In June, ACCTS' Deputy Director attended a Missionary Evangelism Observation (MEO) organized by the Korean Missionary Support Organization, one of the Principal Supporting Organizations for the worldwide Association of Military Christian Fellowships along with ACCTS and Military Ministry International in the UK.  His thoughts on this MEO are recorded below.

 

Last night I was sitting around a large banquet table with the former Chief of Staff of South Korea's Armed Forces and several high-ranking Generals, sharing with them the emotions I felt as we celebrated the end of the conference.  But I better start at the beginning ...

 

I just finished attending a 10-day MEO Conference in South Korea, and God richly blessed my time here.  Military Christian leaders from 17 nations gathered to learn from one another, share ideas, and receive training in establishing and / or maturing a military Christian fellowship.  It was a rich time and I made many new friends.  There is much to tell but I want to share one aspect that affected me more than anything else.

 

I grew up in a Germany that was divided from 1945 until 1989, when God blessed us by reunifying the country.   Family members separated for decades could meet once again, and many East Germans were traveled to the "West" for the first time.  Korea is now in a very similar situation.  After the Korean War, the country divided in 1953, and North Korea remains isolated from the rest of the world.  North Koreans don't have Internet or TV, and for the most part have no knowledge of the world beyond what their leaders tell them.  In contrast, South Korea has emerged as one of the most modern countries in Asia, and like Germany, has developed one of the most powerful economies in the region.

 

I first visited South Korea in 2012, and developed a deep appreciation for the South's' primary prayer concern, reunification with the North. Upon arrival for this visit, my driver excitedly told me about his new friend, Pastor Han, who had grown up in North Korea.  Han served in the North Korean military until he defected to China 12 years ago and made his way to South Korea. (Those who escape North Korea automatically receive South Korean citizenship.)  Pastor Han attended our conference, and though he does not speak English, we immediately bonded in a very special way.

 

The two Koreas have grown apart not only economically, but also socially and culturally.  In addition, South Korea's language has incorporated many western words and expressions as they have developed. Thus, even when reunification happens, South Korean will find it difficult to relate to or communicate effectively with North Koreans.  Hard to believe, but true.  We experienced similar problems after German reunification.

 

South Koreans not only pray for reunification, but they also believe that it will happen sooner rather than later. The South Korea Military Christian Fellowship is already preparing for the eventuality. They're actively consulting with Germans about how reunification occurred, the difficulties that had to be overcome, and are faithfully planning to be ready when the day comes.  (I love the Koreans' diligent and detailed planning!)

 

My friends are also convinced that people like Pastor Han will be key to reaching North Korea for Christ, and that he and others like him will play a major role in the reunification process. Han is already reaching out to other refugees and training them to bring the Gospel of Christ to North Korea when the time comes.  There are other many stories to tell about this trip, but I wanted to share my excitement and gratitude toward God for allowing me to be part of His work in a country that though distant is close to my heart.