[imText1]It has been claimed that there are approximately 200~400 thousand underground church members in North Korea.
Karl Moeller, the representative of Open Doors International, which is known throughout the world said, “Based on the evidences gained through our mission work for North Korea, it’s been recently estimated that there are approximately 200~400 thousand underground church members in North Korea”, in the interview with RFA on the 30th.
Dr. Moeller said, “Approximately 40 thousand Christians are imprisoned in prison camps and jails throughout North Korea”.
He also said, “Missions work in North Korea started several decades ago, and we are witnessing the silent expansion of underground churches in North Korea.
He said, “We are secretly sending aids such as food and clothing for the suffering Christians in North Korea, and we are paying attention to training them to endure the persecution from the North Korean government”. He also emphasized, “Christians in North Korea are fleeing from the religious persecution right now, but we need Christians who will remain and sow the seed of hope in North Korea.
Dr. Moeller pointed out that “Besides the Christians, North Koreans hiding in China also need help” and said, “We are planning a overnight prayer meeting on the 28th of next month against the forcible repatriation of North Koreas in front of the Chinese embassy in the United States as part of such effort.
Open Doors also released the result of ‘2006 World Watch List’, a research on the degree of persecution against Christianity throughout the world. The result said North Korea was the worst nation for the past 4 years including this year. The list includes 50 countries that persecute Christian churches, including North Korea.
‘Open Doors International’ was established in 1955 during the Cold War, and carried out mission work in communist countries such as Russia, China and Eastern Europe by delivering the Bibles.
