"We thank God there are so many people who are praying for our country. Your prayers strengthen the Christians in North Korea."

In light of the recent defiant missile launches and reported nuclear test by Kim Jong-ll and his regime in North Korea, the eyes of the world are once again nervously watching the impoverished country.

Praying for N. KoreaAccording to a report by Open Doors and the Christian Post, Christian Believers and the underground Church in North Korea are stepping up their intercession and have launched an evangelistic prayer campaign amid the darkness of their oppression.

Carl Moeller, President and CEO of Open Doors USA noted, "Christians in North Korea are suffering terribly for their faith. Of the estimated 200,000 in political prison camps, an estimated 40,000 to 60,000 are Christians."

For all of his tyranny, Kim Jong-ll is said to be afraid of a Christian uprising, citing Christianity as the main factor that caused the fall of communism in Eastern Europe. He is fearful of Christianity gaining a stronghold in his country and bringing down his dictatorship.

The Christian Post report states that while world leaders try to find a way to stop the irrational actions and cruelty of Kim Jong-ll, Believers outside and inside North Korea are joining together in prayer, that the Gospel would go forth and bring freedom for the captives.

A pastor in the underground Church there told Open Doors, "We thank God there are so many people who are praying for our country. Your prayers strengthen the Christians in North Korea."

Source: Michelle A. Vu – Christian Post, Open Doors USA