I praise the Lord Jesus that the 21 beloved South Korean brothers and sisters were finally released and home safely. To me, it is by and through the grace of God that they are spared. I would also like to offer my condolences to the 2 Korean brothers who were sacrificed in the incidence.
I know that there are some criticisms against the South Korean hostages’ deal alleging that it might set a “dangerous” precedent which might jeopardize other missionaries in Afghanistan. The Talibans claimed that the deal was a success for their abduction strategy and they would do it again. Besides, Seoul is reported to ban its citizens from traveling to Afghanistan soon.
No one could deny that the extremist Muslim groups in Afghanistan might see the abduction of foreigners as a way to rid the country of non-Muslims. Indeed, abductions and killings are not uncommon in their track records. Some Protestant groups working in Afghanistan were criticized as having been acting “irresponsibly” because they have failed to take heed of the country’s legal, social and political context by doing over-ambitious evangelism which is banned by the government.
As an evangelist, I am sympathetic to the Korean missionaries. Obviously, I am neither qualified nor capable to make any judgment over the missionaries’ actions. Nevertheless, I do believe in this teaching of the Lord [Matt.16:24], “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Jesus further instructed his disciples [Matt.10:16], “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” Let’s remember that evangelism is inherently difficult and risky as Jesus had said [Matt. 10:22], “you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.”
We Christians know that the Great Commission is central to the purposes and meanings of our lives on earth. The Apostle Paul [II Tim. 4:2] teaches us to preach the word whether in season or out of season; so that we should reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. Perhaps, we should learn from our “mistakes” and yet be stuck to our purposes and mission by doing what is right in the eyes of our Lord. At the end of the day, I do believe that the Afghans will be opened to the gospel through various works and testimonies by individual Christians called to the purpose by the Lord Jesus.
Dear missionaries of South Korea, don’t be intimidated or be stupefied. You can consider yourselves as living now a second life endowed by the Lord through your Afghan ordeal. I believe our Saviour has a plan and purpose for each one of you as His beloved children. You should be prepared to bear witness to Jesus Christ and His Salvation which is both our obligation and privilege! Let’s encourage one another with Paul’s teaching (Rom. 8:28): “We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose.” Amen.
Howard
I know that there are some criticisms against the South Korean hostages’ deal alleging that it might set a “dangerous” precedent which might jeopardize other missionaries in Afghanistan. The Talibans claimed that the deal was a success for their abduction strategy and they would do it again. Besides, Seoul is reported to ban its citizens from traveling to Afghanistan soon.
No one could deny that the extremist Muslim groups in Afghanistan might see the abduction of foreigners as a way to rid the country of non-Muslims. Indeed, abductions and killings are not uncommon in their track records. Some Protestant groups working in Afghanistan were criticized as having been acting “irresponsibly” because they have failed to take heed of the country’s legal, social and political context by doing over-ambitious evangelism which is banned by the government.
As an evangelist, I am sympathetic to the Korean missionaries. Obviously, I am neither qualified nor capable to make any judgment over the missionaries’ actions. Nevertheless, I do believe in this teaching of the Lord [Matt.16:24], “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Jesus further instructed his disciples [Matt.10:16], “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” Let’s remember that evangelism is inherently difficult and risky as Jesus had said [Matt. 10:22], “you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.”
We Christians know that the Great Commission is central to the purposes and meanings of our lives on earth. The Apostle Paul [II Tim. 4:2] teaches us to preach the word whether in season or out of season; so that we should reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. Perhaps, we should learn from our “mistakes” and yet be stuck to our purposes and mission by doing what is right in the eyes of our Lord. At the end of the day, I do believe that the Afghans will be opened to the gospel through various works and testimonies by individual Christians called to the purpose by the Lord Jesus.
Dear missionaries of South Korea, don’t be intimidated or be stupefied. You can consider yourselves as living now a second life endowed by the Lord through your Afghan ordeal. I believe our Saviour has a plan and purpose for each one of you as His beloved children. You should be prepared to bear witness to Jesus Christ and His Salvation which is both our obligation and privilege! Let’s encourage one another with Paul’s teaching (Rom. 8:28): “We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose.” Amen.
Howard
