Dear Sponsor,
Hello.
Since the beginning of last year, because of COVID-19, it has become difficult to carry out rescue activities for North Korean refugees.
Even when we do, the cost to rescue one person is several times higher than before,
and even after spending that much, safety cannot be guaranteed.
Until rescue activities can resume,
we will help North Korean refugees in China who are having difficulties in their daily lives
and who cannot receive treatment even though they are sick because they have no money.
In May and June, we provided 4.4 million KRW in living and medical expenses
to 351 North Korean refugees.
Even though it was a small amount, many people sent messages of gratitude.
“Dear respected teacher,
I wanted to record a video and upload it,
but I was too shy and nervous, so I am writing this letter instead.
My name is Choi O-kyung, and I am 39 years old.
I lived in Onsong, North Hamgyong Province,
and in 2004, I was sold to China.
What happiness could there be for someone like me
who left behind my parents and siblings and came to a foreign land?
An old grandmother-in-law, a half-paralyzed father-in-law,
a mother-in-law with dementia who cannot speak,
and a poor husband without money—
just thinking about it all makes it hard to breathe.
What gave me strength and allowed me not to give up on myself until now
were my daughter and son.
For their sake, I had to live,
and no matter how hard it was, I would get up again for my children.
Recently, I gained new strength by participating
in the gathering that you prepared for us.
If I were to tell all my painful stories, it would have no end,
so I will stop here.
I am ashamed of my poor life and my miserable situation.
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter.
Please always stay healthy and happy.
From, Choi O-kyung”
“You always give us strength and courage, and we are deeply moved by your warm consideration.”
“Thank you so much for your devotion to us.”
“We will never forget the grace you have shown us. We love you.”
“Each time you show your kindness and concern for our fellow countrymen like today,
I truly don’t know how to repay you.
From now on, I will pray even more for God and live diligently. Thank you.”
“Thank you so much for giving us your warm love.
Please always stay healthy and happy.”
“Thank you, Republic of Korea.
Thank you for always caring for us and showing us your love. We love you.”
“We will never forget the love you always show us.
We pray that you will always be healthy and full of God’s grace.”
“Thank you, Republic of Korea.
We are truly grateful for the love and grace you always show us. Thank you.”
And a North Korean defector woman, suffering from illness and financial hardship,
sent us a desperate message saying, “I want to live.”
“... My husband had brain surgery five years ago after a head injury.
... I am also sick, but while working far from home for our two children,
I was diagnosed with liver cancer last year and returned home.
Both my husband and I are ill, and life has been unbearably hard.
... I want to live. Please help me.
I am sorry to write such a letter without shame.”
We sent 500,000 KRW to this woman for medical treatment,
and she sent us a heartfelt message of thanks:
“Thank you so much. I received 2,700 yuan in cash for my treatment,
and I couldn’t stop crying.
With this offering filled with love,
I will devote myself to fighting the disease and recovering as soon as possible.
I am sick and struggling in China, where no one cared about me,
but you have given me hope.
Truly, thank you.”
It is only thanks to our supporters that we can continue to provide such help.
We express our deepest gratitude.
We sincerely hope that rescue operations will soon resume
and that North Korean refugees will finally find freedom.
Please take good care of your health during the rainy season.
From, Kim Young-ja