In this weekly letter we deal with a similar situation, the baekjeong*. Behold the North Korean. But wait! Are we sure it is a "North" Korean? Add a few pounds and a few centimeters. Clean up the dirt of the coal mine or the hue that comes when clean water and good soap are not available for washing. Put a few good clothes on to replace the ragged cloth you see. Let his smile break. Stand him up straight. Teach him how to walk with dignity again. Is it not now a South Korean? Can you tell? Does it matter?

For so many, yes, it does matter. In South Korea today, North Koreans are herded together and placed in a "special" neighborhood. Their churches are separate. Their lives are suspect. Depression experienced for long years under Kim Jong-il's government gives way to a similar dejection created by the elite and rejecting South Korean government. Stomachs are fuller, trappings are nicer, but the inner separation continues.

Yes, not totally fair. Many South Koreans, there and here, love and cherish the Northerners. I'm sure there are even members of the SK government who have opposed the stringent policies that hurt rather than help their long-departed family members. Nevertheless, the situation remains.

And in this situation lies a wondrous opportunity for the church of Jesus Christ. For when folks are weak they are really strong, if God has a chance to get hold of them. That's a Paul-ism, straight from the Spirit's mind, recorded in your Bible. What if those weak and sickly ones rejected by this world -as was Jesus Himself - were called to strength and salvation and eternal glory? What if they were raised up to incredible worldwide service to the Master? What if mission stations were directed by these for whom hope was lost, and what if their very message was "hope!"

Ah! That's an in -your-face to the Enemy, don't you think?

My friends, what I describe , happens. I serve with an organization that works toward these goals daily, Seoul Usa. If you'd like more information about this group just let me know.

diakonos3@gmail.com