One of the many reasons I cherish our mission trips to Korea is the opportunity to meet the people. I deeply admire the courage of our new friends and acquaintances, who have bravely escaped their past for a future they knew nothing about. Their stories of resilience and determination for freedom never fail to inspire me.
On our last mission trip, we met someone we quickly bonded with and eventually became friends with. His favorite character in the Bible is David, so we fondly call him by that name. We were glad to see David again this year since some of the other friends we met last year could not attend. One afternoon, as my husband and I were leaving the auditorium after the first session, David pulled my husband aside and asked if we could pray for his friend. David didn't go into detail about him; he only mentioned that he attended his church and how he was still confused about Jesus. My husband and I spent time with his friend by answering his questions and praying over him. We may have left him more confused, but we tried to reassure him His identity was in Christ and not in his past.
The following day, during the scheduled lunch break, we asked David if he could come out to lunch with us. Unfortunately, due to his responsibilities, he was unable to join us, but he orchestrated his friend, the one we prayed for, to drive us to a local restaurant. My husband craved a well-known Chinese noodle dish, so we went to an establishment down the street from where we were. We offered to walk, but he insisted on driving us, so we told him he could drive us if he ate lunch with us.
Between ordering and eating our delicious meal, we learned more about our new friend. He escaped NK less than five years ago. He said he didn't consider leaving, but he had a girlfriend who encouraged him to runaway. He strategically left without telling his family so that he could be reported as a missing person versus an escapee. In doing so, his family would not have to deal with any ramifications. Sadly, he no longer has any connections with his loved ones, as he cannot make any contact with them for their safety. I can only imagine the heartache his parents must be going through as they ponder their son's whereabouts.
His escape is not for the faint of heart. He had to give a broker upwards of $20K to help him flee through China and other countries. His travels included treacherous weather, with only the clothes on his back, limited food and other resources, and even time in jail. All of this is in the name of love. He wanted to leave the only lifestyle he knew of to live in freedom with his girlfriend.
After arriving in South Korea, he searched high and low for the love of his life, but unfortunately, he was unable to locate her and has since given up. Sadly, he believes she is married now and has her own family. Even though it's been a few years since he looked for her, he still appears heartbroken.
Our new friend shared that he was leaving the conference early to go to work. After a few more questions and answers, he shared how he questioned why he had left the 'comfort' of his old life for the busy, hectic life he now lives. He preferred living under a communist ruler, working the set hours, and doing the same menial tasks rather than striving for a better life. He mentioned that, back home, he didn't have to work hard because the government gave him everything. His remark caught us off guard. He sought his old life after all that he went through. My husband, who was translating, our friends at the table with us, and I probably thought the same thing. "Was he crazy? How could he even consider going back? Why wasn't living in freedom better than living as an enslaved person?" It blew my mind, but then I was reminded that his belief system is still the same even though he lives in South Korea. The lies that were spoken over him since he was in his mother's womb still resonate with him now.
After returning to the US and going back to work, some of the nurses I work with more frequently asked where I had been the last couple of weeks. A few thought I was on vacation, and one was convinced I went to North Korea. (Funny how rumors can get started.) I explained what I did and who I met, specifically mentioning the young man we spent time with. I shared how he was physically free from a repressive regime; however, he still had a long journey to freedom. I went on to say how this is not an issue with only those who are refugees like those who escaped NK but people right here in our own backyard. People who can't break free from the chains of past trauma actually live as prisoners in their present future.
It saddens me whenever I think of our new friend and others who are still stuck; however, it motivates me to keep interceding for them and their breakthrough, as God's Word provides a refreshing reminder of His promises. With His transformative power, He can restore us to wholeness. He gives beauty for ashes and a promising future.
To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for his own glory. ~Isaiah 61:3-4 NLT
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