Open doors calls for global prayer for North Korea today
North Korean state propaganda reads: “On April 15th, known as ‘Day of the Sun’ to the Korean people, mass celebrations will take place in Pyongyang and other cities in the DPRK (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea). These will be colorful and vibrant. Throughout the world from Lima to Tokyo meetings, seminars and events will take […]
North Korean state propaganda reads: “On April 15th, known as ‘Day of the Sun’ to the Korean people, mass celebrations will take place in Pyongyang and other cities in the DPRK (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea). These will be colorful and vibrant. Throughout the world from Lima to Tokyo meetings, seminars and events will take place. To be in Pyongyang on the Day of the Sun is simply a wonderful experience without parallel.”
As part of the celebration, North Korea and its new leader Kim Jong-Un will reportedly launch a rocket this week which would showcase the country’s ability to fire a missile with allegedly the capacity to reach the continental United States.
Officially there is freedom of religion in North Korea. In practice, civilians do not have any rights. There is no freedom to build churches or to worship in homes. Possession of a Bible or Christian materials is illegal and punishable by death. The proclamation of the Gospel is strictly forbidden. Christian parents can’t even share their beliefs with their children until they are old enough to understand the dangers. Christians are viewed as “a danger to society” or “spies of the traitorous West.”
“For Christians inside North Korea their fear has increased as the government has mandated all the people to bow down to the gods of Kim Il-Sung, Kim Jong-Il and Kim Jong-Un and participate in the celebration,” says Open Doors USA President/CEO Dr. Carl Moeller. “So scrutiny of the estimated 200,000 to 400,000 brave underground Christians has increased during the last few months. Some have been thrown into prisons. There are 50,000 to 70,000 Christians of the estimated 150,000 to 200,000 people living under horrific conditions in those prisons. Also, many North Koreans are chronically malnourished and unemployed.
“But we know that the Christians living under the most brutal regime in the world will be celebrating the true ‘Son’ Jesus Christ in their hearts. Please show your solidarity with Christians there by praying and fasting for them this Sunday and beyond.”