CHINA — Since 2002, North Korea has been the place where Christians face the most extreme persecution. In response Open Doors secret fieldworkers are supporting Christians who’ve managed to flee to China, through underground networks.

Across the river from North Korea, in China, they run secret safe houses for North Korean Christians who have managed to escape. Through secret networks in China, they’re also able to provide vital food and spiritual support to more than 90,000 North Korean believers.

Peter, not his real name – is among the extremely courageous Open Doors workers who work with North Korean believers. His role is very dangerous, but knowing he is supported by believers around the world gives him encouragement and strength.

Peter* (name changed for security reasons)

“I remember one night – it was a very cold winter. The temperature dropped below -28 degrees C. It was one o’clock in the morning. I was to meet a local contact at a certain place. But he did not answer my calls and he was not there.”

Peter’s job is extremely dangerous. He works for Open Doors, supporting North Korean believers.

“I tried to contact him for three hours. It was about four o’clock in the morning. Suddenly the phone rang. It was his number. But when I answered it was a strange man. He asked me, ‘who are you?’ Then it struck me what had happened. Immediately I smashed my phone with a stone and threw it in a drain hole.

“With nowhere to go I stood all night in the freezing cold and then I quickly left the city. Later, I found out that my contact was being investigated by the police and even agents from North Korea.”

North Korea is the most dangerous country in the world to be a Christian. Through your help Open Doors’ secret networks in China support 90,000 North Korean believers.

Pete works with those who have managed to flee to China.

“My works is to meet North Korean who have already heard of Jesus at some time in their lives to help them survive the North Korean system if they go back. I provide them with spiritual and physical help. This helps the underground church to preserve her faith from within North Korea.

“Among all the countries of the world, Christians in North Korea are the most persecuted. Even at this moment, they go through tribulations and pain, but they still looks to God and pray to God. We need to remember our brothers and sisters there. We need to pour out our hearts for the believers.

“Your prayers will strengthen them to worship God in the land. Thanks to your prayers and support, they still remain faithful believers in the land.”

Read more news on North Korea and Christian Persecution on Missions Box.

About Open Doors UK

Open Doors is a non-denominational mission that supports persecuted Christians in over 70 countries where Christianity is socially or legally discouraged or oppressed. In their work, they provide vital support, training, and resources to those facing persecution or discrimination.

Resources that they provide include distributing Bibles and literature, running leadership training, assisting with socio-economic development and intercessory prayer. They also help victims of violence and disaster, including widows and orphans, with practical support such as relief aid, livelihood support, and community development projects.

Their vision is of a world in which every Christian who is persecuted is remembered and supported by other Christians. They pray for a world where there is no persecution.