North Korea is one of the most thoroughly repressed societies on earth.
  The government expends great effort to ensure that the people never come
 into contact with foreign ideas such as Christianity.  The people of North
 Korea are very needy physically and spiritually.
 
 North Korea is located in eastern Asia occupying the northern part of the
 Korean peninsula.  The Korean peninsula is connected to north-eastern China
 and is west of Japan.  The terrain is mostly hills and mountains and the
 climate can be harsh in the winter.
 
 Over 26 million people live in North Korea.  With very exceptions, all are
 native Koreans.  Foreigners are not welcome.
 
 The economy is in shambles.  The centralized communist system has not
 worked.  In the past North Korea received aid from the Soviet Union and
 China, but that aid has been cut off.  North Korea lacks the food necessary
 to feed its people and has turned to western nations for help.  However,
 North Korea has made no significant reductions in military spending in the
 face of economic hardship.
 
 Korea was divided into North and South Korea at the end of World War II.  A
 communist government took control of North Korea in 1948.  In 1950, North
 Korea unsuccessfully invaded South Korea.  The North Korean government has
 consistently taken a combative stance against South Korea and western
 nations.
 
 The government has also harshly repressed all forms of religion.  Before
 the communists came to power, may had come to Christ.  Several hundred
 thousand Christians were forced to flee the country or were murdered.
  Today, there is likely a small number of Christians who worship in secret.
 
 Almost no North Koreans have heard the gospel.  The government has been
 particularly effective in isolating the people from all outside influences.
  Christian radio is available but very few have radios capable of receiving
 the signals.  Christian literature does not exist except for the small
 amounts smuggled into the country.  Pray that these barriers would be
 broken down that the people may hear about Jesus.
 
 The North Korean government allowed a number of students to study in other
 communist nations.  When the governments of these nations fell, many of the
 students heard the gospel and came to Christ.  These Christians have the
 opportunity to return to their homeland and tell others.  Pray for this
 means of reaching people in North Korea and for other means that we may not
 be aware of.