ON OUR KNEES: NORTH KOREA WILL CHANGE

Children walking to school in Pyongyang, North Korea.

I made my first trip to North Korea (NK), the most isolated nation in the world, known as the Hermit Kingdom

Travel to NK is only possible as part of a guided tour. Guides escorted us and kept a close watch over us at all times.

As a foreigner, what I saw was just a tiny glimpse into the unceasing fear that North Koreans experience day in and day out. From the moment I entered the country, I felt like I was in a warzone; with ample military checks, soldiers omnipresent, my speech monitored, guides never leaving my sight, not being allowed to even go near local citizens let alone ask them any questions, and having video cameras in my hotel room.

What is North Korea?

North Korea today is desperate for food aid as millions of their population are starving and dying. In the mid and late 1990s, North Korea suffered a catastrophic famine and an estimated 1-2 million people died. The famine particularly affected children, who continue to suffer from acute malnutrition. Under such desperate times, there is widespread consumption of grass. We saw people and especially children scavenging for food. Today this hunger crisis continues and North Koreans are struggling with starvation.

What was particularly frustrating was seeing vast expanses of rich farm lands in the countryside. Large fields of corn and rice filled the lands, yet this food was reserved only for the Kim regime, the political elites and the military while others had to survive through meagre food ration coupons.

Taking the absolute dictatorship of the Kim regime, the constant monitoring and spirit of fear amongst the citizens, and the forced worship of a deceased leader, North Korea presents a particular challenge, unique from many other countries.

The problems of poverty, famine, political oppression and abuse, and the absolute lack of human rights become dangerously exacerbated when the country as a whole is not willing to fully accept help, and when the people themselves are prevented from helping themselves. What’s worse is that no one on the outside really even knows the extent of suffering going on inside, while the average North Korean on the inside is prevented from knowing the possibility of a better life.

Christians in North Korea have lived through persecution and oppression for over seven decades. Despite extreme persecution, today the Christians not only survived, but there is a growing underground church. There have been reports of a large network of house churches though no one knows the exact number of believers though there have been estimates of between 200,000 to 400,000 believers in North Korea.

While in Pyongyang, I asked God to show me His heart for the North Koreans. As we traveled from the city to the countryside, I saw through God’s eyes, the pain and despair and hopelessness of the people. I was very troubled and felt pain and compassion for the people. “Father, how can we help North Korea? How can this nation be changed?”

Then I heard … “On Your Knees, On Your Knees, On Your Knees”. Yes, Lord, I can pray for North Korea. “Don’t do it alone, share with the Church, the body of Christ worldwide.”

In obedience, I started a prayer network mobilizing Christians around the globe to join this concerted prayer. Over the years, declarations, decrees, prophetic words and intercession have been made before the throne of God. They have filled the golden bowl in the court of heaven and the bowl is about to tip over.