Firsthand accounts tell of atrocities in North Korea

Open Doors USA launches resource site for media SANTA ANA, Calif. — Under the totalitarian Kim regime in North Korea, details about day-to-day living there are often scarce. Open Doors USA recently launched a new online resource for media detailing the human rights violations and oppression of the regime. The website provides firsthand accounts, photos, […]

Open Doors USA launches resource site for media

SANTA ANA, Calif. — Under the totalitarian Kim regime in North Korea, details about day-to-day living there are often scarce. Open Doors USA recently launched a new online resource for media detailing the human rights violations and oppression of the regime. The website provides firsthand accounts, photos, videos, stats and interview opportunities. The firsthand accounts detail living through prison camps, escaping the country, starvation, beatings and human trafficking.

Open Doors USA estimates there are tens of thousands of Christians in camps, restricted villages or otherwise imprisoned, many of whom are suffering under unthinkable conditions.


In addition, the organization is calling attention to North Korea in early November. On the third at 5 p.m. PT, David Curry, president and CEO of Open Doors USA, is hosting a webinar to provide the latest persecution updates. He will be joined by South Korean Pastor Min-soo, who will provide firsthand accounts on North Korea. The efforts are part of the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church on Nov. 4. Individuals and churches are encouraged to participate and can access free, downloadable resources from the Open Doors website. Resources include:

  • Prayer guide
  • Videos
  • Sermon outline
  • Bulletin insert
  • Poster
  • Infographic
  • Online prayer wall

According to Curry, the International Day of Prayer is an important reminder for Americans living in Western countries.

“The situation in North Korea is dire. We must support North Koreans with our prayers because many have said our prayers can be felt and provide strength,” said Curry. “We must never forget those who are facing the unimaginable simply because of where they live.” 

Open Doors USA is asking for prayers for:

  • Protection, strength and endurance for North Korea Christians who face persecution from state authorities and their non-Christian families, friends and neighbors;
  • North Korean President Kim Jong-un and his regime to come to know the one true God and open his country to the Gospel for healing and restoration;
  • God to move in Kim Jong-un to release the estimated 50,000 Christians who are unjustly held in detention centers and prison camps throughout the country;
  • The underground church to grow in boldness and be ready for widespread evangelism efforts when the opportunity arises; and
  • Kim Jong-un to allow for the creation of new churches where North Koreans can freely worship.

More information on North Korea can be found here.

INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES INCLUDE:

  • Hea Woo, a North Korean Christian who once lived in a prison camp (Korean translator will be needed, no on-camera interviews)
  • Thomas Muller, World Watch Research expert on North Korea
  • Pastor Min-soo, a persecuted pastor who fled North Korea and can speak to the atrocities in his home country (no on-camera interviews, available Nov. 5 – 6)
  • David Curry, president and CEO of Open Doors USA, who can discuss ways Americans can support those who are persecuted in North Korea and around the world.

About Open Doors USA

For more than 60 years, Open Doors USA has worked in the world’s most oppressive and restrictive countries in support of persecuted Christians. Open Doors works to equip and encourage Christians living in dangerous circumstances with the threat of persecution and equips the Western church to advocate on their behalf. Christians are one of the most persecuted religious groups in the world and are oppressed in at least 60 countries. For more information, visit OpenDoorsUSA.org.

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Contact

Christine Cape or Katie Rouse
[email protected]
770.813.0000 or 404.545.0085 mobile
demoss.com/opendoors

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