Tuesday, October 10, 2006 · no responses · comments closed

North Korea’s nuclear test this weekend brought the spiritual needs of its people into sharper relief. Sunday morning I read the October issue of The Voice of the Martyrs Newsletter, which focused on North Korean Christians risking all to return to their country to share the gospel. According to Crossing Borders, North Korean dictator Kim Jong-Il starved to death 2 million citizens between 1995 and 1998. Basic living conditions are so terrible in North Korea that many cross the border into China, where they risk immediate deportation if found by authorities or capture and forced labor and prostitution if discovered by unscrupulous Chinese citizens. In spite of the grim prospects they face in China, North Koreans find them a better choice than staying in their own country.

One might wonder what could induce someone to return to North Korea, especially since those suspected of being Christians are guaranteed imprisonment, torture, and possible execution at the hands of their government. The state religion says that North Korea is an earthly paradise and that Kim Il Song, father of the current dictator, is a divine being who still guides the country though dead. These North Korean believers have discovered the true Savior, and they desire to bring hope to their families and friends. Crossing Borders estimates that 99% of North Koreans have never heard the name of Jesus, so truly, this is a field ripe for harvest. Roli, a Christian who has made more than 100 trips into North Korea to share the gospel, said that,

When I first started this work I was nervous and I would be afraid and when I came back [to China], I would say, “This is dangerous work” and “I am not going to do it anymore.” But when I thought of the people in North Korea I changed my mind and decided to go back.

Reading of Roli and of other believers who have been tortured and killed for their faith puts my life and problems in perspective. I’m ashamed that I sometimes complain that a sermon was boring or a repeat of concepts I already know while many Christians in North Korea have only gospel tracts or pieces of the Bible, and yet those little pieces of God’s truth sustain them.

There is good news in Korea: the gospel is being preached and brave brothers and sisters are risking all to share hope. As the world looks at North Korea, afraid of what they might do next, Christians need to look at North Korea and act. We can

• learn about our brothers and sisters: Crossing Borders is a good starting point.
• pray for the spread of the gospel in North Korea
• give to the Voice of the Martyrs “Light to North Korea“ Fund
• subscribe to the Voice of the Martyr’s Newsletter; it’s free and will keep you updated on how God is working in North Korea and around the world

The conclusion of the Newsletter article is a timely reminder of what we are about as we help these bold believers:

We are committed and privileged to stand with our brothers and sisters as long as the brutal regime of Kim Jong Il stands against them. As we equip, encourage and support them, we know we will also stand with them in front of the throne in eternity. The recipe for victory in this eternal battle for North Korea will not involve tanks, planes or guns. All that is need is more believers like Roli.

I pray you’ll join me in serving this cause!