Raj
Puritan Board Sophomore
Thank God ! The young Korean missionaries are at home now. After there release, there have been questions and comments about their lives and work. Some have appreciated, others have criticised them. It was not a easy time for the captors, the hostages, families of both sides, nation and for the international community. people from all walk, tried their best to free these missionaries.
"Critics said the group's actions forced their government into negotiations with the Islamic militants that damaged the nation's international reputation."
After reading some Koreans view, "this particular scene has damaged the country's reputation in the internatioal community" I did not feel comfortable and thought of writing my heart felt views.
I belive this incident has added to the reputation of the Koreans. Why let me say a few things, based on my readings.
1. Humanitarian Work: All the Koreans were sent to this war torned country to show the love in action. Jesus Christ showes us love, so his followers went there to show the love, by helping those in need, providing them medicines, food, care, and training. Repeatedly these young people have been called by the media and their Church, "the aid workers".* If they could not preach that's fine, they showed it in actions. Who would not be proud of their courage and helping nature.
2. Volunteers of Love: All the young people including old want to go to peaceful, beautiful lands for enjoying, mission activities, and sight seeing but these young poeple chose/volunteered to go to Afganistan is itself a great work. It was not the church that sent them forcibiliy to Afganistan but it was their love of the people and for God which took them even to a nation like Afganistan. The media says, "The suburban Seoul church that sent the 23 volunteers to Afghanistan and the hostages' relatives have said the group was working on humanitarian projects and not evangelizing."*
3. Witnessing unto death: The media says, "Since the July 19 abduction – the largest abduction of foreigners in Afghanistan since the fall of the Taliban regime in 2001 – two male hostages have been killed. The leader of the group, Bae Hyung-kyu, was found dead on July 25, and the body of 29-year-old Shim Sung-min was found July 30."
Two pastors honored their Lord by giving their lives for the great work. These Koreans, showed what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ to the world. Their lives as leaders of the team and as true belivers of Christ, will inspire the sleeping Christians throught the history of humankind.
These were the great shephereds of the follower of Chief Shpeherd, the Lord Jesus Christ, who laid down his life for his sheep. Same can be seen in the group. If the leader was not killed may be another one would go in his place. What a great example of Christian leadership.
4. Personal example of a girl: Two girls were seriously sick among the group. When the time came for the sick girl to be freed, she allowed another friend to be freed instead of her. She chose to be in the captive group. Who does not love his/her life? But notice the christian love in this particular girl. She proved to be entirely different in her group. Who would not be proud of such living example?
5. Feeding the hungry: These volunteers went with many resouces with them. They helped to feed the hungry children, gave medicines and care for the sick. When they were there, they were not enjoying the hiking and sight seeing but were there to feed and help. Their help went to the hungry and sick families.
The media says, "A Japanese newspaper reported Friday that South Korea paid two million dollars to the hardliners ..."
If it is true, for this also praise God, for this money will bring food, medicines, clothes, and shelters for the hungry and needy Taliban families. If Korea has paid it, it is because, Korea had/s money. A hungry people can not do that. So I see it positively. What is wrong with the reputation if you helped a hungry people with your God given resources. It will be the Militia fault if they misuse it.
Was it an easy event which made people sleepness, crying, sick, and took two precious lives? NO, It was not a good easy but hard time for all the people including Talibans who had to escape everyday to new places to hide.
6. Asian Christian on fire: But after all, I belive it brought glory and honor to Lord Jesus Christ in many ways. And Thanks to the young missionaries and their leader and families who set good examples to follow to share the love of God even in the hardshiops and difficult situations.There were many people who did not know What Korean Christians are upto? The event made it known. They are on fire for Jesus and for his mission. And it also declared that Christianity is not mere a 'white people religion.' We Asian also can show our love for our brothers and sisters in our neighborhood and the Koreans are leader in that.
So my Korean brothers and sisters you have done it. Your love for Christ has been proved. There is nothing to worry about the 'bad reputation.' Let's not look for the worldly credit and achiements, which are not wrong but let's look to Lord, the King of all Creation, the Lover of His people in all the world, who would say, to you, "well done" my servants.
I also rejoice with you as I read, "Thank God. They are all freed now," said Je Mi-Sook after her brother Je Chang-Hee was release".
* excerpts christianpost.com and yahoonews.com
"Critics said the group's actions forced their government into negotiations with the Islamic militants that damaged the nation's international reputation."
After reading some Koreans view, "this particular scene has damaged the country's reputation in the internatioal community" I did not feel comfortable and thought of writing my heart felt views.
I belive this incident has added to the reputation of the Koreans. Why let me say a few things, based on my readings.
1. Humanitarian Work: All the Koreans were sent to this war torned country to show the love in action. Jesus Christ showes us love, so his followers went there to show the love, by helping those in need, providing them medicines, food, care, and training. Repeatedly these young people have been called by the media and their Church, "the aid workers".* If they could not preach that's fine, they showed it in actions. Who would not be proud of their courage and helping nature.
2. Volunteers of Love: All the young people including old want to go to peaceful, beautiful lands for enjoying, mission activities, and sight seeing but these young poeple chose/volunteered to go to Afganistan is itself a great work. It was not the church that sent them forcibiliy to Afganistan but it was their love of the people and for God which took them even to a nation like Afganistan. The media says, "The suburban Seoul church that sent the 23 volunteers to Afghanistan and the hostages' relatives have said the group was working on humanitarian projects and not evangelizing."*
3. Witnessing unto death: The media says, "Since the July 19 abduction – the largest abduction of foreigners in Afghanistan since the fall of the Taliban regime in 2001 – two male hostages have been killed. The leader of the group, Bae Hyung-kyu, was found dead on July 25, and the body of 29-year-old Shim Sung-min was found July 30."
Two pastors honored their Lord by giving their lives for the great work. These Koreans, showed what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ to the world. Their lives as leaders of the team and as true belivers of Christ, will inspire the sleeping Christians throught the history of humankind.
These were the great shephereds of the follower of Chief Shpeherd, the Lord Jesus Christ, who laid down his life for his sheep. Same can be seen in the group. If the leader was not killed may be another one would go in his place. What a great example of Christian leadership.
4. Personal example of a girl: Two girls were seriously sick among the group. When the time came for the sick girl to be freed, she allowed another friend to be freed instead of her. She chose to be in the captive group. Who does not love his/her life? But notice the christian love in this particular girl. She proved to be entirely different in her group. Who would not be proud of such living example?
5. Feeding the hungry: These volunteers went with many resouces with them. They helped to feed the hungry children, gave medicines and care for the sick. When they were there, they were not enjoying the hiking and sight seeing but were there to feed and help. Their help went to the hungry and sick families.
The media says, "A Japanese newspaper reported Friday that South Korea paid two million dollars to the hardliners ..."
If it is true, for this also praise God, for this money will bring food, medicines, clothes, and shelters for the hungry and needy Taliban families. If Korea has paid it, it is because, Korea had/s money. A hungry people can not do that. So I see it positively. What is wrong with the reputation if you helped a hungry people with your God given resources. It will be the Militia fault if they misuse it.
Was it an easy event which made people sleepness, crying, sick, and took two precious lives? NO, It was not a good easy but hard time for all the people including Talibans who had to escape everyday to new places to hide.
6. Asian Christian on fire: But after all, I belive it brought glory and honor to Lord Jesus Christ in many ways. And Thanks to the young missionaries and their leader and families who set good examples to follow to share the love of God even in the hardshiops and difficult situations.There were many people who did not know What Korean Christians are upto? The event made it known. They are on fire for Jesus and for his mission. And it also declared that Christianity is not mere a 'white people religion.' We Asian also can show our love for our brothers and sisters in our neighborhood and the Koreans are leader in that.
So my Korean brothers and sisters you have done it. Your love for Christ has been proved. There is nothing to worry about the 'bad reputation.' Let's not look for the worldly credit and achiements, which are not wrong but let's look to Lord, the King of all Creation, the Lover of His people in all the world, who would say, to you, "well done" my servants.
I also rejoice with you as I read, "Thank God. They are all freed now," said Je Mi-Sook after her brother Je Chang-Hee was release".
* excerpts christianpost.com and yahoonews.com
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