North Korea enacted the ‘Self-Defense Law’ in August 2022, mandating the establishment of self-defense organizations in institutions, enterprises, groups, and people’s units. As a result, the burden and fatigue of residents who must take turns providing security have increased, and recently, the procedures for self-defense have been tightened, leading to growing discontent. For instance, in the people’s unit of Hamhung City, residents must pass through the security office of the people’s unit to visit someone else’s home. They express frustration, questioning why they need to show their citizen ID just to visit a comrade’s house, which has led to friction with the self-defense measures.
“Jehovah executes righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed. Bless Jehovah, all you who are created in His image, and all who dwell in the places He governs. Bless Jehovah, O my soul!” Psalm 103:6, 22 (North Korean Version). We lift up the daily life of North Korea, where control and surveillance have become commonplace. May cracks form in the oppressive system of the North Korean regime, which seeks to turn the entire country into a watchtower, leaving no small gap in daily life to observe every move of the residents. Grant that the underground church believers, who strive to keep their faith, may find it easier to share the Gospel and evangelize.
We pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen!
