day 1: north korea

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” – (Isaiah 43:2)

Choi was born in North Korea, a nation where every aspect of life is tightly controlled—from the curated narratives spread through state-regulated media to the limited vocational and educational opportunities available. Any practice of religion is strictly forbidden.

According to Open Doors, North Korea is the most dangerous place in the world to be a Christian. Believers discovered by authorities face immediate execution or life sentences in brutal labor camps. Their families also risk being arrested and subjected to the same fate.

Despite such extreme persecution, an estimated 400,000 Christians—around 1.5% of North Korea’s 26 million people—continue to follow Christ in secret. They cannot openly share their faith, and gathering for worship is a life-threatening risk. Children born into Christian families are only introduced to the faith when they are old enough to understand the grave consequences of being discovered. Choi’s mother waited until he could grasp the weight of such knowledge before she told him about the Bible.

Even as a young man, Choi felt a deep unrest. His father had been born in South Korea, and Choi longed to escape and return to his ancestral homeland. For years, he waited—but the desire for freedom grew too strong. When he finally attempted to cross into South Korea, his plan failed. He was captured and detained in a neighboring country.

Many nations have repatriation agreements with North Korea, meaning defectors are often sent back to face horrific punishment. But by God’s grace, Choi was spared. Instead of being deported, he was placed on parole and transferred to a United Nations (U.N.) refugee camp. There, he began the long and uncertain process of seeking resettlement in South Korea.

At last, his application was approved. But freedom brought its own set of challenges. Many North Korean refugees experience deep isolation, anxiety, and culture shock as they adjust to a vastly different society. While the South Korean government provides transitional support, adaptation remains difficult for many.

By God’s mercy, Choi made the transition well. Today, he serves as a deacon at a church for North Korean refugees, caring for the congregation with a heart full of thanksgiving. His journey—from oppression to freedom, from secrecy to service—is a testament to God’s faithfulness.

“According to Open Doors, North Korea is the most dangerous place in the world to be a Christian.”

DID YOU KNOW?

  • An estimated 50,000 to 70,000 Christians are imprisoned in North Korea’s notorious system of prisons and labor camps. 
  • North Korea has a command economy in which the state controls all means of production, and the government sets priorities for economic development.
  • The North Korean population, which has been isolated mainly since 1945, is almost entirely Korean.
  • North Korea follows the Juche calendar, which starts from 1912—the birth year of Kim Il-sung. So, instead of 2025, North Korea is currently in Juche 114.
  • Citizens have no access to the global internet. Instead, they use a state-run intranet called “Kwangmyong”, which only contains government-approved content. 

HOW TO PRAY

  • Pray for the spread of the gospel and for multiplying house churches among the North Korean people.
  • Pray for an accurate New Testament translation to become available in Korean Sign Language.
  • Pray for a mighty movement of prayer to be birthed in P’yongyang (national capital) that multiplies throughout the country.
  • Pray for followers of Jesus to walk in the power of the Spirit.
  • Pray for the effectiveness of Christian radio broadcasts into North Korea

  • Pray for those imprisoned for their faith, that God would comfort them and use their testimony to draw others to Christ.

  •  Lift up secret Bible distribution efforts, that God would protect those involved and multiply His Word across the nation.
  • Pray for the day when the church in North Korea can worship freely, and that many would come to faith when that door opens.
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DAY 2: THE AFAR