North Korean news agencies reported that Kim Jong Il had died December 17 of fatigue from "overworking to serve the people of North Korea." Kim Jong Il was 69 years old.

A period of national mourning has been declared through Dec. 29; the funeral is slated Dec. 28, according to North Korea's official KCNA news agency.

As the capital city of Pyongyang pronounces an increase in "military capability"—and South Korea moves to full military alert in fear of instability in the poor and isolated nuclear-armed nation—many wonder what will happen next.

Within minutes of the official announcement of Kim's death Dec. 19, Christians around the globe began posting prayer requests on Twitter and Facebook on behalf of the region.

"Praying for North and South Korea," Jeana Lim, a Korean American living in Saratoga, Calif., wrote on her Facebook page. "God, let your will be done."

Dr. Carl Moeller, USA President/CEO of Open Doors said that Kim’s death marked a significant day in North Korean history.

"Though this brutal dictator, who was responsible for so many atrocities, has died, the future is still unknown,” said Moeller.

Although prayer for the impoverished North Korea is nothing new among evangelical Christians, the death of the 69-year-old leader and the many unknowns surrounding his successor, youngest son Kim Jong Un, have increased anxiety throughout the region, especially as the North test-fired a missile Dec. 19 over the East Sea.

Some observers speculate that Kim’s son, Kim Jong Un, will be just as cruel to all dissenters. Others suggest that he may be more lenient.

“We simply do not know the future of North Korea, but God does,” said Moeller.

"This is why it is vital that Christians around the world pray for North Korea during this transitional time. Pray especially for the brave Christians inside North Korea. They are fearful that they might face even more suffering,” continued Moeller.

According to Open Doors there are an estimated 50,000 to 70,000 Christians being held in North Korean prison camps where they face even more horrific treatment than other prisoners.

“People are starving to death. The people of North Korea are living a nightmare that never ends," Moeller said.

For the past nine years, North Korea has held the No. 1 spot on the Open Doors World Watch List. According to Open Doors North Korea is still expected to retain the top spot.

In North Korea, any form of worship to anyone other than the "Great Leader" (Kim Il Sung) and the "Supreme Leader" (Kim Jong Il) is seen as treason. North Korean Christians are often arrested, tortured or even killed for their faith in Jesus Christ, according to Open Doors.

"It is very unlikely that there will be any policy changes," says Simon, Open Doors' main contact for Christians inside North Korea. "In fact, since Kim Jong Un came closer to the helm, North Korea has stepped up its attempts to uncover any religious activities. There have been more house raids, more spies trained to infiltrate religious and human rights networks and one South Korean Christian who was murdered in China because he helped refugees. Christians fear what Kim Jong Un capable of doing. He will do anything to keep hold of power."

Simon added, “Kim Jong Un was only designated as the next leader in October 2010 during a rare Worker's Party Congress. He is young and inexperienced. There may be a power struggle, which he may not win. On the other hand, the clique around the Kims has been able to hold the ropes for over six decades. They have made it very difficult for opponents to get organized. Something special is needed to topple the regime."

A North Korean Christian refugee in Seoul, South Korea, told Open Doors that she had mixed feelings when she heard the news of the death of Kim Jong Il.

"I always thought I'd be happy when he was dead. I hated him but God taught me to love my enemies. My North Korean friends react in different ways.”

According to Open Doors sources, North Korea has closed the borders and sealed off the usually tolerated black markets. Security agents and police officers are seen on every street and alley. The sound of wailing people is being heard throughout the country.

"We hope 2012 will see real change politically and economically, but especially in freedom to believe. We pray for freedom for all citizens so that they may be free to live how they want and allowed to believe what they want. We want those prison camps to open up so we can embrace our brothers and sisters in Christ who have suffered there under terrible circumstances," said Simon.

BP news was used in this story.