“We received word of devastating flooding in the the northeastern region of Najin-Sonbong. Typhoon rains caused a dam to collapse and to flood the city of Sonbong. Many people have died, buildings have collapsed, bridges are out. Relief workers have to walk miles to bring in food and supplies. Fields and food supplies were destroyed. Pray for a swift recovery in the area and that food and other needed supplies get in.
We have no new information of the many people detained in both China and North Korea. Please keep praying for Canadians Kevin and Julia Garratt in China and Pastor Hyeon Soo Lim of the Light Presbyterian Church, Toronto who continues to be held in North Korea. Also remember American Peter Han in Tumen, China and South Korean pastors held in North Korea: Jong-wook Kim, Kuk-ki Kim and Chun-gil Choi.
The big news lately on relations between North and South Korea has been the tensions that escalated recently as South Korean soldiers were killed by North Korean land mines south of the border. This led to charges and counter-charges. However, we thank God for a new agreement that has resulted from the tension as both North and South seek to return to a more peaceful relationship. This agreement also includes plans for visits among separated families bringing together North and South Korean relatives. Continue to pray that the agreement not only hold but be the beginning of an ongoing improvement of relations.
Even as things seem to be cooling a bit between North and South, Kim Jong Un has been ordering increasing clamp down on the border with China to prevent defections. New border fencing is being installed all along the border and security personnel are being rotated more frequently. However, this is still not enough to prevent the truly determined from leaving as two families crossed into China from North Hamgyung Province last month.
Still, life goes on, such as it is, in much of the country. Much as in South Korea, young women in North Korea are concerned about how they look and are occupying their summer time with getting plastic surgery, often without anesthesia.
As you know, we here at The Fourth River Project are thinking a lot about the future and the special issues that make eventual reunification, really the raising up of a New Korea, particularly difficult. We are not the only ones thinking about these things. Here is a thoughtful discussion of some of these issues, especially the problem of systemic bribery throughout the North. Please continue to join us in prayer for North Korea now and for good preparation for the future.
Here is your prayer calendar for October in both Korean and English. Please click the link below.
In His Name,
Ben Torrey
Director
The Fourth River Project, Inc.
www.thefourthriver.org