Key happenings from the field and within Crossing Borders from the missions field
Dear friends and supporters of Crossing Borders,
Thank you for your continued support for our work. 2020 was an unexpected one for all of us and for Crossing Borders.
We expanded our reach to another country in the midst of a global pandemic. I cannot stress how difficult this was and I also cannot take credit for any of it. The Lord was gracious in opening the door for us.
We were also able to acquire key talent that I am so confident will set us up for further growth and success in the years to come. I can say with confidence that Crossing Borders is better equipped than ever before to both streamline and grow our operations.
Please find below our updates from Q1 of 2021:
Elim House
In January, we took in our fourth Elim House resident. Though we were well short of our initial estimate of 12 residents due to COVID restrictions, we are thankful that we had the year to refine our operations and strengthen our partnerships.
In December we took in a new Elim House client we call “Eunice.” She was our third resident. Eunice has a long and interesting story. But, just to give you a short background, Eunice has some mental issues and has problems remembering details about her past. She said that she escaped North Korea accidentally by falling into the Yalu River. In our years and years of ministry this is by far the most bizarre way that any North Korean has reported her reason for escaping.
Eunice (right), having Christmas dinner at Elim House.
“Julie,” our fourth resident, came to us in January. Julie and her son arrived at Elim House from a medical facility where she was treated for physical abuse from her husband. She expressed how good it felt that there were only women around at Elim House. Julie and her son slept a lot for the first few days. She was able to receive counseling and care from our staff. She and her husband sought relationship help with a therapist from a partnering organization. After about a month in Elim House, she went back home with her husband, who vowed to seek help in order to change.
Julie making dinner at Elim House.
Of the four residents we’ve helped through Elim House, two are still with us. Our missionaries have shared the Gospel message with all of the women and by God’s grace, they’ve all professed their faith in Jesus. Only one of the four residents had heard the gospel message prior to coming to Elim House. Our missionaries continue to pour into these new believers through their sacrificial care, hosting Bible studies and teaching them about their Father in heaven who calls them precious.
In caring for our first residents, we were able to get more clarity on why God allowed Elim House to exist and where we need to focus:
To share the gospel with North Korean refugees.
To give abused women time to heal so that they can plan their next steps.
Though we plan to add services for Elim House residents that will help them to assimilate and to be more productive, these are our primary goals. Our world is fallen and filled with chaos. We will counsel and try to bring about change in these women but only the Holy Spirit is able to truly transform and heal their hearts.
China Operations
One thing our refugees in China have in common with the rest of the world is the fact that they too have shifted almost entirely to online meetings. Limited by COVID, we were able to have a virtual time of worship with some of the refugees in our network. Unfortunately, not all of the refugees in our network have access to reliable internet services so not everyone was able to attend.
Like the US, it is difficult for people in China to gather in person for worship. Our staff in China also have difficulty getting into the small villages where our North Korean refugees live. Nevertheless, our ministry continues in China. We have been able to send payments from our COVID relief fundraising campaign into the country, as well as continue to send payroll payments into the country.
We are able to keep regular contact with our refugees, via smartphones in order to ensure our money is reaching them and also to minister to them. Though we are limited in what we can share with them over mobile apps, we are thankful for this means of communication.
In the midst of COVID, we were encouraged to hear an update on Lois, one of our refugees and a faithful believer. Lois started a business a few years ago selling items that are common in North Korea but hard to find in China. Through her business, she is able to connect with North Korean refugees in her area and works to develop relationships with them for the purpose of inviting them to one of our church-plants in her area.
God has shown favor to Lois’ business to bear much fruit, financially and in the lives of other refugees. Her business is not only something that helps Lois generate income, it is also an organic and effective evangelism tool.
Lois organizing items for her business.
Organizational Update
Despite the economic hardships that many organizations faced in 2020, God graciously grew Crossing Borders 5% year-over-year. We are moved by God’s continued faithfulness and for our gracious supporters.
We’re also excited to share that the Elim House social worker position has been filled. She is a pastor’s wife and has served North Korean refugees in her church for the past three years. She started working at Elim House at the end of February. Our staff has been impressed with her passion for the North Korean people and are looking forward to working with her in the future.
Thanks again for your partnership. We are truly grateful for our loving supporters.
Thank you and God bless.
Best,
Dan Chung
