Seoul USA has published a 30-day prayer manual, in English and Korean, for those whose love for Korea demands a greater outlet. You may order yours at http://baekjeong.com. The following article, about Korea's "settlers", written by a North Korean, is from Day 23 of the manual:

Most North Korean refugees, when they hear the truth about South Korea, want to go there. Since1998 the number of North Korean refugees entering South Korea has increased every year. There were 1,894 North Koreans who entered South Korea in 2004. This number decreased to 1,383 in 2005. The total number of saetŏmin, that is, North Korean refugees settled in South Korea, reached over 8,000 in June, 2006.

Since these thousands of North Koreans are totally accessible to the West, we need to be prepared in prayer and knowledge of them. We need to understand what kinds of problems they have when they reach South Korea, what causes those problems, and so on.

First, Saetŏmin, are by and large very frustrated. They had thought South Koreans were their very own people. But they feel betrayed when they are virtually ignored by the South. I heard a settler say he wanted to leave South Korea after he was so humiliated, so ignored, and so abused by his employer. He believes that the discrimination would be less in other countries.

Second, these displaced Koreans are confused and feel lonely. They are living in a place with a totally different mind-set from their old ways of thinking. For example, one settler complained about his wife who seemed to be copying the ways of the South Korean women. She began to talk back and be disrespectful, like she had never been before. So some change is negative.

But there are positive changes that are a challenge also. Some are just not able to change their life style with which they grew up. They simply don't want, and don't try, to learn some new way of living. Some even want to avoid contact with South Koreans altogether.

Third, only a few defectors have a good job. In the NK group of which I am familiar, a full 80% are unemployed. Some are involved in job training, but the percentage is way too high. Consider also that the defector population is largely in the 20's and 30's age bracket. Finding a job is their worst problem.

Fourth, many saetomin students study under great stress. Most of them are not allowed into their proper grade, because of the time lost in travel and readjustment. This can actually be several years in some cases. They simply fell behind. Many of those students, out of shame, just give up public school altogether. Some are able to enter a private institution or simply find a GED course so that they can get ready for college.

Fifth, and finally, many who gained faith in China, came to South Korea and slowly lost it. Why? Unfortunately, it is because they take a look at those who call themselves Christians, and are turned off. Also, some are concerned about the constant demand for offerings, and the rigid organizational structure of the South Korean congregation. Some even complain that the service is boring.

If the South Korean church is going to help its northern visitors, it must learn to love them aggressively. The church must be, among other things, a safe and friendly place to go. Its message must encourage their faith and point them to Jesus. Fortunately, there are some churches, even large ones, that have caught this vision and are beginning to understand the need.