the difficulties and help each other in unity.” He adds that North Korean Christians can persevere thanks to the help of their foreign brothers and sisters, like you.

‘WE WILL MOVE FORWARD’

Another North Korean Christian shares how he sees the grace of God in the help that Open Doors secret fieldworkers in the region are able to provide – and connects it to Isaiah 55:5: “Surely you will summon nations you know not, and nations you do not know will come running to you, because of the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has endowed you with splendour.”

“According to this scripture, our Lord has poured grace upon grace on the North Korean underground church so that we can remain faithful,” the believer says. “This is more precious than our life. I’m so grateful for the blessings we have received. 

“We want to give thanks also for the lives of the people who have made this possible. We will move forward with responsibility and duty. I believe that our future will be bright and abundant if we continue to be faithful and pass on our faith to the next generation.” 

He ends his message with a heartfelt blessing for Open Doors’ supporters. “I want to thank you for all the items that you’ve given us. I pray that the blessing of the Father be with you, so that all may go well with you and be in good health, and that it may go well with your soul.” 

‘WE WANT TO THANK YOU’

Another believer who has received this help agrees: “We pray you are well in the Lord. We praise Him for His amazing grace upon the North Korean believers.” 

He continues, “Thank you for taking care of the North Korean believers. You are so concerned for us and love us so much. I’m happy to report that we are doing well. We are simply overwhelmed by your amazing love. We want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts. All North Korean believers are re-dedicating themselves to support one another.”

Thank you for all you are doing. Christians from North Korea and the other countries in the World Watch List top 10 countries pay such a high price for following Jesus – but your prayers and gifts show them that they’re not counting this cost on their own.