North Korean Christian risks life to give tithe

Sa-Myung mailed it to Open Doors, noting her gratitude for the medicine, food and clothing she received for the winter months—the riskiest time for survival in North Korea when temperatures can drop to as low as 15 degrees. For underground Christians, the country’s below-freezing conditions typically bring severely reduced food rations (in a country where food shortages are already paralyzing) and little fuel for heat.

The lack of both essentials can be lethal, ultimately resulting in illness and even death. When North Korea’s underground Christians receive our support, it is usually their only hope for survival. Winter relief deliveries went to those Christians who need it most, including Sa-Myung.

By offering her tithe, Sa-Myung is essentially risking a tenth of her life, trusting that God will provide for her needs. Tithing a tenth of her resources is a true sacrifice for this secret believer.

‘Thank you for your prayers’

Sa-Myung is not the only North Korean believer who has expressed their gratitude. Recently, Yong-Gi*, one of the North Korean believers supported through our safehouse ministry in China, couldn’t keep her gratitude to herself. Instead, she sent us a letter, sharing the deep well of thankfulness she has felt. Below is a translated excerpt:

I would like to thank God’s grace that He made my dream come true.

Step by step, I realize how the Holy Spirit leads my life.

I decide to put all things onto God’s hands.

I remember how you told us that the land needs more spiritual leaders.

The message kept going around inside my head.

This morning, God spoke to me through Bible verses, and now all I can do is to follow His commands.

Thank you always for your prayers and sacrifice for the sake of us.

We pray that God’s greatest peace with you all.

Praying for the underground church in North Korea