Pray for North Korean Christians amid political transition

Christian Post, VOM-USA 21 October 2010 0 minutes read

The recent naming of Kim Jong Un, the youngest son of North Korean dictator Kim Jong Il, as Vice Chairman of the Worker's Party Central Military Commission has led the nation into a political transition which many view as a turning point for the country's Christian population. On October 10, during what is said to be the largest military parade staged by North Korea, the nation was officially introduced to Kim Jong Un, who is expected to succeed his ailing father as the country's leader. Little is known about Kim Jong Un. Some are hopeful that his appointment to leadership will lead to an improvement in the ruthless treatment of Christians in the nation, where believers are regularly imprisoned, tortured and even killed for following Christ.

Ask God to protect and encourage North Korean Christians during these political changes. Pray that believers will be fortified by His love and sustained by His power as they look ahead to the future. Pray that God will reveal Himself to Kim Jong Il and graciously transform his heart and the hearts of his subordinates so that they will embrace Christ.

Learn more about the plight of North Korean Christians by visiting the country profile at the North Korea Country Report.

North Korea

Current Ministry Project
VOMC assists in the education and training of North Korean Christians to enable them to reach fellow North Koreans with the Gospel wherever they are found. VOMC also works with proven ministry partners who are broadcasting quality radio programs to equip and encourage believers of the North Korean underground church.

Project Fund: Underground Church
Country Information
Population
26,072,217 (2023 est.)

Ethnicity (%)
Racially homogeneous; there is a small Chinese community and a few ethnic Japanese

Religion (%)
Juche (99) Christian (1)

Leader
Kim Jong-Un (2011)

Government type
Dictatorship, single-party state

Legal system
Based on Prussian civil law system with Japanese traditions and Communist legal theory

Source: CIA World Factbook
Pray for North Korea
Pray for the safety of the country's refugees – including those who are hiding in various parts of China, as they are frequently being hunted by Chinese and North Korean agents. Ask the Lord to also protect and strengthen believers faithfully serving within North Korea, granting them wisdom as they seek ways to effectively communicate the hope of the Gospel so the church can continue to grow. And like the Apostle Paul, may the country's primary political leader, Kim Jong Un, experience a profound life-changing encounter with our Lord Jesus Christ who is longing to extend love, mercy and forgiveness toward him (Acts 9).