North Korea: Detained Canadian Christian worker released
Feb 05 2008
Postings >> North Korea

A Christian aid worker sparked a major diplomatic incident when he was arrested in North Korea apparently because of 'his religious views'.

Je Yell Kim, a Canadian citizen born in North Korea, was released last month after almost three months in custody – but only after a frenzy of diplomatic exchanges.

The North Korean authorities arrested Kim on November 3 as he crossed the country's border with China. The 61-year-old was freed and deported in late-January, following a visit to Pyongyang by Canada's ambassador to South Korea Ted Lipman.

Though he was reportedly charged with breaching 'national security', the precise reason for his arrest is unknown. Reuters news agency quotes local aid workers saying that Kim had been caught with notes for a sermon in his pocket. Other sources said that he had written a statement under interrogation in which he admitted to trying to set up a church.

Over 10 years, Kim, a pastor and dental technician based in Edmonton, Canada, has made many trips to Rason, a poor area in the north-east of North Korea. He has set up several dental and medical clinics and trained local people, with the authorities' blessing.

Edmonton papers report that Kim has held religious services for foreign aid workers in Rason. At the time of writing, his family had not made any comment about his release.

Praise God for Je Yell Kim's release. Pray that he can continue his work.

Pray that the North Korean authorities would be increasingly open to aid workers coming into their territory, so Christians can bring light and life.