Patrick Johnstone notes in Operation World that the border between North and South Korea is one of the world's most impenetrable. But TWR’s Korean programs play a vital role in this country.
Because most radios purchased within North Korea are pre-tuned to certain stations,1 it is often impossible for believers to tune in to international Christian broadcasts. That’s why TWR initiated radio distribution for North Korea, to aid listeners in sustaining their faith. By the end of 2005, TWR-Korea had distributed more than 3,000 shortwave radio sets with four batteries per set, and so far this year, an additional 800 radios, making a total distribution of 3,870 sets.
Little is known about the underground church in Korea, except that it has survived great persecution. More than 100,000 Christians are interned in labor camps, and the majority of the population has never heard the name of Jesus.2 In order to strengthen the church and provide doctrinally sound teaching, TWR has initiated the Seminary on the Air Korean broadcasts, aired Monday through Friday.
Other programs include Your Quest for God, a five-minute broadcast that shares Christian literature over the airwaves, and A Confession of Faith, a 20-minute broadcast that shares testimonies of Korean believers with those in North Korea. This program aims to help reinforce believers’ convictions; since North Korean Christians are often isolated, they appreciate the opportunity to learn about how other Christians live their faith despite challenges.
1 Operation World, 21st Century Edition 2 Ibid.
Prayer Requests
- North Korea is changing rapidly—some opportunities cease while others open up. Pray that TWR would be sensitive to these changes and adapt programming accordingly.
- Pray that God will lead a new Program and Production Manager to TWR who has a passion for North Korean broadcasting.
- Thank God for sending TWR good pastors and professors in a timely manner for the Seminary on the Air Korean programs.