Brother Chun (not his real name) was born in North Korea. Everything there is tightly controlled – from the curated narratives shared over regulated media channels down to the vocational and educational opportunities afforded to individuals. Even the practice of religion is restricted.
Open Doors lists North Korea as the country in which Christians face the most extreme persecution in all the world. Believers discovered by the authorities either receive life sentences to work in harsh labour camps or they are killed on the spot. Family members may also be rounded up to face the same penalty.
Even under such circumstances, there are an estimated 400,000 Christians in North Korea today. That’s an estimated 1.5% of its 26 million population. Due to the danger, believers do not openly share their faith and gatherings are risky. Children in Christian families are introduced to the faith only when they can keep it a secret. In Chun’s case, his mother told him about the Bible only when he was old enough to grasp the weight of that information.
Even as a young man, Chun did not feel at ease. He knew his father was originally from South Korea. He yearned to escape and gain his freedom to return to his father’s hometown. Many years passed, and Chun could bear to wait no longer. He tried to enter South Korea by himself. His plan failed, though and he was instead detained in a neighbouring country.
Some nations have agreements to repatriate North Korean refugees to face the bitter consequences of their desertion. By God’s grace, that was not Chun’s fate. Instead, he was eventually released on parole and transferred to a United Nations (U.N.) refugee camp. There, Chun began the long application process of seeking permission to be resettled in South Korea.
TWR partners with charitable organisations to help provide remote follow-up ministry to North Korean refugees. These individuals often experience deep loneliness and isolation and we believe their hearts may be open to hear the Gospel. Before, no one would have openly shared the Gospel with them in North Korea.
Follow-up workers from TWR Korea connect with each of these North Korean refugees throughout the week, engaging on various levels:
• A 60-minute call to listen to their struggles. This is an opportunity to counsel, pray and share Bible verses to encourage and comfort them.
• Exchanging WhatsApp messages during the week.
• Sharing biblical audio programmes presented in the Korean language.
• Inviting them to join an online Bible-study and worship session on Sundays.
During his time at the U.N. refugee camp, Chun attended one of these weekly online worship services conducted by TWR Korea. That was how we first met him and later provided ongoing support during his transition to life in South Korea.
When Chun’s application was finally approved, he began the challenging transition to a new life in South Korea. Many refugees experience isolation, anxiety and culture shock from living in such a different environment. While the South Korean government does have policies to assist with the transition, some refugees still struggle to adapt.
Thank God that Chun made the transition well! He is currently serving as a deacon at a church for North Korean refugees. He takes care of the church and is always filled with thanksgiving.