12. Factories Helped By Outsiders

In your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 1 Peter 3:15-16

North Korea welcomes many businesses that will invest economically in its country. Hence, many factories have been started in North Korea, several by South Korean businesses. The outside companies provide the capital and leadership and North Korea provides inexpensive labor. These factories produce a variety of goods, such as shoes, plastics, televisions, telephones and clothes. These factories are located in places such as Pyongyang, Kaesong and Rajin (or Najin; see map at front of this guide). Some of the businessmen who help run these international companies are Christians; but they are quiet about their faith. They have built up a trust relationship with North Korea and want to keep that good relationship.

We talked with a few of these Christian businessmen and asked how we could pray for them and these businesses and factories. Here are some of the responses we received:

Pray that the businessmen build a faithful relationship with the factory workers; that they are truthful to the factory workers and do not tell lies. Pray that they will be a bridge to the local people, linking them to Jesus’ love and that the businessmen can meet more local people. Pray that these Christian businessmen reflect God’s character and they have faith, hope and love. Pray that the businesses, especially the smaller ones, are profitable and will contribute to the local economy. Pray that the factory workers will someday become economic leaders in their country; and that they will have good health despite the cold and hunger in North Korea. Pray that the workers will smell the aroma of Christ coming forth from the Christian businessmen they meet and will seek God. Pray that North Koreans will meet Christians in their own country. (22)

• Praise God that Christian businessmen are helping North Korea economically.

• Pray that these businessmen are people of integrity and that the aroma of Christ will flow out from them.

• Pray that the factory workers are drawn to the God that some of these businessmen know.