Relief efforts in North Korea not affected by political tension

Posted: 10/13/06

Relief efforts in North Korea
not affected by political tension

By John Hall

Texas Baptist Communications

DALLAS—The political uncertainty surrounding North Korea in the wake of an apparent nuclear test should not adversely affect Baptist hunger-relief ministry there.

U.S. intelligence officials believe North Korea performed nuclear testing in recent days, prompting the United Nations Security Council to consider sanctions against the country.

Yoo Yoon, who recently returned from his 11th trip delivering large amounts of food to North Koreans for Texas Baptist Men, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and Korean Sharing Movement of Dallas, said the unfolding political standoff between North Korea and the United Nations should not stop future relief efforts in the country.

The relief effort is driven by a desire to meet the needs of North Koreans and spread the gospel, not by politics, said Yoon, pastor of Glory Korean Church in Dallas.

Many people are starving, because governmental food rations are not adequate, he said. During his recent trip, Yoon delivered $34,000 in flour, milk and cloth to make hospital gowns to Hwe Ryong City in northern North Korea.

“We want to share our love of Christ at the same time,” he said. “We want to share our blessings. We want to share the gospel.”