The US Department of State released their study on religious freedoms in the world and noted that “[North Korea] continued to deal harshly with those who engaged in almost any religious practices through executions, torture, beatings and arrests."

However, upon closer look, we also find that in spite of continued persecution of Christians under the harsh regime, there are shifts among North Koreans to seek out religion.

The Telegraph UK quotes a defector who says that North Koreans do not respect Kim Jong-Un and are “looking for something else to sustain their faith…In some places, that has led to the emergence of shamens, but the Christian church is also growing and deepening its roots there," he said.

To read about some of the stories we’ve heard from Crossing Borders initiatives to seek out, guide and aide these underground churches, click here.