23. “New Citizen” Teenagers in South Korea

So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Genesis 1:27

Many of the North Koreans who settle in South Korea are teenagers and young people. Some churches in Seoul have been working to help them adjust. One church provides apartments for young girls arriving in South Korea; a “housemother” from the church works with them, helping them in practical ways. Funded in part by donation as well the young people’s resettlement money, this is one way the church can serve these people.

When asked what they liked the most about being in South Korea, the young girls said, “The freedom!” They have all kinds of freedom, including financial freedom. When the housemother was asked what the hardest part for them was, she said, “The freedom. They don't know how to budget the money they have. They don’t know how to make the decisions that this freedom gives them. Simple things like choosing a college major is a new experience for them and a choice they do not know how to make wisely.”

The housemother was also asked how Christians could pray for the girls. “Please pray that they will make choices wisely. Pray that they will learn about God, about the Bible, about sin, about the Lordship of Christ and about ethics. Pray that they will learn the value of human beings and adopt a Christian view of the body and sex; that their body is precious and not something to be sold for a bowl of rice. Pray that they will see role models in solid loving families, with loving fathers and mothers.” (38)

Very few of those who leave North Korea become Christians, so we must pray for those working with these teenagers. It is often a thankless task — but something that pleases the Lord Jesus.

• Praise God for those willing to work with these teenagers in South Korea, helping them in very practical ways.

• Pray that these new young citizens will learn how to handle their freedom wisely.

• Pray that they will learn about Creator God, about sin, ethics and the value of human beings. Pray that they will view their bodies and sexuality from a Christian perspective.