"Multiple sources have reported that North Korea imported refined oil from China immediately after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Chinese leader Xi Jinping exchanged letters on July 11 to mark the 60th anniversary of the two countries’ treaty of friendship, cooperation, and mutual assistance.
The source claimed the most recent shipment of oil far exceeded typical imports of the past.
The source explained that in North Korea, the authorities issue “gasoline tickets” that are used instead of cash to purchase gas at gasoline stations. Considering the number of tickets already issued, it appears the most recent oil import will last more than just a week or two, he said.
...Meanwhile, in return for receiving oil from China, North Korea reportedly agreed to provide mineral resources to China at low cost.
“The Chinese side has been asking for mineral resources,” said the source. “It appears exports of magnesia clinker and metals to China will increase going forward.”" (Daily NK)
Blessed be the Lord who has given rest to his people Israel, according to all that he promised. Not one word has failed of all his good promise, which he spoke by Moses his servant. The Lord our God be with us, as he was with our fathers. May he not leave us or forsake us, that he may incline our hearts to him, to walk in all his ways and to keep his commandments, his statutes, and his rules, which he commanded our fathers. Let these words of mine, with which I have pleaded before the Lord, be near to the Lord our God day and night, and may he maintain the cause of his servant and the cause of his people Israel, as each day requires, that all the peoples of the earth may know that the Lord is God; there is no other. I Kings 8:56-60
Father God, we praise You for the ways in which You use unexpected means to provide rest and blessing to Your people. We are amazed at how You can use evil for Your good purposes. We pray that you would continue to look down upon Your people in North Korea and bring good out of evil schemes. Shine Your face upon Your people, giving them relief and providing for their great need. May they know that You have not left them or forsaken them. Come to their rescue and their aid, and maintain their cause! Let all the earth know that You are Lord!