Source: www.csw.org.uk
Date: May 2, 2020
You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Psalm 139:2-3
The Bible reminds us repeatedly that God knows everything about everyone and everything he has created. His power and love stretch to every corner of the earth, every prisoner in a cell by themselves, every place that’s inaccessible to reporters or activists.
This week, please pray this verse over North Korea. One of the world’s worst violators of human rights is also one of the world’s most closed-off countries, and this makes it incredibly difficult to get information out at the best of times. There are now real concerns about the spread of the coronavirus in the country.
The government claims there are no cases of COVID-19 in North Korea, but reports suggest that’s not true. A source in the military stated that almost 200 soldiers have died of COVID-19-like symptoms, while prisoners have been dying of ‘respiratory problems’. In January the country closed its borders, meaning that China – which has a shared border – is unable to forcibly repatriate North Korean refugees who have crossed over.
Meanwhile, you may have heard the news reports about serious concerns for the health of Kim Jong-Un, the North Korean ruler. Nothing has been confirmed yet, but if he were to die it would hugely destabilise the country.
The secretive nature of the North Korean regime means we’re unlikely ever to know the truth about the extent of the coronavirus there, but our Lord knows about and cares for every single person. Join us in lifting them to him today.
In summary, please pray:
- For healing and protection for everyone in North Korea affected by COVID-19.
- That even when the borders re-open, China would stop its policy of forcibly repatriating North Korean refugees.
- That the coronavirus pandemic will cause a shake-up at the highest levels of the North Korean regime, and that the country will become freer and more democratic as a result.