By BosNewsLife Asia Service with BosNewsLife’s Stefan J. Bos
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA (BosNewsLife)– A 28-year-old American Christian missionary has entered North Korea to urge leader Kim Jong Il to “repent” and “release political prisoners” and others persecuted for their faith, fellow activists said Saturday December 26.
Robert Park crossed into North Korea from China late Friday, December 25, carrying a letter urging the North Korean leader to free political prisoners, including Christians, shut down “the concentration camps” where they are held, and open the borders to allow aid teams to enter.
South Korea and Western governments say North Korea maintains a network of political prisons. North Korea has strongly denied these allegations.
Activists who went with him to the border said that, “While crossing the frozen river in a snowstorm, Park shouted loud, saying ‘I’m a US citizen, I came here to proclaim God’s love’.”
“But all were silent on the other side of the river. We assume he was arrested by North Korean border guards there. But we don’t know about his fate,” an activist said on condition of anonymity.
The activists asked not to be named due to security concerns. A video was to be released shortly.
FREEDOM APPEAL
Park told reporters earlier this week in Seoul that he saw it as his Christian duty to make the journey and did not want the U.S. government to try to free him.”I don’t want President Obama to come and pay to get me out. But I want the North Korean people to be free,” he explained.
A colleague said Park, a Korean-American, is a member of an international campaign called “Freedom and Life for All North Koreans.” There has been no response from the North about the crossing.
American journalists Euna Lee and Laura Ling, of the U.S. media outlet Current TV, were arrested in March after accidentally crossing into the North while working on a story.
HARD LABOR
They were sentenced to 12 years of hard labor, but were freed as part of a diplomatic mission led by former U.S.President Bill Clinton in August.
Netherlands-based Open Doors International, a respected rights group investigating reports of persecution of Christians, has told BosNewsLife in recent years that as many as over one million people may be held in “concentration camps”, which include several punishment camps for political prisoners and dozens of forced labor camps.
“It’s possible that the number of prisoners are well over one million,” said the Open Doors’ North Korea director who identified himself only as ‘Brother Simon’ amid security concerns. “Many camps are so huge that they can’t be spotted on satellite images,” he explained at the time.
“The camps are complete villages.” Despite the pressure, there are hundreds of thousands of Christians in North Korea, according to Open Doors estimates.
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Thank you for reporting this! This is extremely vital to the Kingdom! Please continue to pray for brother Robert. He is a dear friend of mine and member of our small church. -pj
Robert is a friend who is passionate about his Christian faith & his love for the people of North Korea. His family are originally from North Korea.
I have known Robert for several years & he is not a publicity seeker. He is a leader in making others aware of the hardships suffered by many in North Korea. He also wishes to challenge leader Kim Jong Il to return to the Christian faith of his paternal grand-mother & allow freedom for the many Christians who are held as prisoners because of their faith.
I too share Robert’s love for the people of North Korea & as a physician I have undertaken two bridge-building medical missions to Pyongyang. My wife has written a short biography of fellow Welshman, Robert Jermain Thomas, who was the first missionary-martyr. This book “Chosen for Choson” was greatly appreciated by Robert. {see http://www.roadmin.org}
We encourage people of faith to pray for Robert and the people of North Korea.
Dear Mr. John Benson and Mr. Stephen Price,
Thank you very much for sharing your experiences. We are looking forward to covering your work as well.
Stefan J. Bos, BosNewsLife News Center
I was, remain, thrilled at Mr. Parks bravery for the Name of Christ.
I am a 47 yo mother of 3 married to a Palestinian Believer, living here in the States.
We were set to return to my husband’s homeland of Israel to serve, when he was struck inconsolable with depression over a year ago. He remains hospitalized and we 4 remain hopeful, waiting, and THRILLED to here of Mr Parks bravery. We will pray. Thank you for this article. – Jennifer for the Razzouks
Dear Ms. Jennifer Razzouk,
Thank you so much for your encouraging e-mail. We closely monitor the often extremely difficult situation of Palestinian believers. We wish you, your husband and family also many blessings and the Lord’s comfort in your currently difficult personal situation.
Stefan J. Bos,
BosNewsLife News Center
It looks like a pretty silly stunt to me.
Praise the Lord who has set before Robert Park an open door that no one can shut it; for he has a little strength have kept God’s word, and have not denied His name.(Rev 3:8)
Robert Park is a man of great passion I have known him for almost 3 years Going into North Korea is not a spur of the moment thing He has given this much prayer Let the Focus be on God and the messages that God has given Robert for North Korea . it is time for all Christians to carry their Crosses . robert was inspired by Jerimiah thomas who was matyed in Korea Pray that message is heard and conditions are changed
Hello,
My name is Robert Laabs and I live in Vista, Ca. I just so happened to visit the Korean church, a few times last year, where Robert Parks parents attend. I am fascinated by this story because of the courage and deep love for others that it must take to do what Robert has done. I think sometimes here in the American Christian Church we really don’t understand the radical commentment that Jesus has called all of us too. I am praying for Robert & his family that his testimony will be an encouragement to all of us to LIVE OUT OUR FAITH so that others can be Set Free!
Your Brother in Christ,
Robert Laabs
hi there!
God has given me a burden to pray for North Korea…a burden to intercede for that nation..I am greatly encouraged by what Robert had done for Jesus’ sake..Let us not lose hope for North Koreans’ Liberty..God answers prayers..Let us bombard heavens with our prayers….Praise God…..All the praises and honor to our Lord Jesus Christ!
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