By Nicola Menzie
As North Korea’s official news agency ramped up its rhetoric and declared on Thursday the possibility of war breaking out “today or tomorrow” with the West, Christians living in the oppressive communist country have verified that preparations for war are being made around the clock, and are asking fellow believers worldwide to pray.
“The military army, navy, air force troops, strategic rocket troops, the red guards and the red youth guards are already in combat mode. Urgent meetings are being held everywhere, regardless if it is day or night. At those meetings, officials make decisions on what needs to happen in case war breaks out and everyone, including women, needs to be combat ready,” a local church leader has said of the situation, according to persecution watchdog Open Doors USA.
North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un said in a message to the people, according to Open Doors’ sources, that “If war breaks out because of the actions of the U.S. and puppet South Korean’s unpardonable behavior, they will end up with a disgraceful downfall, and our people will greet a brilliant new day of reunification. The day has come to show off the power of ‘Military First’ and our great nation to the whole world.”
In response to the intense situation, many locals, including Christians, have been stockpiling what food and supplies they can afford, said Open Doors’ sources. However, faith remains high among believers, with one North Korean Christian telling the watchdog agency, “We know that our journey will not be an easy one, but we are sure that our faith, desperate hope and passionate desire will some day bear many fruit.”
