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Werner says, "I don't know of anybody who has left because of [the kidnapping threats], but perhaps it will discourage people from coming. You can't remain here very long without coming to a sense of abandonment to God's sovereignty and his promises of protection."

Historically, danger does not stop Christian enthusiasm for ministry, said Michael Pocock, department chair of world missions and intercultural studies at Dallas Theological Seminary.

"Suffering is a means to the end of establishing the credibility of what you're preaching," Pocock said. "What happened [in Afghanistan] is not going to stop Christians from sending missionaries to difficult places, but it introduces an element of reality."

Sarah Pulliam is a CT news reporter.

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Our full-coverage section on Korean missions includes an interview with Park Eun-jo and

Missions Isn't Safe | Let's not learn the wrong lessons from the South Korean kidnappings. (November 7, 2007)

The Pulse: Short-Term Troubles | Lessons from the South Korean kidnappings in Afghanistan. (November 7, 2007)

Costly Commitment | In wake of abductions, Korean Christians take heavy criticism. (August 13, 2007)

South Korean Politicians Blame U.S. for Taliban Hostages | Korean officials seek direct negotiations with kidnappers. (August 3, 2007)

After Taliban Kills Two Hostages, South Korea Pleads for Compromise | As another deadline passes, Taliban abductors make threats and Afghanistan warns of military action. (August 2, 2007)

Weblog has links to more news in the aftermath of the hostage crisis.

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November 2007, Vol. 51, No. 11