Crossing Borders started operations in 2003 in China. This mission field was our sole focus for many years and continues to be an area of increasing importance. We consider it a great miracle that we are able to continue our work there despite the fact that, in recent years, it seemed as if we would have to cease our operations altogether. China has given us opportunities to help hundreds of North Korean refugees in dire need. We have introduced the gospel to North Koreans who have never heard the name of Jesus Christ, fostered their growth in God, and, for some, witnessed them pass into glory.
This year, North Korean refugee Miriam passed away quietly in China. She had no official identification. She left no assets for her children. She had no rights, no one to call if she was being abused or taken advantage of. To China, it was as if she didn’t exist. And though the world around her did not acknowledge her, we know that she held immense value as a person created in the image of God.
Crossing Borders has been ministering to Miriam and the North Koreans who live near her for almost 10 years. It was God’s providence that our pastor was riding a bus, heard some women speaking in Korean with a North Korean accent, and offered to bring help to them in their village. Through this initial, God-ordained meeting, hundreds have come to know the Lord. The ministry God seeded with one simple conversation on a bus continues to this day with regular church gatherings, retreats for refugee women and their families, providing much needed medical treatments, and, at times, financial assistance to support those in dire need.
Though our work is illegal in China, Crossing Borders has been able to safely and effectively operate in China for over 20 years. To this day, China does not acknowledge North Korean refugees within their borders. The only time that they do is when North Koreans are arrested and repatriated back to North Korea. China recently repatriated a large number of North Koreans who were either captured or stuck in China during the pandemic. Under Xi Jinping’s reign, China has become more and more hostile to the work of outsiders like Crossing Borders.
Every Christian aid worker that we know has been forced to leave the country and never allowed to return. The same is true for our own missionaries who lived and served in China for over 10 years. Though they were never caught by the Chinese government, the current laws and their tracking abilities have made it impossible for them to return to China.
Our future in China seemed bleak. It appeared that we were out of options but God provided a way for us to continue. God continues to surprise us and remind us that he loves North Korean refugees more than we ever will.
We are so thankful for our opportunity to continue our work in China and to bring hope to North Korean refugees like Miriam.
Will you consider a generous gift this Giving Tuesday to help provide refuge to North Korean refugees in China who desperately need it?
