[Prayer] May the Underground Church in North Korea Receive Praise, Glory, and Honor

According to the 'White Paper on Human Rights in North Korea 2025' by the Korea Institute for National Unification, although the North Korean constitution specifies freedom of faith, religious life is effectively prohibited for its citizens. Many defectors testified that they had never heard of or seen religion in North Korea. One defector said, "People who believe in religion are treated as anti-state criminals, and if a hidden Bible is discovered, it is handled as an anti-state crime," adding, "We were educated to know nothing but the Leader." Other defectors testified that talking about religion leads to the extermination of three generations, and shared stories like a brother being executed by firing squad in 2013 for worshipping in a hand-dug underground church. We pray for the persecuted underground churches and believers in North Korea.

"who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."

1 Peter 1:5–7

We lift up the North Korean underground church, which is protected by the power of God. We praise the Lord who refines the faith of North Korean believers through fiery suffering, making it more precious than gold. In God's timing, please set them free so that when Jesus Christ appears, they may receive praise, glory, and honor before all nations.

In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen!

Photo : A handwritten worship songbook used by a North Korean underground church believer