I have just returned from a very strategic trip to North Korea and China, where I traveled as an ambassador of the Lord Jesus Christ and a minister of the Gospel. As I visited with government and church leaders in these nations, I felt more strongly than ever that God is opening to Samaritan’s Purse “a great door for effective work” (1 Corinthians 16:9, NIV).

Shortly after arriving in Pyongyang, North Korea, I had the opportunity to meet with some of the nation’s top government officials, including Vice Foreign Minister Kim Kye-Gwan, Foreign Minister Pak Ui Chun, and the Vice President of the Presidium, Kim Yong Dae. They listened carefully as I shared with them that God loves each of us regardless of our borders or politics and encouraged better relations between our two countries. I also asked for permission to rebuild some of the churches that were destroyed in the Korean War.

Samaritan’s Purse has been working in North Korea since 1997, providing medical, dental, and emergency assistance. In addition to inspecting our projects, I made a presentation of equipment for a new dental center in Pyongyang that can train up to 70 rural dentists a year. I explained that this new equipment was a gift from God, a tangible expression of His love for the people of North Korea.

It was especially gratifying to return to the hospital in Sariwon that I visited 14 months earlier. The difference was like night and day, now that Samaritan’s Purse has installed a generator to provide electrical power. Where Korean surgeons used to operate with sunlight reflected by mirrors from windows, they now have proper lighting and much better equipment.

When I spoke with the director of the hospital, he told me that his mother had become critically ill on the day we installed the equipment. That night he performed a successful operation on her—using the updated technology—and he personally thanked me for our help.

From there, I flew to Beijing, China, to meet with government officials, and then went south to Baoding to dedicate a training center for evangelists. The next day, I was invited to preach at Bethel Church, the second largest congregation in China, where 8,000 people gathered to hear the Gospel and hundreds made decisions for Christ. To God be the glory!

I also visited Sichuan province, where local officials thanked Samaritan’s Purse for our response to the devastating earthquake in May 2008. One mayor told me he had never met a Christian before, giving me a wonderful opportunity to talk about my faith in Jesus Christ.

Before I left China, I took part in the dedication of the new Anwen Medical Clinic that Samaritan’s Purse helped build. Anwen is an agricultural and mining village that lost its only medical facility after a severe storm. Just as I did throughout this trip, I presented the Gospel message.

Please continue to pray for China and North Korea, that God will give Samaritan’s Purse even greater opportunities to build bridges of trust and understanding as we work in the Name of Jesus. Many millions of people in these two countries have grown up in a religious vacuum and need the Savior.

Disasters Strike Asia-Pacific Region

People across the Asia-Pacific region are struggling to recover from an unprecedented series of major disasters—including earthquakes, typhoons, and a tsunami—that occurred within days of each other. Samaritan’s Purse staff has been working in five countries, providing tons of relief supplies such as community water filtration systems, food, blankets, tool kits, and plastic sheeting for temporary shelter. In almost every area, we have been able to partner with local Christians who are committed to reaching out to their neighbors in the Name of Jesus.

In the Philippines, where typhoons brought floodwaters so high that people were forced to their roofs for safety, we worked hand-in-hand with the country’s Operation Christmas Child leadership team to bring emergency aid to over 70,000 people. More than 350 local believers were mobilized to distribute supplies alongside our staff. In some areas, flooding left thick, knee-deep mud in many houses. With our support, church volunteers did the back-breaking work of removing the muck and debris, so families could move back home.

“Our motivation is not just to help people,” said a volunteer. “We want them to see the Savior.”

These believers have found their neighbors eager to hear the Gospel, and they have seen dozens pray to receive God’s gift of salvation through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Praise the Lord!

Our teams are also working diligently to assist typhoon survivors in Cambodia and Vietnam, two countries that are only now beginning to emerge from war and genocide. Chiam Kut, an elderly Cambodian widow, is one of the thousands of impoverished people we have been able to help. She was overjoyed when local believers gave her an emergency relief package.

“Thank you for bringing these items today,” she said. “They have come just on time!”

Following a killer tsunami in Samoa, we have been able to reach 14 villages with tons of critical supplies such as food, blankets, and hygiene items. A local pastor said his congregation wanted to help, but they didn’t know where to start.

“When we saw the name Samaritan’s Purse, we knew you were good people,” he said. “You have loved us and helped us love others. We will rebuild our homes with you in our hearts.”

When the Indonesian city of Padang was rocked by two powerful earthquakes, Christians traveled from towns several hours away to work with our team to provide relief. They loaded trucks with food and other supplies and drove through the night to reach the affected communities.

Padang has a long tradition of hostility to the Gospel. In fact, many of the residents are proud that there is no church in the area. Our partners, however, are committed to bringing the light of Christ to this dark place.

“This is a calling from our Lord,” said a church worker. “Samaritan’s Purse has helped build a bridge for us to establish a good relationship with the community. We want them to see that Christians are different.” Before our Lord ascended to heaven, He gave His disciples the awesome privilege and responsibility of taking the Good News of salvation around the globe. He said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15, NKJV). This is the ultimate aim of all our efforts in over 100 nations across Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Latin America.

Friends, this ministry would not be possible without your prayers and support. We are so grateful for your partnership in the Gospel. Thank you, and may God bless you.

Sincerely,

President
Samaritan's Purse

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