Psalm 147 reminds us that the God who numbers the stars also binds up the wounds of the brokenhearted. This is the hope we carry into every encounter with North Korean refugees in South Korea. When we meet them, they are carrying trauma, fear, and years of isolation, but we have seen again and again that Jesus meets them in their brokenness.
This year, we witnessed God’s healing work in remarkable ways.
When Linda arrived at our women’s shelter, she was physically weak and suffering from severe uterine bleeding. She had no one to advocate for her. Our Elim House staff walked with her—accompanying her to the hospital, helping her find safe housing, and surrounding her with prayer. Later she told us, “I finally felt like someone cared for me.” Jesus—who Himself knew pain, sorrow, and grief—met her through the love she received.
Bonnie’s story shows that no heart is too hardened for redemption. She once participated in the trafficking of other North Korean women, a life that left her bitter and with broken relationships. But during her stay at Elim House, a single Bible verse pierced her heart. She began to seek Jesus, asking questions, softening, and confronting her past.
Some wounds are invisible. Andrea entered our shelter emotionally shut down after years of betrayal and the onset of early dementia. Like Jesus—who was rejected and abandoned—she carried deep loneliness. Though she remains generally suspicious of everyone, she allowed our social workers to help her find permanent housing and financial support from the government. We continue to make ourselves available to her anytime she wants to reach out to us.
Even seemingly small steps can be life-changing. One woman who attended an Elim Community class told us she had gone nowhere but home and work for five years. Our free class was the first time she stepped out of her usual routine. Through our classes, she heard the gentle truth that she did not have to walk alone.
And the fruit of transformation continues to grow.
We see it in Jamie, who told us that only God could give her the courage to see and confess her own faults.
We see it in Ellie, who now returns to the same shelter she once lived in—this time to encourage other North Korean women.
We see it in Hadessa, who arrived paralyzed by social anxiety. Today she goes out in public without a mask and even updated her messaging app with a photo of herself for the first time.
These stories give us great hope. The same Jesus who heals our refugees’ broken hearts and binds up their wounds is the one who bore judgment and separation from God so they never have to. When our refugees are confronted by the steadfast love of Christ—when they look to the cross and see that they are seen, known, and treasured—their hearts begin to move from brokenness to wholeness, peace and praise, the bookends of Psalm 147.
Psalm 147:3 "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."
The word of God is living and active, and through your prayers and support, it is changing lives among North Korean refugees in South Korea. This Thanksgiving season, we are so grateful for your investment in this ministry. Thank you for your prayers.
Psalm 147 is our focus for Giving Tuesday this year. Our goal is to raise $30,000 by December 3rd to ensure our care and the healing work of Jesus will continue to reach many more North Korean refugees.
