To the Least of These in the Hardest Places [Update 5 from Korean DMZ]

Checkpoint at the Unification Bridge near Paju, South Korea. This controlled entry point leads into the Civilian Control Zone on the edge of the DMZ, one of the most militarized borders in the world. Beyond these gates lies the buffer separating North and South Korea.

[Update 5 of the 21-Day Missions Prayer Guide]

Scripture

The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” — Matthew 25:37–40

This post is a look-back reflection. During our time in Korea, we visited the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) with a missionary, Eu Jong (not her real name), who has spent many years ministering on the frontlines. Her ministry and stories were eye-opening.

At the Frontier of the Korean DMZ

The photo below is from an observation post in the DMZ, gazing across barbed wire fences into North Korea. We could see the flags of both South Korea and North Korea marking the border.

Hidden in this peaceful-looking valley are millions of landmines and unexploded artillery shells.

According to EBSCO, this one of the most dangerous areas on earth.

The Sparrow Orphans

At the DMZ is where I first learned of the “sparrows”—nomadic homeless people in North Korea, particularly children, who face many dangers including forced labor and abuse. Starvation has been a major social issue due to famine. These orphan children are called sparrows because, like birds, they pop up scavenging for food in the border areas near the DMZ and China.

North Korea's sparrows. [PHOTO SOURCE: nctasia.org "Every falling star"]

Eu Jong led an orphans ministry in China for 17 years for the sparrows (kotjebi). She glowingly tells how several of these vulnerable children converted to Christianity, facilitated by missionary networks in China and South Korea.

She also shared that some of her former kotjebi—“we are all one family in Jesus”—have since returned secretly to share the gospel. They smuggle Bibles, evangelize their families and neighbors, and even join her Bible studies online via Zoom.

The Frontier Church — Circa 1900

Eu Jong then took us to a tiny 125-year-old church in a cleared-out minefield where she and her husband are the pastors. 

This simple and unassuming church has survived over 125 years, with patched walls, plastic pallets for a walkway, and a makeshift tarp roof.

This humble sanctuary has been a place of worship and intercession for generations., and is in use today. 

Inside, the space glows with devotion: wooden pews, fresh flowers, a cross on the wall, and the South Korean flag symbolizing faith and perseverance. 

The congregation gathers weekly for worship. Often there are prayer vigils from visiting churches interceding for the divided people of the Korean peninsula.

Prayer at the Border

The photo above shows one of several moments when our team stopped to pray for the needs we were encountering. 

Outside the church a large cross is cut into the grass of the field. 

The Van Got Stuck

The driveway as so steep and narrow our van got stuck in the egress. 

Fortunately we were able to push it out and avoid extending our residency in no-man’s land :).

A Village Shaped Like a Song

Her village was built in the shape of a treble clef—a symbol of harmony and peace. (Unfortunately we drove past the entry sign to the village before I could get a photo.) 

Originally settled by retired military officers, this village sits just outside the Civilian Control Line. 

Life here seems low-key, blending normal rhythms of farming with ever present reminders of latent danger: ID checks, barbed wire, and military patrols. 

We had lunch in a commissary style cafeteria, where there were uniformed soldiers (or border guards) eating there with us. [no photo possible].

This photo is a Prayer Monument near the Korean DMZ — inscribed with prayers for peace and the reunification of North and South Korea. Local believers and visitors gather here to pray, calling upon the Lord to bring reconciliation to this divided land.

Pray for North Korea

Before 1938, North Korea had a significant Christian influence, including a prominent seminary— all of which have essentially been wiped out.

Nonetheless, Eu Jong told us that there are approximately 2 million underground Christians in NK! (Note: When I fact checked that number, it seems like 40,000 - 100,000 is more realistic—but it’s impossible to know.)

During our times of intercessory prayer at the conference in Greece, several of the Asian missionaries here have expressed a burden for North Korea and the 26 million people suffering in the darkness of that land. Pray for North Korea.

Prayer Points

• Pray for the missionaries and pastors who serve in the shadow of the DMZ, at great risk.

• Pray for the “sparrows”—North Korean children in China and defectors in the South—that they may find hope in Christ and thrive. Pray for those who are bold to evangelize.

• Pray for the underground church and persecuted Christians. 

• Pray in agreement with the church in South Korea for peace, healing, and ultimately the reconciliation of the Korean peninsula.

The Worship Quest Academy Korean Team at the DMZ 9-22-25: Dr. Jinn-So Ga, Dr. Robert Still, Dr. Steven Brooks, Prof. Esther Kim, and our missionary guide Pastor Eu Jong. 

✈️ Real-Time Update — September 30

Well, I’m writing this on Tuesday afternoon, September 30, Greek time. The post above is a look-back accounting from last week in South Korea.

Since September 24 I’ve been at a Christian retreat center in Sounion, Greece leading worship and intercessory prayer every morning and at other times throughout the 8-day long OMF Leadership Development Intensive. 

We have a group of about 40 Asian missionaries from Taiwan, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Korea, Philippines, as well as Canada, the Netherlands, Switzerland, China, England, Scotland. South Africa, and Australia.

It's been a great blessing and source of inspiration to build relationships with these missionaries and learn of their callings and stories. One example was to learn of the great work of OMF in the Philippine islands to the Muslim tribes—impressive numbers are coming to the Lord. 

Health-wise, some in our group have taken ill with cold-like symptoms. I feel ok but tired. We have four more days in this project. Pray that my health stays strong and I finish well. Response from the group regarding our times of worship has been fantastic, and the Lord has been very present. 

Thank you so much for your prayers — they make all difference. 

~ Rob