July Vision Column

Rev. Jeffrey T. Howard
July Vision Column
Eagle Rock Presbyterian Church
June 25, 2009


When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my lambs." A second time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Tend my sheep." He said to him the third time, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" And he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep.” (John 21:15-17)

Recently, Sue Kinsler, a PCUSA Missionary from South Korea, preached at our 5:30 worship. She gave an impassioned plea for Christians to feed the hungry people of North Korea.

Sue first went to North Korea in 1999. Earlier in that decade a devastating flood killed many. Then two years of drought led to starvation. A million North Koreans died in these disasters, and Sue was determined to obey Christ’s command to feed his sheep.

One hundred years ago the Holy Spirit began a Christian revival in the city of Pyongyang, the current capitol of North Korea. Christianity spread from there all over the Korean Peninsula. Sue’s father-in-law was a Presbyterian missionary in Pyongyang assisting in the growth of the church. But after World War II, Korea was divided and the communist government in North Korea banned all religions including Christianity. No one knows how many of the faithful are still worshiping in secret. But we do know that when the people of North Korea are hungry we must feed them because they are Christ’s sheep.

Sue has been active in supporting orphanages in North Korea. She started soy milk factories to provide nourishing food for hungry children. And she is currently working on a project to build a facility for the disabled in Pyongyang.

With the current tensions in the world caused by North Korean missile and nuclear tests governments are unwilling to provide basic aid, food and medicines, for the desperately poor in North Korea. So now, more than ever, it is the responsibility of the churches to help those in need. The Presbyterian Church USA has a long history supporting the churches of Korea. Now with a desperate need for humanitarian aid in North Korea we have to act again.

Our Session has approved, as a special giving opportunity, contributions to Sue Kinsler and her mission work in North Korea. Your help is needed and will be greatly appreciated. Please make your check payable to Eagle Rock Presbyterian Church, and write “Sue Kinsler” on the memo line.

Blessings,
Pastor Jeff