We give God praise and thanks for the freedom we have to come together and worship. May we all be blessed today.

Let us pray for our brothers and sisters in North Korea. Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) reports that although North Korea is a member of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, freedom of religion is one right that is “largely non-existent” in that country. This is something that has occurred since the 1950s, and the current leader, Kim Jong-un, continues to violate citizens’ religious freedom. Religious beliefs are seen as a threat to the loyalty demanded by their supreme leader. As a result, anyone holding these beliefs is severely persecuted.

There are at least 123 religious institutions in North Korea, most of which are Buddhist or Cheondoist temples. Even though there are three Protestant churches, one Catholic cathedral and a Russian Orthodox Church in the capital of Pyongyang, those state-sponsored churches are only there for propaganda purposes. The buildings and religious services seem to suggest some degree of freedom of religion or belief but that freedom is extremely limited according to the CSW report. All the churches are found in Pyongyang and there is no record of church buildings existing anywhere else.

The spreading of the Gospel is forbidden in North Korea. It is considered a crime against the state to do so. However, many North Koreans are exposed to Christianity through family ties, missionaries or external religious organizations and charities. Many of the Christians have to undertake their worship and other religious activities in secret. They either worship individually or at non-official house churches. Believers who are caught worshiping, running non-sanctioned churches or carrying non-sanctioned religious material are often arrested and hauled away to political prison camps.

Because the regime in North Korea was set up so that North Koreans would worship the Kims as their gods, there is nothing the leaders fear more than the spread of Christianity. The knowledge of the true and living God is the greatest threat to them. Let us Pray that the truth of God would spread throughout North Korea more than ever. Jesus said, “you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” (Jn. 8:32).

SCHEDULE FOR THE WEEK

THE KINGDOM MEN’S MINISTRY MEETING
Today, 6:00 p.m.

LUNCH HOUR HOTLINE/WARFARE PRAYER & FASTING
Wednesday, 12:00 noon- Lunch Hour Hotline
5:30 P.M. – Warfare Prayer & Fasting

PRAISE & ADORATION PRACTICE
Friday, 6:30p.m

HOUR-OF-POWER PRAYER SESSION
Saturday, 7:00a.m. – 8:00a.m.

NEXT SUNDAY
Worship & Ministry Service, 9:00 a.m.
Sunday School: Where can Jesus Go?, 10:00a.m.
Board Meeting, 6:00p.m.

FIVE WAYS I WILL STAND WITH MY PASTOR

I Will…
Stand with my pastor in fulfilling the mission of our church.
Stand by my pastor through loyal participation in worship services.
Stand for my pastor in stressing stewardship, partnership, and fellowship.
Stand up for my pastor through recognition events, rewards, and achievements.
Stand against weak support of my pastor by fostering unity and bold faith.

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MEDIA MINISTRY
World Overcomers: WSTA 1340 AM station: Sundays at 12:30 p.m. & Tuesdays at 6:00 a.m.
Website: http://www.wom.vi
On our Website you will find: Live Streaming, free copies of our audio message & radio broadcast.
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