Posted on 12/26/2009 2:09:39 AM PST by TigerLikesRooster
U.S. rights activist crosses into North Korea - reports
Jon Herskovitz, Reuters December 26, 2009, 4:00 pm Send
SEOUL (Reuters) - A U.S. human rights activist trying to raise global attention about the suffering of the North Korean people has crossed into the reclusive state, other activists and South Korean media said on Saturday.
There has been no comment from North Korea, which usually arrests foreign border crossers on site, or from U.S. officials.
Activists told Reuters that Robert Park, 28, had crossed into North Korea from China on Friday, while South Korea's Yonhap news agency and the Kukmin Ilbo newspaper quoted activists who went with him to the border as saying he had crossed at a sparsely patrolled point near the northeast border city of Hoeryong.
Park was quoted by activists who went with the border as shouting when he went across: "I am an American citizen. I am bringing God's love. God loves you."
/snip
"I don't want President Obama to come and pay to get me out. But I want the North Korean people to be free," Park said on Wednesday before departing for China.
(Excerpt) Read more at nz.news.yahoo.com ...
God bless Mr. Park. He’s a fine example of God’s love.
Expect this story to be buried.
Of course it will - and be ridiculed by too many FReepers.
Sad.
I don’t think we can say he is “seeking martyrdom.” That would be claiming to know what he has in his heart.
Yes, sad. And shameful.
It’s very sad.
Reminds me of the Buddhist monks...self immolation back in Viet Nam and Cambodia.
Perhaps. For me, there’s a critical difference. A Christian is not to take his own life by his own direct act; which the monks definitely did.
Mr. Park is carrying the Christian gospel to unbelievers - it’s in our job description; which most of us fail miserably.
Not really. Its a foolhardy suicidal mission with zero chance of any success. If his mission was to reach out to unbelievers there are plenty in South Korea.
The World is better for Christ's.
“Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.”
God bless this brave man!
I agree that he may change his mind, especially in time if the NK government just ignores him, which they might, but I most certainly do not agree he’s an idiot. There are Americans who are willing to sacrifice their lives for the freedom of our country. We call them the “military”, and civilians who feel the same way are called “patriots.”
As for the cost, if he’s captured, his parents, especially his mother, may well violate his desire to not be rescued and seek assistance.
This is his choice, his mission. Such people are nearly always told they’re on a fool’s mission, and he may well be, but it’s his desire and choice. Sometimes, if someone takes a first step, others eventually follow. Maybe he hopes to avoid war between South Korea, the U.S. and NK. He has a powerful message and, frankly, I think he’s very courageous and I admire him. I wish him well.
Oh, BTW, Franklin Graham (Billy Graham’s son) was recently in NK with basically the same message, asking for prisoners to be freed, bringing in food and medicinal supplies, seeking an opening of their closed society, and spreading the word of God.
I realize it’s different as it realtes to protection and probable outcome in terms of security for Franklin Graham to go versus this young man going, but the mission, message and courage are the same.
The more I think about it, the more I think you might want to rethink what you’ve said.
Amen.
Yeesh......make that ‘medical’ supplies and ‘relates’.
To the song “Love Shack” heh heh heh.
Prayers sent for this man and mission.
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