North Korea
Death of Kim Jong-Il may not change much for North Korean Christians
Following the death of North Korea's reclusive leader Kim Jong-Il, observers are warning that Christians and adherents of other underground religions should not expect a major policy change from the former leader's proposed successor, his third son, Kim Jong-Un.
Kim Jong-Il spent most of the last 18 months of his life ensuring that Kim Jong-Un would survive as the ruler. Brother Simon, Open Doors' main contact for North Korea says, "Since [Kim Jong-Un] came closer to the helm, North Korea has stepped up its attempts to uncover any religious activities. There have been more house raids, more spies trained to infiltrate religious and human rights networks and one South Korean Christian was murdered in China because he helped refugees."
"Kim Jong-Un was only designated as the next leader in October 2010, during a rare Worker's Party Congress. He is young and inexperienced. There may be a power struggle, which he may not win. On the other hand, the clique around the Kims has been able to hold the ropes for over six decades."
"Like the rest of the world, North Korean refugees were shocked to learn that the 'Dear Leader' has passed away. Few will mourn him, but it is hard to imagine that the man they used to worship is gone.
"I am just happy I do not have to stand in line to cry like a madman," says one refugee. "Some may act like they are sad, but others are genuinely ignorant, like I was ignorant about the Kims once too."
Another refugee says, "I am not sad. How can I be sad after the things he has done to me and my family? We were separated and I had to live on the streets as a child. I am worried about the future though. There may be a power struggle. Anything can happen."
During this power shift, Open Doors calls on Christians to pray that the inhumane dictatorial rule which has characterised the Kim dynasty will change radically, allowing basic human rights and freedoms.
This Christmas, pray that the light of Christ will miraculously penetrate every heart in North Korea and that the thousands of starving, homeless children will find love and shelter in a home with a believer.
Download resources to help you pray for North Korea
Source: Open Doors, The Daily Telegraph
Please pray:
1. For real change both politically and economically. Pray that all citizens will be free to live how they want and believe what they want.
2. For the dismantling of the notorious labour camps, such as Yodok and Hoeryong, which hold more than 1 per cent of the population. Among them are 50,000 to 70,000 Christians, who are considered 'enemies of the state'.
3. That North Korea will develop an effective economic policy that will end the chronic famine
4. That North Korean Christians will gain a new boldness and will seize opportunities to tell others about the Christmas story of Jesus' birth.
Source: Open Doors
