As we closed out 2025, our South Korea staff hosted a Christmas party—a time to celebrate God’s faithfulness. We invited North Korean refugees in our community to join us for an evening of celebration, rest and fellowship.
Students from our line dancing and English classes performed routines and short speeches, showcasing what they had learned throughout the year. Games and laughter filled the room, and for many, it was a rare opportunity to relax and feel fully at ease. Our prayer throughout the evening was simple: that each person who attended would know they were welcomed, valued, and deeply loved.
“Our prayer throughout the evening was simple: that each person who attended would know they were welcomed, valued, and deeply loved.”
One small moment in particular captured the very heart of Crossing Borders’ mission.
Before the celebration, we gathered at a restaurant where we had reserved a room for our refugee community members. Our Team Lead, Cindy, prepared personalized place settings for each guest, complete with handwritten name placards. On the morning of the event, one woman contacted Cindy to say she wanted to attend our party. Though it meant extra effort at the last minute, Cindy felt it was important that her name placard be there too.
That simple decision fostered one of the most meaningful moments of the entire evening.
When the woman arrived and saw her name written on the placard, she stopped and picked it up with gratefulness. She shared with our staff that for weeks she had been working a new job where she was treated harshly and overwhelmed with responsibility. Exhausted, discouraged, and feeling invisible, she came to the party worn down. Seeing her name—prepared intentionally for her—restored a sense of dignity and worth that she had not felt in a long time. She asked if she could take the placard home.
A few days later, our staff hand-delivered small gifts we had prepared for each attendee but had forgotten to distribute during the event. Of all the people we visited, this woman was the only one who invited our staff inside of her home for some tea. During that visit, she opened up about her life and her struggles. We thank God for these intimate encounters and pray that our connection with her will continue to grow, including inviting her to our retreat this fall.
Her response regarding our party was echoed by many others. Several attendees shared that they had never been to an event where they felt so personally cared for and seen. When asked what distinguished this gathering from other organizations or government-sponsored events refugees often attend, Cindy’s answer was clear: intentional, individual care for each soul. We did not rush the schedule or push an agenda. We created space for people to shine. We noticed names, details, and needs. Through small acts of love, we communicated something profound: you matter.
The Psalmist says of God in 56:8, “You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle.”
This verse captures the heart of Crossing Borders’ work. Through your faithful partnership, we are able to reflect the love of Christ to North Korean refugees who have endured deep loss and trauma. By caring for each individual soul, we point people to the God who knows every restless night and every tear that has been shed—the Shepherd who calls His sheep by name.
Thank you for standing with us in this mission. Your support makes moments like these possible and allows the gospel to be lived out, one person at a time.
