When missionaries first arrived in Korea in the late 19th century, they discovered that the Gospel message had already preceded them. Koreans who had been assisting with Bible translation in China consequently came to faith in Christ. By smuggling portions of the New Testament into their homeland, they were also able to lead others to Christ. The resulting believers came to be known as "Bible Christians."
The Bible remains essential to the church in North Korea today, and The Voice of the Martyrs Korea (VOMK) is determined to continue getting God's Word into this closed nation through the use of various innovative methods. However, these efforts have recently become a point of contention with leaders of the South Korean government who are seeking to appease demands from the dictatorial government of Kim Jong Un in North Korea. See this recent report on the challenges encountered when making these efforts.
The co-founders of VOMK are presently facing possible criminal charges, as well as a review of the ministry's status as a registered NGO. In a recently sent email, Rev. Dr. Eric Foley and his wife Dr. Foley wrote, "We stand accused in our own country as criminals, and we do so alongside our North Korean Christian brothers and sisters." The couple released a fascinating account about the "Bible Christians" of those earlier days and how they connect to the current situation in both North and South Korea (see VOMCanada.com/bible-christians).
Please keep the Foleys in your prayers, and the rest of the VOMK staff, as they navigate how to wisely deal with these present challenges while endeavouring to honour God through the distribution of His Word and the provision of humanitarian aid. Pray that the people of North Korea who have received the distributed Bibles will be touched by what they read, resulting in their eternal salvation. Intercede for the governmental leaders of both North and South Korea that they would not only cease from opposing the Gospel but also willingly embrace our Heavenly Father's 'Love Letter to Humanity' to the point of becoming convicted of their need to accept His Son Jesus as their own personal Saviour.
