Bible Launches Met with Resistance

Foleys and police - Photo: Voice of the Martyrs Korea
Photo: Voice of the Martyrs Korea

For several years, The Voice of the Martyrs Korea has helped get Bibles into North Korea. Typically, this was done through the launch of large balloons, which would strategically drop the contained materials across the border. Recently, members of the ministry team have also begun using bottles filled with rice, vitamins and small Bibles to bless those residing in North Korea. These bottles were systematically sent while the timing of the tide was just right so they would float along the western coast to their intended destination.

VOM Korea is not the only organization sending materials across the border. Some others have been sending materials which are very critical of the North Korean government. Officials who have taken note of these items vehemently oppose all efforts to influence the minds and hearts of their people.

In 2018, an agreement was reached between North and South Korea to reduce military tensions. However, on June 4th, Kim Yo Jung, the sister of leader Kim Jong Un, issued a warning. She stated that unless the South Korean government stops this "evil propaganda" from being sent via balloons, North Korean officials will cancel the agreement. In response, the South Korean government has taken immediate action to appease them and thus avoid any tensions.

When a team of VOM Korea workers set out to launch the latest 500 rice bottles on June 5th, two dozen police officers, plain clothes officials and local residents blocked the road, preventing the workers from getting to the sea. Three days later, the ministry received a letter from the Department of Ocean and Fisheries directing them to cease and desist from any rice bottle launches or they will face charges.

Despite the opposition, Pastor Eric Foley, CEO for VOM Korea, recognizes how divinely appointed opportunities are being presented in every situation that arises. All previous attempts to obstruct their past humanitarian efforts have made it possible for the members of his mission team to demonstrate the love and grace of God. "Over the years," he explains, "we've done probably as much witnessing to South Korean police as we have to the North Korean people."

Pray that the hearts of the South Korean police officers will be open to receive the Gospel message. May God continue the good work that He has already begun in the lives of the many North Koreans who have received previously launched Bibles. While praising Him for the wonderful opportunities to share this "Good News" in the past, pray that He will present even more creative and effective ways to do so in the future. Please remember to intercede for Kim Jong Un, his sister Kim Yo Jung, and other North Korean leaders, asking God to soften each of their hearts so they too will be receptive to the life-transformative message of His tremendous love for them.

  • Current Ministry Project

    VOMC assists in the education and training of North Korean Christians to enable them to reach fellow North Koreans with the Gospel wherever they are found. VOMC also works with proven ministry partners who are broadcasting quality radio programs to equip and encourage believers of the North Korean underground church.

    Project Fund: Underground Church

  • Country Information

    Population
    26,072,217 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Racially homogeneous; there is a small Chinese community and a few ethnic Japanese

    Religion (%)
    Juche (99) Christian (1)

    Leader
    Kim Jong-Un (2011)

    Government type
    Dictatorship, single-party state

    Legal system
    Based on Prussian civil law system with Japanese traditions and Communist legal theory

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for North Korea

    Pray for the safety of the country's refugees – including those who are hiding in various parts of China, as they are frequently being hunted by Chinese and North Korean agents. Ask the Lord to also protect and strengthen believers faithfully serving within North Korea, granting them wisdom as they seek ways to effectively communicate the hope of the Gospel so the church can continue to grow. And like the Apostle Paul, may the country's primary political leader, Kim Jong Un, experience a profound life-changing encounter with our Lord Jesus Christ who is longing to extend love, mercy and forgiveness toward him (Acts 9).

North Korea News

  • Court Ruling Permits Balloon Launches
    Two people are filling a very large balloon
    Photo: VOMK

    Since 2005, The Voice of the Martyrs Korea VOMK has used large balloons to carry Bibles and Scripture pamphlets into the restricted nation of North Korea. However, in 2020, the South Korean government passed a law criminalizing the use of balloons after negotiations with the North Korean government. (See this report for more details on the restriction.)

  • Balloon Launches Officially Banned
    Filling balloons for North Korea
    Photo: VOMK

    Since 2005, The Voice of the Martyrs Korea (VOMK) has used balloon launches as an effective way of getting Bibles into North Korea. Recent surveys indicate that an increasing percentage of North Korean defectors have also been given access to the Scriptures. Many of those Bibles may well have come through VOMK, whose distribution outreaches sent approximately 600,000 Bibles into the country over the years. It has been the only major organization supplying religious materials across the border.

  • Bible Launches Met with Resistance
    Foleys and police - Photo: Voice of the Martyrs Korea
    Photo: Voice of the Martyrs Korea

    For several years, The Voice of the Martyrs Korea has helped get Bibles into North Korea. Typically, this was done through the launch of large balloons, which would strategically drop the contained materials across the border. Recently, members of the ministry team have also begun using bottles filled with rice, vitamins and small Bibles to bless those residing in North Korea. These bottles were systematically sent while the timing of the tide was just right so they would float along the western coast to their intended destination.

  • Bible Used to Track Defectors
    Korean English parallel Bible
    God's Word is so powerful, it's life-transforming!

    In an attempt to monitor defectors, North Korean secret police agents have been studying the Bible. The purpose is for them to be able to gain rapport and trust with defectors in China and South Korea. In so doing, they hope to gain information on the whereabouts of other defectors, as well as ways to track and monitor them.