Every year, Open Doors reaches out to many North Korean refugees in China. Many have lost family members and property and are often desperate. We can offer them the security and hope that can only be found in the Bible.
Duck-Hwan* rode a stolen bicycle through the Chinese countryside. Riding a bike with a prosthetic leg was difficult, but he continued to pedal.
Every second on the bike took him further away from his homeland and painful memories. The ones he desperately wanted to leave behind.
The Man of Loss
Duck-Hwan’s thoughts returned to his three-year-old daughter, who died of an illness. Healing medicines would have been available, but Duck-Hwan had no money to buy medicine. Shortly after his daughter’s death, he threw his wife out of the house in a fit of rage.
Later, Duck-Hwan tried to contact his ex-wife with his young son, but too late. She had starved to death.
In a last attempt to find happiness, Duck-Hwan crossed the Chinese border river with his son. They boarded a bus going to town. The passenger paid for their trip and advised them to get off the bus before reaching the city. That’s how they were able to avoid the police.
Next he had to find a church.
Duck-Hwan did as he was told. The church offered to take care of his son. However, offering protection to an adult was too dangerous. He left his child in the care of Christians, stole a bicycle and went on his way.
Journey to Christ
Duck-Hwan took refuge in another city. He worked in a restaurant until he was arrested and sent back to North Korea.
An influential family member was able to ensure that Duck-Hwan received only a light sentence. After a few months in prison and a short re-education camp, he was released. He fled again to China and took refuge in the Open Doors shelter.
“I was a terrible troublemaker, but your colleagues were patient with me,” says Duck-Hwan.
“They took care of me and other refugees. We were given Bible studies and given what we needed. Slowly I began to believe in Jesus Christ. It wasn’t easy.”
“Suddenly I realized how sinful I am. I was really ashamed that I had driven my wife away from me. I felt that her death was my fault. If Jesus had not died for me, I would never have been forgiven.”
Duck-Hwan realized that Galatians 6:14 was true: “But it is not for me to praise anyone but our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me and I to the world.”
Hope in the midst of sadness
After a while, Duck-Hwan received some bad news. He starts to cry remembering that moment.
“I was told that the Chinese police arrested my 6-year-old son and sent him back to North Korea. That was the last information I have on him. I assume he’s dead.”
But something was different now. After the death of Duck-Hwan’s daughter, he was a hopeless man. At least now he knew his children were in heaven. One day they will meet again.
“I’ve learned that God really does provide for us. Primarily through the sacrifice of His Son, but He also gives us strength and courage.”
Duck-Hwan, currently lives in South Korea. He has remarried and has a 13-year-old stepson.
“My life has only one purpose: to bring glory to God. I will continue to educate myself with the help of the Word. I hope to return to North Korea and live according to the true gospel when North and South Korea are reunited.”
A source of help
North Korean refugees like Duck-Hwan have a tough life. Open Doors helps as many as possible with food, medicine, clothing, pastoral care and Bible school.
Often people come to faith, but most “visitors” are repeat visitors. These Christians have created their own underground groups for followers of Christ.
We have only one thing to offer these new believers. Every bag of rice, every coat, every minute of prayer and Bible study is directed toward the hope that can only be found in Jesus Christ. This hope is the greatest treasure in the world.
*Names have been changed for security reasons.
Source: Pohjoiskorealaisen miehen uusi alku Open Doorsin Kiinan-turvatalossa | Open Doors Finland
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