North Koreans Christians call for prayer as nation is ‘already in combat mode’
North Korean Christians appealed for prayers as Pyongyang warned foreign embassies to leave by April 10 after moving medium range missiles to its east coast, raising fears of imminent war.
Kim Jung Un firing a handgun on one of the propaganda videos in North Korea
“We are to meet the decisive battle with a gun in one hand and a hammer in the other,” said a Christian leader in a message published by Open Doors, an advocacy and aid group working in the country they describe as “a Stalinist-run nation.”
“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,” the leader said, speaking on condition of anonymity in comments monitored by BosNewsLife Friday, April 5.
“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,” the leader added about an order North Koreans recently received from what the Christian called the “high command.”
Britain tried to calm down tensions saying was “no immediate” plan to shut its embassy in North Korea.
The significance of next April 10 remained unclear, but observers said was mentioned as a date for the possible closure of the Kaesong Industrial Complex, a facility inside the North where South Korean companies employ 53,000 people.
The United States said Friday, April 5, it was taking the threats seriously. The U.S. would “not be surprised” if North Korea launched a missile, said White House spokesman Jay Carney.
In statements seen by BosNewsLife North Korean church leaders said they were “asking Christians worldwide to pray” for their country amid the increased war threats and combat preparation by North Korean military officials.
Despite the hardship, there are at least 400,000 devoted North Korean Christians, according to Open Doors, with many praying war can be avoided.
