North Korea No Friend of Christian Missionaries

Being a Christian in North Korea is beyond difficult, and what is even just as difficult is learning about becoming a Christian in North Korea because Christian missionaries are not welcomed by the oppressive dictatorship of North Korea.

Did you know that North Korea starves their people of food and the gospel? It's true, which is why Voice of the Martyrs goes into the region.  Some VOM contacts report of citizens receiving no salaries for working at government factories, eating noodles on the ground covered in dirt and making porridge from grass. Even more tragically, they are not allowed to talk about religion. Those reported ministering to others are taken from their homes in black government vehicles and never heard from again.

Did you know that in North Korea, items like Bibles, song books or even scraps of paper that have Scripture written on them are are meticulously searched for, confiscated and destroyed by customs agents.  And sources from VOM’s ministry to North Korea testify that this is done to maintain complete allegiance to the propaganda, statues and slogans hailing Kim Jong Il. Most missionaries must resort to using food and clothing as their evangelistic tools?giving them with the love of Christ?as edible food and decent clothing are scarce and too costly. When VOM associates tell recipients that Christians in the U.S. sent the gifts, their deepest gratitude is expressed.

Unfortunately because of these oppressions from North Korea, many North Koreans desperately seek peace and happiness through drugs and gambling. “Jung Choe” often visited fortunetellers in search of hope and a better life. It is reported by a VOM contact that when Jung was asked what she gained from them, she replied that she gained nothing. Like many North Koreans, she knew nothing of God or eternal life, and once the love and forgiveness of Christ, along with the reality of heaven and hell, were explained to her, Jung asked, “What must I believe in my heart,” and was led in the sinner’s prayer.

Amazing what happens when people are given the truth.  They get saved.

Mark your calender for the The Global Week of Prayer for North Korea which starts on June 19th.