This is not actually my first trip to Korea. I came about 17 years ago to meet a new family, then again 10 years ago in connection with a mission trip to the Philippines.

One thing that always impresses me here in Seoul is the vast array of crosses visible on the skyline. Red and white symbols of the Christian faith are everywhere. When Christians emerge from their depths of persecution and suffering, one thing they love to do is talk about it. The crosses are eloquent here.

I read that South Korea is home to 23 of the 50 largest churches in the world. They are second only to the United States in missionaries sent out. Christians make up nearly 30% of the South Korean population -- 17 million total, counting all possible classification of Christian. Truly Christ has had a huge impact here, and the cross is meant to say it all.

But South Korea is not the only country on this peninsula that specializes in crosses. Last night I slept only 20 miles from the northern border, on the other side of which is a nation with no visible crosses, but crosses nonetheless, the kind more in line with Biblical revelation.

Jesus tells those who would be His followers that a person not willing to bear the cross and die for Him is not worthy of Him. In spite of that, many thousands of North Koreans have taken up their cross to follow their new love to the death if necessary.

And for some it is necessary. Expected. Embraced.

I sit typing this short note to you from the headquarters of the new Underground University, home of 15 such souls, who have come here to train in the Scriptures and related subjects, with an eye toward evangelizing their homeland via any means the Lord opens, including going back whence they came.

These are men and women who have not that long ago put their lives on the line to come to freedom and relative safety. Then they heard of One Who gave up the liberty and safety of Heaven, One Who calls them to follow Him wherever He leads.