Could Revival Bring South and North Korea Back Together?

The church in South Korea has a prayer and a vision: reunification with North Korea.

Could it be possible? It may be in progress in the Spirit.

Don Shenk, director of The Tide, a 65-year-old global gospel ministry that produces radio programs in several languages throughout the world, witnessed South Korea’s heart in the matter firsthand.

Global Educational Missions Ministry, an alternative Korean school that helps produce Christian leaders who impact the global culture, invited Shenk to South Korea. Shenk reports that South Korea pastors are in full support of the unification with North Korea based on the potential to reduce or end religious persecution. The National Assembly is in support of reunificaiton based on its anticipation of improved commerce.

During his time in South Korea, Shenk toured the National Assembly Building, where he reports leaders have already reserved seats for North Korean delegates in anticipation of the desired alliance. And Global Educational Missions Ministry is equipping itself to provide free education for North Korea refugees.

The Tide has been active in India for 34 years—nearly half of its 65 year existence—and witnessed transformation there. Shenk has seen how successful the gospel is in resolving deep-seated animosity in other parts of Asia. He is eager to find ways to assist both the church and government in South Korea in their pursuit of healing and reunification in Korea.

“Hope and restoration are integral aspects of God’s plan for mankind,” says Shenk. “It is encouraging to see the church in South Korea so deeply committed to seeing the gospel take root and bring about radical life change in North Korea.”

Seeds have been sown, through prayer, radio broadcasts, and Bible balloons. Seoul USA, a Korean-American NGO that launches Bibles and gospel flyers into North Korea 70 to 80 times a year, now has proof that the balloons are reaching their target.

“We’ve known for years that our balloon launches were reaching the targeted areas because of the angry response of the North Korean government,” said Seoul USA President the Rev. Eric Foley. “But the GPS devices provide us with precise verification that will enable us to further increase the accuracy of future launches.”