A special call to participate in the Global Week of Prayer for North Korea was issued by the South Korean Church when it declared 2007 as the International Year of Prayer for North Korea.
This year is particularly significant as 2007 is the centenary year of the 1907 Pyongyang Great Revival. The Global Week of Prayer is supported by a broad range of denominational bodies and Christian agencies across the world.
The call to prayer is a reflection of the grave concern that exists over the spiritual and physical condition of North Korea. Violent persecution has eliminated a previously strong Christian presence and ruthless punishment is meted out against those who are discovered following the Christian faith. State-wide enforced idolatry of the political leadership, a ruthless ban on the gospel and the imprisonment and execution of Christians are realities in North Korea today.
During the week of prayer, churches are being encouraged to include prayer for North Korea in their services, and home groups and prayer meetings are also encouraged to focus on the dire needs of the country. Numerous resources to facilitate a variety of meetings are available at the inter-agency website, www.pfnk.org.
Prayer events are planned in various countries during the week. In London, Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) is encouraging people to join an evening of prayer at Raynes Park Methodist Church, Worple Road, on Friday 29 June from 7pm.
The prayer event on Friday 29 June will be taking place at 7pm at Raynes Park Methodist Church, Worple Road, Raynes Park, SW20 8ET. Nearest train station: Raynes Park.
The week of prayer follows the release of a major report by Christian Solidarity Worldwide this week which concludes that North Korea’s severe human rights abuses consitute crimes against humanity. The report also presents evidence of the deliberate annihilation of Christians and identifies indicators of genocide against Christians in North Korea.
Stuart Windsor, CSW’s National Director said, “The contrast between the spiritual climate in North Korea today and one hundred years ago could not be starker. It is vital that the church awakens to the urgent need to pray for North Korea. We pray that as the church rises up on behalf of its beleaguered brothers and sisters, a tidal wave of prayer will sweep away the darkness and usher in the light and love of God once again. We hope that all Christian groups and individuals will respond to this call to pray.”
CSW is a human rights organization which specializes in religious freedom, works on behalf of those persecuted for their Christian beliefs and promotes religious liberty for all.
To download a copy of CSW’s major report launched this week, North Korea: A Case to Answer – A Call to Act, visit: www.csw.org.uk/Countries/NorthKorea/Resources/North_Korea-A_Case_to_Answer-A_Call_to_Act.pdf
For more information, please contact Penny Hollings, Campaigns and Media Manager at Christian Solidarity Worldwide on 020 8329 0045, email [email protected] or visit www.csw.org.uk.
© 2007 ASSIST News Service, used with permission
