North Korea

Region	Asia
Sources of Persecution	Dictatorial Paranoia
Population	25,611,000
Christian Population	300,000
Religions	Juche
Government	Communist State
Leader	Supreme Leader Kim Jong-Un
Score	94/100

North Korea has been ranked as the hardest country to live as a Christian since 2002. Christians face extreme levels of pressure and violence in all areas of life, even just owning a Bible is illegal. Many Christians memorise parts of the Bible and then destroy it. Others hide their Bibles, reading it when they’re sure they are alone.

All citizens are taught to worship Kim Jong-un from a very young age. Many Christians live as secret believers, and don’t even share their faith with their children or family. If Christians are discovered, they are sent to labour camps, tortured or even killed on the spot. Their families, considered guilty by association, share the same fate.

It is almost impossible for believers to gather and worship. The only visible churches are propaganda churches for foreigners to see on guided tours. But despite this, the underground church in North Korea is alive

Story

“When [my friend] came to faith, he made a decision that one day he would die for Christ. Every Christian in North Korea has made that choice… I am convinced he can take the suffering because he constantly reminds himself of the joy that is set before him.” – Christian from North Korea.

This Christian’s friend was arrested when the police found a Bible in his home. He was badly beaten and imprisoned for his faith in Jesus.

Our Work

Our ministry to North Korean Christians includes emergency relief like food, shelter and medicine; distributing Bibles; and strengthening the church through radio broadcasts.

Pray for North Korea

“There are a lot of struggles and obstacles in our daily lives; however, we have Jesus Christ who is the way, the truth, and the life.” – Christian from North Korea.

Pray for North Korean believers to fix their eyes on Jesus in the midst of suffering.

Pray for God to provide for persecuted Christians who desperately need food, water and shelter.