Voice of the Martyrs is an organization that supports and tells stories of the persecuted Christian church all over the world. In America, it is so easy to forget that we live in a bubble. Most of the world does not get to enjoy the pleasures of religious freedom as we do. They are strictly prohibited from meeting, discussing, and even reading about anything related to Jesus or Christianity in general. These people in different countries could literally be beaten, thrown in jail, or killed because of their faith and, for this reason, they must hide it and be very subtle about their happenings.
One story that I have been truly captivated by is a story about South Korean Christians who have had to go to great lengths in creativity to share their faith. The story involves South Koreans wanting to share the Gospel message with the North Koreans, but having to come up with an idea to do so without being killed in the process. As is commonly known because of their culture and strict government, North Koreans will not let anyone in or out making evangelism very difficult. Even if someone was allowed in, however, they would be IMMEDIATELY killed without second thought if they mentioned the name of Jesus. The South Koreans came up with the idea to print the "main points" of the Gospel message on plastic-type material, then fold these packets up and stuff them into balloons. They would then fill the balloons with helium and, when the wind was blowing north, they would send the balloons up in the air for them to be carried, by the wind, to North Korea. The balloons would float all the way into North Korean territory and soon pop due to altitudinal pressure. Once the balloons popped, the North Koreans would literally have the Gospel falling from the sky. Though it may not be as effective as it could be if it were an actual person being able to explain what is written on the paper, they must use the tools that they have. In this case, what a brilliant idea to share their faith with other people without ever even being able to speak directly to them.
This story is amazing in my mind because I so often forget the reality of the need. I live in my American "bubble" where I can openly share my faith whenever and wherever I choose. Ironically, I do not feel the need to do this. The urgency of the Gospel is not understood in America because it is not forbidden as it is in other countries. It is difficult to remember that the same truth still needs to be heard by Americans as much as it is by North Koreans. It provokes my mind toward thought when I think about these things because, as much as it bothers me when I read the stories on VOM, I am also very aware that I will walk away from the story still living in America. I would love to change the structure of my mental journey in this way, but I know it takes time.
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