Sentinel Watch October 15, 2012 Issue

For freedom in North Korea

Shelly Richardson—Eugene, Oregon

Philip Richardson

The recent book, Escape from Camp 14 by Blaine Harden is about Shin Dong-hyuk, the only North Korean known to have escaped from a “total-control zone” prison camp and gained his freedom. Born in the camp, Shin reports of a culture where fear and hunger drive out the most basic instincts like maternal care and filial love. 

Humanitarian organizations report that there are likely as many as 200,000 people, including children, who live in near starvation conditions, in fear of torture and execution. North Korea, which claims the camps do not exist, is a totalitarian country isolated by self-destructive ideology that uses the threat of incarceration for entire families to keep its population under mental control. 

While the international community has tried withholding badly needed food supplies to effect change, and has discussed other measures, I am convinced that prayer is essential. In addition to diplomatic efforts, a wholehearted turning to God can save these people from more suffering.