Leaders of prayer groups committed to interceding for North Korea gathered on October 16-18, 2009 from all over North America at a remote retreat center in Northern New Jersey. They were hosted by the Reah NYC team, for whom this was their 2nd annual Fall Retreat. The main speaker addressed character issues that need to be grappled with, individually and corporately, in order to endure the challenges of working for and in North Korea. Other topics included educational opportunities in North Korea, intercession, and the difference between working in Rajin and Pyongyang.

Throughout the weekend, conversations ranged from the friendly to the profound as people shared their hearts, and discovered many empathetic listeners.  A panel discussion formed of the leaders of the different groups also considered the role and development of community. Facilitated by one of the DC prayer group coordinators, each group shared about the struggles and discoveries they encountered. The panelists were encouraged by each other’s stories, commenting that it gave them ideas for their own groups, and also that they felt less alone in this endeavor to pray for NK. The retreat also gave groups a chance to brainstorm about ways they could collaborate, especially when they were geographically close. 

As a result of this desire to stay connected, the different prayer group leaders have agreed to participate in regular conference calls to share how each group has grown or what they have faced since they last talked. Also, talks are underway to discuss how they reconvene in person during the September 2010 Empower Retreat in Seattle.