9,000 German Christians Gather in Karlsruhe to Pray for Persecuted Believers as North Korean Pastor Says the Kim Dynasty Is Nearing Its End

Open Doors Germany Director Markus Rode Announces New "Arise Africa" Initiative as Testimony From North Korea, Indonesia, Mexico, and Burkina Faso Fills the Three Day Gathering

Approximately 9,000 German Christians gathered in Karlsruhe, southwestern Germany, on 14 to 16 May 2026 for the annual Open Doors prayer event for persecuted believers. The three day gathering featured firsthand testimonies from believers across some of the world's most persecuted Christian communities.

A North Korean pastor named Jung Jik, who survived years of hunger and forced labor under the Kim regime, told the crowd he believes the Kim dynasty is nearing its end.

How Open Doors Germany Mobilises 9,000 Christians for the Persecuted Church

Vina, a 25 year old Indonesian woman who survived a 2021 church suicide bombing, addressed the gathering about her permanent injuries and continued faith. Pastor Juan from Mexico told participants he had reported back to his church association: "Germany is praying for you!" Additional speakers came from Burkina Faso, Central Asia, and Indonesia.

Approximately 900 children participated in a parallel programme called "Hidden Kingdom." The German worship band Outbreakband led music. Prayer cards for persecuted believers were placed at a large cross on the main stage. Open Doors Germany Director Markus Rode announced a new "Arise Africa" initiative targeting support for persecuted African Christians.

The Crusader's Opinion

Nine thousand German Christians gave up a weekend to pray, listen, and weep for the persecuted Church. A North Korean pastor who survived a labor camp told them the Kim dynasty is ending. An Indonesian woman bombed in her own church told them Christ still reigns. A Mexican pastor told them Germany's prayers are felt all the way to his pulpit. This is what global Christianity looks like in 2026. Pray for Open Doors. Pray for North Korea. Pray for Indonesia. Pray that German revival follows German intercession.

Take Action

• Donate: Open Doors and the new Arise Africa initiative
• Read: The Open Doors World Watch List 2026
• Pray: For Jung Jik, Vina, Juan, and persecuted Christians worldwide
• Attend: Open Doors prayer events in your country
• Share: The 9,000 attendance figure and challenge fellow believers to intercede