Despair- the biggest problem people face in the camp is hunger. Open Doors brought the brothers and sisters in Christ food- on arrival they couldn't smile or sing- they were happy for the food but you couldn't see it on their faces.
Families were separated- husband and wife were separated as the system separated men and women. All those in the camp yearn for life to go to normal- to return home to a normal life and a job.
The food went to the families of the brothers and sisters of Christ but shockingly they still shared the food with others despite the scarcity of food.
One of the recipients lost seven people living in her household. She couldn't say anything due to trauma but when handed a food parcel "Is this really mine? Everything? I'm so excited." And then she laughed.
Evangelist Cho
If you were a North Korean fleeing North Korea you may have encountered evangelist Cho. He said of his mission "My purpose in life is to save souls".
Every week he hiked through the mountains to find North Koreans fleeing to give them food, water, a Bible and tell them of the Gospel. Regarding the Gospel he wisely said "It's up to God to touch their hearts".
One couple were so radically converted they returned to North Korea to preach the Gospel- a danger I cannot begin to describe.
Evangelist Cho died from a long term illness and he is now in glory. What a person to meet in heaven!
Aweis from Somalia
Aweis heard the Gospel through a Christian radio show. Aweis ordered a NT when the Somali postal system was still working despite the risks of his family. His father, a cleric said that if he became a Christian, he would kill Aweis.
Aweis's family on finding out he was a Christian rejected him and would not even eat with him- you would have to be familiar with African/Somali culture to understand the ramifications of this.
Aweis walked alone with Christ for several years, in Somalia until he found a fellow believer- a statistical impossibility in Somalia.
Aweis and the other brother in Christ found other believers- a total of 14 and enjoyed fellowship with them. But it was not to last. They were hunted down and killed and are now in glory.
Today, he works on Biblical translation and pastoral care for Somali believers. Pray for his work.
I will finish with a quote from him. "The Holy Spirit can penetrate any wall".
Images
A reenacted image of Cho, perfectly capturing his Christ like heart for North Korean escapees
