Continue to hold Ken Bae up in your prayers (an American missionary imprisoned in North Korea).  While there were some hopeful signs that the North might be thinking of releasing him soon as part of their seemingly increased conciliatory stance toward South Korea, the latest indication is that the official line has not changed.  He must serve out his fifteen year term in prison. He was permitted a press conference recently where he appealed to the U.S. government to help him.  Pray for his health and that he will be released soon. Signals out of North Korea continue to be mixed with the North asking to renew visits between families divided by the Korean war, then agreeing with the South as it responded but being reluctant to set a date as the South  sought to move forward and began to press for it to happen soon. Even as the North is trying to build up its external image, the ramifications of the execution by Kim Jong-Un of his uncle, Jang Song Taek continue to ripple out with reports of the recall and execution of his close supporters and family members.  So far their has been an official list sent out to foreign embassies that 16 people have been executed but other reports indicate that the purge may extend far beyond that. In any case, their appears to be a heightened sense of insecurity in the North.  Ironically, Choe Ryong-Hae, the new second-in-command who may have the downfall of Jang, is now finding that his situation may not be so secure. As all of this is happening, North Korea's economic situation is also taking a hit as China has imposed a partial embargo on fuel. In the face of this, North Korea is acknowledging the need to improve the economy and improve things in relation to South Korea because of that.  This includes sending teams to the Asian Games to be held in Incheon, South Korea later this year. They continue to crack down on the border jamming cell phone service and using more sophisticated equipment to catch callers; however, human ingenuity and need constantly find ways around including the use of international calling cards. As you pray for the people in North Korea facing all of these pressures, remember the chronic shortage of food and the bitter cold.  Also pray that international leaders, especially South Korea, China and the U.S. exercise great wisdom in their dealings with the North.