Jailed Christian Aid Worker Freed in North Korea
by Staff
February 6, 2008
(christiansunite.com) - A Canadian aid worker, Je Yell Kim, who was arrested by North Korean security officials on charges related to "national security" in the city of Rajin while trying to cross the North Korean border to China on November 3, was released late last week. Kim's release followed the diplomatic visit of Ted Lipman, Canada's ambassador to South Korea, to the capital of Pyongyang last week. Foreign Affairs did not comment on the nature of the negotiations involved in Kim's release. The exact charges on which he was arrested remain unknown. However, during an in terrogation, Kim reportedly wrote in a statement that he had criticized the North Korean regime and tried to set up a church in the northern area of the country. Kim also oversees a dental clinic and two hospitals in an impoverished region of the nation.
For security reasons, Kim's current location has not been made public. At last report Canadian officials were facilitating his reunion with his family. Recently, it was reported that his health was "deteriorating" in prison.
Thank the Lord for Kim's release. Ask the Lord to comfort and strengthen him as he recovers from his time in prison. Pray that he and Christians in North Korea will keep their eyes on Jesus, persevere in their faith, and not grow weary or lose heart (Hebrews 10:32-39;12:1-3).
For more information on the persecution of Christians in North Korea, go to www.persecution.net/country/northkorea.htm. Last week, The Voice of the Martyrs announced a campaign entitled "Praying for a Revelation in North Korea (PRNK)" (see www.persecution.net/news/nkorea4.html). For more information on how you can get involved, download the free kit at www.persecution.tv/media/prnk/prnk_kit.pdf.
