Why North Korean Christians Pray for You
A stunning look at the lives and faith of North Korean Christians who choose to follow Jesus despite immense cost.
We are committed to lay down our lives for the gospel. We will fulfill the commission and we will never forsake the truth.”
This is just one of several messages that Open Doors recently received from secret Christians living inside North Korea, ranked No. 1 on Open Doors’ 2025 World Watch List. In a place where following Jesus means everyday risk of imprisonment and death, these messages are filled with hope and commitment to Christ.
Another Christian said “I thank God. He deserves our gratitude and honour, because He continuously shows us His love and grace. He has forgiven our sins and blesses us as the children of God. We are also grateful for your prayers. We are proud to be part of God’s Kingdom and are motivated to live for Christ alone. We are able to do that thanks to the strength you give us.”
The hardships that North Korean Christians face are not just spiritual either. For many in North Korea, Christians or otherwise, food is scarce and survival is difficult. One believer mentioned the significance of kimchi, a spicy dish made of fermented vegetables. “Kimchi is very important for us, but the prices are too high, because of the bad economic situation. If we can’t make kimchi, we know that winter will be very hard.”
Despite these difficulties, North Korean authorities insist that the country is in a good spot. “During lectures and gatherings, the officials sing the praises of our leader, describing him as a great teacher, a great father, etc. We must offer him our loyalty. Meanwhile, everyone lives in poverty.”
Another underground church member adds that even “high class” people live in poverty. “Most people lack firewood,” she says. “We cannot cook, and we cannot heat our houses. Inside, it’s just as cold as outside. We have to wear our winter coats indoors and cover ourselves with blankets.”
Living in North Korea means struggling to survive. The combination of physical suffering with the ongoing propaganda makes daily life even harder. In-country sources report many deaths from malnutrition.
Yet, North Korean believers don’t give up.
“We are committed to lay down our lives for the gospel,” one believer says. “We will fulfill the commission and we will never forsake the truth.”
A third believer emphasizes the devotion of the believers she knows: “They are genuine believers who make the days of others brighter. They help them where they can.”
The Word of God is what keeps faithful Christians on their feet.
A third believer emphasizes the devotion of the believers she knows: “They are genuine believers who make the days of others brighter. They help them where they can.”
The Word of God is what keeps faithful Christians on their feet.
“We pray for you, brother or sister, that God may fill you with His abundant grace and love.”
“Just like a tree needs its roots, a Christian community needs the Word of God,” says one North Korean Christian. “Without the Bible, we cannot survive. That’s why we invest a lot of energy into feeding the next generation the Word of God. Only then can we think and act biblically.”
Through its networks in China, Open Doors is able to reach many North Korean Christians who are able to cross the border. This fills these believers with gratitude. These Christians may never see your face, hear your voice or read your name, but they know that you love them, which gives them the strength to continue.
That’s why one secret Christian says, even as he risks everything for Jesus: “We pray for you, brother or sister, that God may fill you with His abundant grace and love.”
