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Christianity Today, November, 2007 |

Missions Isn't Safe

Let's not learn the wrong lessons from the South Korean kidnappings.

A Christianity Today editorial. | posted 11/07/2007 09:26AM

This summer, associate pastor Bae Hyung-kyu led his mostly female medical team from South Korea into Afghanistan. The plan was to alleviate physical and spiritual suffering. But Taliban terrorists had ...

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heavenwoman

Posted: November 16, 2007 11:22 AM

Christians should be willing to serve Christ no matter what the cost. The Bible even tells us to fear those who can destroy the soul. So we should be on the look out for false prophets. We should be willing to share the truth from the Bible about Jesus Christ and his death on the cross for sinners, his burial and resurrection! God promised to be with us through our trials not to keep us from having them. I say "If you feel called by God to go overseas to the Mission Field than Go! Tell the lost there is hope for them! Don't let them go to hell for being ignorant about the truth. Go! Tell! Share the faith! " Pray for the lost at any cost. Share Chirst with others no matter the price. Obey God! Obey him today, tomorrow, the day after that, next week, month and year! Obey him five years down the road! Obey him ten years from now! Obey him forever and ever! Obey him in your younger years and in your old one's too! Only what is done for Christ will last! Tell!

Joey Zorina

Posted: November 14, 2007 12:04 AM


A missionary heart risks more than some think is safe; cares more than some think is wise. Amen!

Missions Exec

Posted: November 08, 2007 8:24 PM

I read both this article and the previous article. I wonder if anyone is learning anything here at all. In the drive to "save the lost" are we sacrificing our children and families on the altar of missions? I am still waiting for an article that doesn't give a free pass to these missionaries for their actions. No one is dealing with the issue of "did they contribute to their own demise?" It seems that since there are martyrs involved, no one dares suggest that we review the strategies which ended up with these tragic results. Sure this is a dangerous world, but that doesn't mean we go looking for it.

Rick	Posted: November 08, 2007 6:42 PM

I think this article gets it just right. There may be some lessons to learn from this, but the basic lesson is simple: the Kingdom isn't safe, never was. Jesus said, count on it. It's true, some risks taken in Jesus name are not wise, but no risks taken in Jesus name is, inexcusable (Matt 25:26) Jesus was clear: Better an unwise or less than perfectly planned out risk than no risk. I was dumbfounded that the main criticism that came after this was of the hostages!! This is like blaming a woman for being raped. I was even more discouraged by the self righteous tone of many Christians blogging and tsk, tsking the Koreans for their naivety and over zealousness and 'how could they put their country in such a position?" People getting killed for talking about Jesus while doing medical work SHOULD inspire an international outrage. But, it didn't. The Taliban get a pass, the missionaries get the 3rd degree.

A Hermit

Posted: November 08, 2007 4:56 PM


Well said. It must be added, that prayerful presence is powerful.

Christian of Uruguay

Posted: November 08, 2007 2:43 PM


The acomplishment of the Great Comission sometimes requires God´s servants death, but save souls of hell worts it. I wish all Christians think like that, like Jesus teach us with His own example.

Greg Chase

Posted: November 08, 2007 1:35 PM

The sacrifises of these dear people are not dimished by the cowardly acts of governments or terrorists trying to detroy what God has done through them. The toll of the war with the world, the flesh and the devil has ever been the blood of the martyrs. This world is not yet the Kingdom of our God and of His Christ. To know that one may one day die for Jesus is part of the cost of discipleship. We are not to be "carried to the skies on flowery beds of ease, while others fight to win the prize and sail through bloody seas."

Jude A. Dickson

Posted: November 08, 2007 11:50 AM

When we read about apostle Paul's statement in 2 Timothy 4:7-8 "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing". It seems too simple, but not. Only a heart of love fixed on Christ in faith can say this, while facing with a sword, gun, axe or machete - in a mission or evangelism field. What the Korean Pastor "Bae Hyung Kyu" saw was similar to that of the apostle Paul. I believed that both of them are now rejoicing and waiting for us who will be gone later - in the paradise of God. - Revelation 6:9-11. Beloved, be courageous. Don't give up. The LORD is our strength. We'll rejoice at last, if we faint not. May the LORD bless your soul - in Jesus name - amen.

C Calderon

Posted: November 08, 2007 7:54 AM


I knew this by the news. and a- mail confirm me that this people are christians. is posible to watch the wars in one hand the love war, expresed in service to the Lord sharing the God`s love in violent lands. the war of hate, remembering the words of our LORD by their fruits you will know Chuy (Mexico)

Steve Price

Posted: November 07, 2007 8:07 PM

Robert Jermain Thomas, the first Protestant martyr to Korea in 1866 {see www.roadmin.org} was from my home town in Wales.His fellow missionaries & mission society distanced themselves from him and his "Failed mission". In God's economy however his mission set the seed of the Gospel in the Hermit Kingdom of Chosun {Korea}, & was a contributing factor to the establishment of the first church in Pyongyang {The Noltari Church}, as recognised by Samual Austin Moffett, Blair et al. I had the privilege of visiting the site on Suk Island in the Taedong River a few months ago where he lies buried {even though the gravesite is covered by an obelisk built by Kim Il Song} His life has proved a challenge for my own commitment to serve to build Christ's Kingdom. Persecution often leads to Proclamation! This is no time to retreat,.... yes to learn from mistakes....but "God's presence throughout time" is our reassurance that He will build His Kingdom.

Donna

Posted: November 07, 2007 7:23 PM

It has needed to be said. I deeply respect the actions and faith of the Korean missionaries. I heard a missionary message years ago, "God says "go" he didn't say we have to come back. The people of the world need to see Christians willing to die for their faith without responding with violence. The governments of our countries don't need to understand, but we do need to be obedient to God's call in our lives. Thank you for this article.

Anonymous

Posted: November 07, 2007 5:29 PM


Perhaps we could be so fortunate to suffer as egregiously in our native countries as well?

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