Extreme Devotion: North Koreaনমুনা

A Witness in the Underground

While growing up in North Korea, Sang-chul learned that the concept of God was a dangerous lie. The government’s zero-tolerance policy toward any Christian behavior reinforced this lesson.

As the gospel quietly spread in parts of the country, so did a fear among North Koreans that authorities would suspect them of being a Christian. 

“We were really afraid of Christianity because anybody could get executed or killed — even if you were looking at the Bible,” Sang-chul said. 

In 2013, however, Sang-chul witnessed the power of a life devoted sacrificially to Jesus Christ. The commitment of a pastor named Han Chung-Ryeol enabled Sang-chul to let go of his fear. He encountered Jesus in a life-changing way and became a member of the underground church he had once feared. Pastor Han was martyred on April 30, 2016, for his bold Christian work. 

“After I decided to follow Jesus, I had a purpose to go back and forth to China,” Sang-chul said. “I came to love other people and I felt like I didn’t want to waste any time. I did my best to spread the gospel in North Korea; that was my purpose. Once I accepted this purpose, I felt like I didn’t have enough time to do it.”

As he witnessed to North Koreans, Sang-chul first told them about a “true love” that could change their lives. After earning their trust, he would begin sharing the gospel more openly, even pulling out a small Bible hidden in his clothing or a shoe so he could share verses from God’s Word. 

Sang-chul increasingly sacrificed time away from his wife and two daughters to serve and evangelize the lost. His quiet, determined efforts led to small groups of Christians meeting in each other’s homes. They worshiped by reciting the Apostle’s Creed and the Lord’s Prayer before praying for their country. They asked God for wisdom, strength and protection as they continued sharing the gospel. 

Then Sang-chul learned that authorities had arrested a close Christian friend and that a government agent was now searching for him. Unable to return home, he stayed at a friend’s house until he could bribe his way across the border and flee North Korea. 

Hundreds of North Koreans now know Christ through the faithful witness of Sang-chul and other Christians in his network. 

Sang-chul said he thanks God for Christians in America who pray for North Korean believers and their country. 

“North Korea’s government is so cruel,” he said. “There are so many people who die without other people knowing. I am thinking more and more about how my sacrifice will be worthwhile.”

Dear Heavenly Father, I praise You for how, despite tremendous opposition to the gospel, more North Koreans are hearing the gospel through the efforts of people like Sang-chul. I thank You for his faithful witness proclaimed from a heart of love and ask that You stir within me a bold faith of my own. Help me share my faith with the people in my life, knowing You will be with me along the way, and continue to guide those who are sharing the gospel with North Koreans today. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.