A recent attempt by a North Korean father in his 40s and his 13-year-old daughter to flee North Korea by way of the Tumen River proved unsuccessful. The father had no way to support his family due to the Covid-19 lockdowns, and he and his daughter had begun to starve. Defection was their last resort. The father was beaten and hauled away by authorities, while the daughter was left alone in their home with no way to get food.
Two young border guards also unsuccessfully attempted to escape across the border for the same reason. "According to the source, the soldiers never talked about being executed by firing squad or any other punishment if they were to return to North Korea. 'Given their extreme fear of starvation, the food situation within the North Korean military seems to be at its worst in years,' he added." (Source: NK Daily)
Now Elijah the Tishbite, of Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab,'As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word.'
I Kings 17:1
All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross, therefore I love your testimonies. My flesh trembles for fear of you, and I am afraid of your judgments. I have done what is just and right; do not leave me to my oppressors.
Psalm 119:119-121
Father God, we see the judgment upon the country of North Korea and we tremble for fear of you. We know that no "dew or rain" or provision can come except by Your word. We pray that you would hear the cries of Your people in North Korea; teach them your justice and righteousness; show them Your might, and do not leave them to their oppressors, we pray. Provide for them, as you did Elijah, in a time of severe famine.
In the name of Jesus, Amen.