While Pastor Foley and I are very active in the 20 different ministry projects that Voice of the Martyrs Korea (Seoul USA) does, our Underground University students are just as active! They pray, plan and participate in everything from radio broadcasting, balloon launching and orphan ministry. We consider their ministry service an important part not only of their training process to become missionaries but also of the ongoing growth of their own personal relationship with Christ.

I wanted to share with you the reflections of LSY, one of our UU students. She recently went balloon launching with us, and she regarded it as one of the most important experiences of her life!

I want you to especially notice that this trip was not only about launching the Scriptures into North Korea but also it was an opportunity for LSY to grow in the Lord. She is a new missionary in training, so “at every turn” it was a learning experience for her. She learned as she read the contents of the balloons, she grew as she understood self-denial, she trusted the Lord as she felt sick, and she understood God’s character more as she realized God was actually using her to grow the Kingdom of God!

Below, LSY gives her reflections (unedited) from the After Action Review form that UU missionaries are required to complete at the conclusion of each trip:

• What purpose did you have when you join the mission trip?

When I think about my fellow North Korean folks who are hungry, I did not feel tired at all because I had to complete this mission duty well so that they can know and believe in God sooner and will receive His grace, blessing and love.

• Please, tell us about the training you had before you went to the trip.

In the first day before we started balloon launching, I did not feel comfortable. Seoul USA staff and I prayed not to be sick continuously in faith and I did not have any problem with until the end of our duty. While we were launching balloons, it was not very nice situation. We had strong wind and people were walking around us in every five minutes. However, I had only one thought that God is with us and did not cease praying. Balloon launching has done without accident.

• Please, tell us the impressive events and experiences during the mission trip. Why it was impressive for you and what was the result of the experience or the event?

It is amazing that God let me complete this mission duty although I could not lift the bag that we packed balloons. I sincerely hope that these gospel balloons reach North Koreans as soon as possible.

• How did you practice studying Scriptures, worshiping, praying, self-denying, serving others, offering during the mission trip?

I kept reciting Luke 9:57-62, which I memorized as a weekly Bible verse. Balloon launching team worshiped together. And I did not stop praying during the mission duty. And in this mission trip, I denied myself as I did not buy stuffs even though I had money. I tried hard to take charge of more brutal works than other team members but I think it was not enough to offer myself.

• What did you learn from through the mission trip?

I became bold as I went to UU mission trip two times including this balloon launching. But I can and have to go to another UU mission trip if I can make God happy. 

• What will you do if you go to a mission trip again? (Please, consider it according to studying Scriptures, worshiping, praying, self-denying, serving others, offering)

I will apply Bible scriptures which I will memorize that week and other memorable Scriptures to my daily life during mission trip. I should not be lazy to practice worshiping, praying, self-denying, serving others and offering. Lastly I will always remember that there is nothing I cannot do with the strength of God.