For most defectors who arrive in South Korea after an arduous escape from the North, the initial joy is like a dream. But their joy at arriving in the prosperous South soon gives way to a difficult adjustment period. Every day brings new challenges, and most defectors know no one outside of any family members they may have arrived alongside. There are many cultural differences and they have to start life all over again in a high-tech, democratic society, which can be quite overwhelming. The South Korean government does provide a three-month resettlement school where they learn various things about South Korean society: how to use an ATM machine, modern transport infrastructure and get a job. Despite the effort of community centers to provide extended resources for resettled refugees, the supplies and programs often do not meet their social needs for the long-haul.
Who looks out for them? Many defectors have suffered extreme trauma but are unlikely to seek help or know where to find it. While some local churches work in tandem with government programs to get acquainted with their new neighbors, there is still a gaping need for more engagement by those who can be the hands and feet, especially the listening hearts, of Christ’s love to these North Koreans.
Join in Prayer For:
A move of the Holy Spirit to stir up mercy toward ‘aliens’ in the hearts of Christians throughout South Korea.
Increasing numbers of South Korean disciples of Jesus to have their hearts deeply touched with compassion for North Korean defectors in their communities.
More churches and individual Christians to take action to get involved in community-based programs that support the defectors in their neighborhood.
Those who are Christ followers to see the defectors as their brothers and sisters, seeking them out with friendship and welcome.
Zechariah 7:8-10 Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Execute true justice, show mercy and compassion everyone to his brother. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. Let none of you plan evil in his heart against his brother.’