May You Be the Refuge for the oppressed North Koreans

Elizabeth Salmón, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in North Korea, reported:

“Alongside militarization, food shortages, medical crises, and restrictions on freedom of expression and movement have become rampant in North Korea. During the horrific and compulsory military service, young people barely survive due to a severe lack of food and medicine, sometimes relying only on the food sent by their families. In the particular case of the deployment to Ukraine, many soldiers’ mothers, tragically, did not even know about their children’s movement.”

"Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of the children of mankind! In the cover of your presence you hide them from the plots of men; you store them in your shelter from the strife of tongues. Blessed be the Lord, for he has wondrously shown his steadfast love to me when I was in a besieged city."

Psalm 31:19–21

Good and gracious God, as Your Word declares, we plead that You will be the refuge for North Korean soldiers and civilians who are harshly oppressed. Reveal to them the marvelous love promised in Scripture, and be the refuge for them. Provide food for the starving people, and in that process, let them hear the gospel and receive the blessing of eternal life.

We pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.