May They Find Jesus, the Treasure in Their Afflictions

“When the names of those to be released were called, one person crawled out because he had no legs, and another had already died, leaving only the family members who had been dragged there under guilt-by-association….” These are the words of author Jang Jin-sung in his novel Camp 15, which depicts the horrors of Yodok concentration camp. Although the storyline is fictional, the characters and the system are documentary. The author testifies that the portrayals of human rights abuses, forced labor, and crimes are actually milder than reality, and that much of North Korea is no different from Yodok. Remembering the people trapped in North Korea, a land no different from a vast prison, we lift them up in prayer.

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.”

2 Corinthians 4:7–10

Lord, we lift up before You the North Korean people, especially those confined in political prison camps. Under the three-generation dictatorship, they endure hunger, abuse, exploitation, and idolatry. Shine upon them the light of the gospel, and bring them into Your salvation. In their unbearable pain and affliction, may they find Jesus Christ, the hidden treasure, and live as victorious Christians through the power of the gospel even in the midst of suffering.

In name of Jesus Christ. Amen.