A Modern-Day Underground Railroad

I’m sure I’ll remember for a long time the look in his eyes as we introduced ourselves to one another. It was as if he had been searching for freedom, and now he would cautiously trust me with his story. I noticed the new Bible in his hand...one similarly clung to by his fellow North Korean defectors who were seated around the room. I also noticed the standard-issue track suit, apparel that seemed to easily identify defectors who were in the program, while isolating a number of faithful church volunteers who were there to come alongside these “brothers” from the north as they participated in Biblical teaching and worship.

For security reasons, I can’t tell you precisely where I was, the name of the man whom I had just met (I’ll call him “Lee”), or what the surprisingly modern and comfortable facilities that accommodated our visit were called. But I can hopefully paint a picture of an encouraging South Korean government-supported program that is taking in, acclimating, and re-integrating North Korean (NK) defectors into the freedom and prosperity of South Korean societal culture. I can also tell you of a Christian chaplaincy that has been given appropriate access to such prospective citizens by which they are subsequently introduced to another kind of freedom, found only at the foot of the Cross of Calvary.

Then there are our beloved ministry partners at the Voice of the Martyrs Korea (formerly known as Seoul USA) who willingly shared with me the good favour they enjoy with the facility and its chaplaincy, thereby facilitating my recent visit. Many thanks to the overseeing Pastor Eric Foley and his wife, Dr. (Mrs.) Foley of VOMK, for allowing me a rare and privileged glimpse into a modern-day “Underground Railroad” of hope for NK defectors.

Though entry into the facility was controlled by proof of passport, background security checks, and locked fencing that circumnavigates the entire complex, this was not a prison. I was witness to the midpoint...the fulcrum of a long and sometimes perilous journey to freedom for people who have fled the tyranny of the north. Their story, so I was informed by Lee, often includes a complete abandonment of everything – wealth, credentials, title, assets and family members. I recall thinking, this safe passage to a new life, demanding all that remained of the old life, was not unlike the Biblical reference to the “eye of the needle,” a word image used in Scripture to describe the process of removing everything from a camel’s back, then allowing the ‘beast of burden’ to pass through (on its knees) the keyhole-shaped, arched gateway into the Old City of Jerusalem.

Lee looked away, and was often uncomfortable making eye contact. As our dialogue ensued, I learned that he had “bribed” his way out of NK and found a route to the facility where we were presently engaged. Lee, a medical doctor and ENT specialist (one of the best in North Korea by his pronouncement), didn’t believe his credentials would transfer to the south and thus was apprehensive though optimistic about the future.

In order to escape the oppressive government of his country, he had to courageously leave behind his father, wife, and three-year-old son, not to mention all of his material assets. The attention of the 38-year-old defector was focussed on acquiring more money – not to buy more of the world’s fleeting goods, but rather to ensure eventual freedom for his family so they could safely settle in South Korea.

The South Korean government, by way of the secret facility I had visited and a financial aid package that is available to all bona fide NK defectors (provided they commit themselves to the “program” for re-integration), is supportive because they firmly believe that a Korean is

“Korean” regardless of their geographic positioning. What a remarkable metaphor for the Kingdom of God. We, who are reborn in Jesus – regardless of our race, political convictions, or any other distinguishing features – are allowed all of the privileges of citizenship in God’s Kingdom because we have passed through the “eye of the needle,” leaving all else behind and claiming only Jesus as our doorway to freedom.

There are many challenges that face the NK defectors, and the end result of their integration into SK societal culture can be disastrous. In fact, I am informed by Pastor Foley that at least 16 percent of all defectors who die in South Korea do so by their own hand, an outcome often resulting from loneliness, guilt and despair. Can you imagine the loneliness that would drive one to such depths of despair?

Clearly, our work (as the “church,” in this matter) is set out for us. I believe that Jesus and His angels are very instrumental in guiding each defector on their journey from North Korea, usually through China, and into South Korea. Our prayers, practical support, and friendship are crucial ingredients in helping these NK brothers and sisters of ours first find their way to the cross, and then into the fellowship of the church.

Pray for Lee and his estranged family, the vitally needed ministry of VOM Korea and the Foleys, as well as all those who are in peril for the cause of Christ.

- Doug