The North Korean authorities are strictly limiting Pyongyang residents to visit the border areas, as well as limiting residents at the border to visit Pyongyang. Receiving Pyongyang’s travel pass is almost impossible, even with bribery or with reasonable purposes to visit families and relatives. Additionally, Chinese residents in Pyongyang who often travel back and forth to China say that they are giving up on visiting the border because of the difficult visa screening. One source explains that the reason for this strict control is to prevent news from Pyongyang leaking outside and to prevent outside news from the border from reaching Pyongyang. We pray that the influx of external information, including the gospel, will provide the foundation for change in North Korea.
“Through the victories you gave, his glory is great; you have bestowed on him splendor and majesty. Surely you have granted him unending blessings made him glad with the joy of your presence. Be exalted in your strength, Lord; we will sing and praise your might.” (Psalm 21:5-6, 13)
God, who will be forever praised, we raise up to you the situation of the reinforced monitoring of the traveling by the North Korean authorities. Although they are trying to block people’s eyes and ears by physically blocking the passage between Pyongyang and the border, we proclaim with faith that God’s Word will spread out like light. May the souls of the North Koreans respond to the truth, and grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ to sing and praise your power.
We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
