North Korea is a one-party state led by a dynastic totalitarian dictatorship, one of the most repressive nations on earth, led by supreme leader Kim, Jong-Un. 2019 historic meetings between North Korean, South Korea, and USA leaders prompted hope for change, but none have been forthcoming. Hundreds of thousands of prisoners are held in concentration camps. Experts estimate up to 70,000 of them are Christian Believers. The regime enforces a religion that worships its leaders. Christians face death if found meeting together, even saying the name “Jesus” or possessing a Bible. This year, reports that Open Doors say are from a credible source, told of the execution of several dozen Christians. Believers remain underground but may number as many as 100,000. North Korea entirely shut its borders during the years of the COVID-19 pandemic. Intelligence indicates this border closure, drought, and Covid-19 breakouts have resulted in a food shortage of crisis proportions, however offers of international assistance have so far been turned down.

Once the land of Paul’s missionary journeys, Turkey is now predominantly Muslim. Following a failed coup in 2016, President Erdogan embarked on an ongoing campaign to irradicate anyone deemed to oppose his regime, increasing the atmosphere of state control over the last 6 years.  Dozens of long-term Christian missionaries have been deported or refused entrance. Predominantly Syrian refugees have overwhelmed Turkey, numbering about four million – the most in the world. Due to the deteriorating situation, the UN pulled out, and the Turkish government stopped registering refugees and closed camps forcing refugees to find work in the cities or risk being deported. As a result, anti-refugee attitudes have increased in the wider community. The COVID-19 impact has been significant across the nation, both on the healthcare system and the economy. Interest in the Gospel has also increased significantly in recent years.