Still the world's most closed country
Kim Jong-il's death has not changed the fact that North Korea is probably still the most isolated country in the world and probably the most totalitarian regime. We don't yet know what the consequences of the leadership change will be, but his son Kim Jong-un reportedly has a ruthless personality. It's not a good sign that his father pointed to him as his successor as he's likely to tighten the strict iron grip the population is already trapped in.
Terrible health conditions
The health situation is catastrophic and life-threatening infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria and hepatitis B are prevalent. For example, it is estimated that 5 % of the population suffers from tuberculosis. At the same time, the public health system lacks medicines and equipment is often outdated.
Due to the inadequate treatment offered by the public healthcare system, sufferers are forced to purchase vital medicines on the black market at inflated prices. The alternative is to make an extremely dangerous journey to neighboring China to find it.
Christians are particularly vulnerable
The border with North Korea is heavily guarded. A sick NorthKoreans without medicine therefore find themselves in a dilemma. Should they stay in North Korea where they cannot get the medicine they need to survive, or should they risk their lives by crossing the heavily guarded border abroad where medicine is available?
When North Korean Christians fall ill, it can be a matter of life and death whether they get access to life-saving medicine. This is also the case for the rest of the population, but a sick Christian is in a particularly vulnerable situation. Christians live under a constant threat of imprisonment, torture or public execution if the authorities find out they are Christians. This is because worshipping anyone other than Kim Jong-un, Kim Jong-il and his father, Kim Il-sung, is inconsistent with the official ideology, and being a Christian is considered one of the worst crimes in North Korea. Of North Korea's estimated 400,000 Christians, it is estimated that at least 40,000 and up to 60,000 are in political prison camps.
The crucial medicine
To help the persecuted and sick North Korean Christians, the Danish European Mission has chosen to raise funds for couriers who secretly bring medicine to sick and persecuted Christians in North Korea. The medicine can cure a number of diseases that are widespread in the country. Getting this medicine to the seriously ill can be crucial in preventing them from losing their lives.
Right: Christians in North Korea can be punished - just for being Christian.
At the same time, clothes will also be smuggled in, such as long underwear for the persecuted Christians to wear in winter, but also other necessary clothing depending on the season.
Christian leader healed
This was the experience of a mature Christian leader who bears great responsibility in the persecuted North Korean underground church. He had suffered a heart attack, was partially paralyzed and the situation was very serious. It was determined what medicine he needed and he sent a distress call to the Danish European Mission's partner outside North Korea. It was possible to produce the necessary medicine for the Christian leader and send it to him through secret channels. With this medicine, his condition improved over a period of three months. He has been able to resume his leadership responsibilities and he gives God all the credit for the healing and for enabling him to return to ministry.
Provide care and hope
This example illustrates that medicine not only benefits the sick person, but also the people they are responsible for. In this case, many North Korean Christians benefited as a key person was able to resume his important leadership responsibilities in the underground church. Likewise, the medicine means that North Korean Christians who have been rescued from life-threatening illnesses are empowered to care for their fellow human beings and share with them the hope and life of faith in Jesus Christ.
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