One by one, three women slipped into the shadows. The first arrived at the designated meeting place and entered quietly, followed by the second and, finally, the third.

Without a word spoken between them or a moment wasted, they joined hands in the darkness. Tears of unspeakable joy began to fall softly on the dirt by their feet as their silent songs of praise flooded heaven with a mighty roar.

Together, they stood on holy ground, each meditating on the meaning of that special night, the birth of God’s son, and the few verses from the book of Luke they’d memorized. As they worshipped the King of Kings, the foul outhouse in which they stood was transformed into a glorious sanctuary filled with the Presence of the Lord.

Then, as quickly and quietly as they had gathered, they departed into the cold night air, praying that the true purpose of their secret meeting had not been detected by guards or informants.

It was Christmas Eve in a North Korean prison camp.

Christmas is outlawed in North Korea, which is ranked #1 on the list of the most dangerous places to be a Christian. Under the harsh Kim regime, Christians are seen as hostile elements that must be eradicated.

When discovered, Christians are often killed on the spot while others are transported to labor camps along with their families. They suffer unending pressure, daily indoctrination or “reeducation” and frequent beatings.

The stories that are shared with us come through secret channels from the few who have survived or have managed to escape. Knowing what they sacrifice to secretly worship—even for just a couple of minutes in an outhouse—is not only humbling, it puts the true meaning of Christmas in perspective.

Please continue to pray for the persecuted church around the world in this blessed season. And if possible, share a gift today that can help ease the suffering of fellow believers in countries that are not open to Jesus and Christianity.

You can give a secure, tax-deductible online gift right now to help LRI minister to the needs of persecuted believers all over the world. Thank you for caring for our brothers and sisters who risk so much to follow Jesus.

May God’s richest blessings be yours this Christmas season!

Mathew D. Staver
Founder and Chairman