Brother Chun (not his real name) was born in North Korea. Everything there is tightly controlled – from the curated narratives shared over regulated media channels down to the vocational and educational opportunities afforded to individuals. Even the practice of religion is restricted. 

Open Doors lists North Korea as the country in which Christians face the most extreme persecution in all the world. Believers discovered by the authorities either receive life sentences to work in harsh labor camps or they are killed on the spot. Family members may also be rounded up to face the same penalty.

Even under such circumstances, there are an estimated 400,000 Christians in North Korea today. That’s an estimated 1.5% of its 26 million population. Due to the danger, believers do not openly share their faith, and gatherings are risky. Children in Christian families are introduced to the faith only when they can keep it a secret. In Chun’s case, his mother told him about the Bible only when he was old enough to grasp the weight of that information.

Even as a young man, Chun did not feel at ease. He knew his father was originally from South Korea. He yearned to escape and gain his freedom to return to his father’s hometown. Many years passed, and Chun could bear to wait no longer. He tried to enter South Korea by himself. His plan failed, though, and he was instead detained in a neighboring country.

Some nations have agreements to repatriate North Korean refugees to face the bitter consequences of their desertion. By God’s grace, that was not Chun’s fate. Instead, he was eventually released on parole and transferred to a United Nations (U.N.) refugee camp. There, Chun began the long application process of seeking permission to be resettled in South Korea.

Against this backdrop of oppression and secrecy, TWR continues its mission to Reach the Last, sharing hope with those who rarely if ever have the change to encounter it.

TWR partners with nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to help provide remote follow-up ministry to North Korean refugees. These individuals often experience deep loneliness and isolation, and we believe their hearts may be open to hear the gospel. Before, no one would have openly shared the gospel with them in North Korea.

Follow-up workers from TWR Korea connect with each of these North Korean refugees throughout the week, engaging on various levels:

• A 60-minute call to listen to their struggles. This is an opportunity to counsel, pray and share Bible verses to encourage and comfort them.


• Exchanging WhatsApp messages during the week.


• Sharing biblical audio programs presented in the Korean language.


• Inviting them to join an online Bible-study and worship session on Sundays.

During his time at the U.N. refugee camp, Chun attended one of these weekly online worship services conducted by TWR Korea. That was how we first met him and later provided ongoing support during his transition to life in South Korea.

When Chun’s application was finally approved, he began the challenging transition to a new life in South Korea. Many refugees experience isolation, anxiety and culture shock from living in such a different environment. While the South Korean government does have policies to assist with the transition, some refugees still struggle to adapt.

Thank God that Chun made the transition well! He is currently serving as a deacon at a church for North Korean refugees. He takes care of the church and is always filled with thanksgiving.

How the gospel reaches North Korea

To encourage believers in North Korea, TWR broadcasts 16 programs a week on shortwave radio. These serve as a spiritual lifeline to an estimated 400,000 believers in the North Korean underground church. 

Shortwave radio broadcasts are a safe, secure way by which TWR shares biblical programs with listeners in North Korea. They are not easily turned off or blocked; they cannot be traced; they leave no digital footprint; and best of all — the transmitted content cannot be censored or edited.

Here are some of the unique ways TWR is ministering over the airwaves to North Korean listeners:

• Bible study programs provide essential spiritual food. One program even presents an entire Sunday church service over the airwaves.


• Evangelistic programs reach out to atheists and agnostics to share the gospel in an environment where direct evangelism is not possible.

The diverse lineup of programs was developed to address the spiritual needs of our North Korean brethren. Because believers are unable to gather or share their faith, TWR is using radio to stand in the gap and serve as an essential source of nourishment and encouragement for their souls.

Because of the extreme security, it is rare to receive messages from listeners in North Korea. TWR’s Korean national partner is always greatly encouraged to receive these precious responses. Here are several messages we received: 

"I have no words to express our gratitude after receiving these precious and warm, loving supports from you. We pray that faith, hope and love will be with all the brothers and sisters around the world."

"We are filled with joy, and it feels as if you are close by whenever we receive these precious supports and when we listen to your voice on the radio."

TWR staff members.

[analysis]

[title]One more year[/title]

[photo][/photo]

[text]At Evangelical Focus, we have a sustainability challenge ahead. We invite you to join those across Europe and beyond who are committed with our mission. Together, we will ensure the continuity of Evangelical Focus and Protestante Digital (Spanish) in 2025.

Learn all about our #OneMoreYearEF campaign here (English).

[/text][/analysis]