Post by Pastor Tim – When LSY defected to South Korea she was investigated by the National Intelligence Service Center, like all of the other North Korean defectors. Even though she was already a Christian, she was physically and emotionally weak. She began to have suicidal thoughts. She thought that it would be better to die by jumping out of the window than to go through any more interrogation.

LSY was by no means weak by nature. She had worked hard labor as a construction worker in North Korea for over 20 years. And during the eight years she spent in China before coming to South Korea she continued to work hard in order for her and her family to survive.

Her trip from China to South Korea was very difficult–“impossible without God’s help,” LSY says. But she also says she felt like God gave her special care while on her way to South Korea. She climbed mountains, took boats, and rode buses without money. She felt God’s presence in a unique way while riding the buses, because she never saw another individual that was allowed to ride without paying money . . . except herself.

So why was this strong Christian who had been through so much considering ending her life? Surely her time of interrogation wasn’t worse than her life in North Korea, was it?

I believe that ever since LSY defected to South Korea, she has been under spiritual attack. The enemy does not want a North Korean defector to be a faithful witness to South Koreans, North Koreans, and the world. What better way to end LSY’s faithfulness than to have her kill herself during her interrogation.

I’m happy to tell you that LSY did not end her life . . . and now she is now a faithful member of our Underground University (UU) program. She has completed a good portion of her studies already and has a faithful heart to finish. She said,

Actually, studying at UU is not easy for me, but I will not stop studying at UU. If I want to preach the gospel in the future, I have to know the Word of God more and practice it from now, not later.

LSY is not only studying the Bible in UU classes, but she is also doing mission work to share God’s word with other NKs. Just last week, she witnessed to two NK women who were in their mid-twenties. She was able to remember the Bible teaching she received in UU and apply it to the women’s lives. The above picture is of LSY sharing communion with another North Korean.  She said,

Today I shared the story of God’s creation and Adam’s sin to NK women. Also I prepared the materials they need in the bag (ministry pack materials). The two women already knew a little about God and they have desire to know God more. They seemed that they are not happy and free, but they really want to depend on God and follow the word of God. They responded well to my teaching. I was very proud of myself to be used by God. I came to know God, even though I am nothing, but if God wants to use me, I can share the word of God with His power. I was very encouraged by being here and sharing gospel to NK women. While I was preparing this time, I could know more about God. It was very special time to me and I was so blessed by being here this time. I am sure God will be delighted with that.

God is already using LSY in a might way with other NK defectors.  Please pray for strength, courage and a sound mind for LSY.  Pray that God will use her to encourage other NKs who are lonely and considering suicide.  And continue to pray for all of our UU students who have made the same commitment to mission that LSY has!