World Watch Update: North Korea
Position on the 2017 World Watch List: #1
Leader: Kim Jong Un
Population: 25.4 million (300 000 Christians)
Main Religion: Atheism/Traditional Beliefs
Government: Communist Dictatorship
Sources of Persecution: Communist and post-Communist oppression blended with dictatorial paranoia
While, in theory, North Korea is a Communist country, in practice it’s dominated by a mix of personality cult and Communist rule. Everyone must revere the leadership, making Kim Jong Un an irreplaceable figure in society – not least because he rules the Workers’ Party, the army, the country’s administration and all strands of society.
For three generations, everything in the country has focussed on the reverence of the leading Kim family, and this has not ceased with the youngest generation. Therefore, Christians are seen as hostile elements in society; and they risk imprisonment, torture or death. Due to this danger, they keep their faith secret from even their own family.
With this in mind, please:
- Pray for Kim Jong Un, that he would, like King Nebuchadnezzar, come to know the one true God. Pray for changes within the regime, and that the power of evil will be broken.
- Pray for protection for secret Christians, and for strength and endurance for those in labour camps.
- Pray that Christians in the country will have access to Bibles and fellowship.