[korean christian] hostages in afghanistan

Update [August 30] All remaining hostages are now freed!  On the 43rd day of the Korean Christian relief workers hostage situation, the captivity has finally come to an end [but exchange of verbal drama will now ensue].  The remaining 7 hostages were released today.

Taliban militants in Afghanistan released seven hostages Thursday evening in two batches of four and three.

A Taliban negotiator Mullah Bashir told The Korea Times over the telephone that the release of the group of four _ two men and two women _ had been confirmed, while confirmation of the freeing of the other three had been delayed due to the long distance they had to travel. However, he said they were handed over to officials from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). [read full article]

Now, another long drama of words and worldviews will ensue.  Korean officials also agreed to order all Christian missionaries out of Aghanistan by this Friday as well.  As a Christian pastor, I have incredibly conflicted feelings over this matter but will post more on this later. 

Even in the recent days, I’ve read much criticism of both the [Korean] Christians Missions on their purported recklessness on this relief aid trip [which I sought to debunk in earlier posts] as well as the Korean government for caving into the demands of the Taliban.  Will there be escalating political ramifications?  Will the Taliban be empowered to further their tactics in similar manners? 

These questions are legitimate questions but I’m frustrated by the continual references to the 23 Korean Christian Relief group as the perpetrators in this entire ordeal.  They are NOT the perpetrators.   When have they stopped being the victims of a grave human rights violation?  While they had an agenda [simply by their faith in Jesus], they went to Afghanistan to help the people of Afghanistan.  The church that commissioned them had invested significant funds to help build a hospital and other elements of infrastructure. 

Let’s not forget the real perpetrators in this ordeal - the Taliban.  They’ve managed to get the Korean officials to agree to withdrawing their remaining quasi-troops, order all current Korean missionaries out of the country, agree to halt all future Christian involvement, and I’m certain that they’ve walked away with loads of cash.  What will the Taliban agree to?  What will they pay for the brutal murders of Pastor Bae Hyung Kyu and Shim Sung Min?  How is the global community holding them accountable?

Again, my prayer is that something like this doesn’t discourage people all around the world - regardless of their religious views- to pursue a desire to DO GOOD and help fellow humanity.  It is my prayer that this doesn’t discourage Christian missionaries around the world to pursue their convictions in both communicating and demonstrating the gospel and grace of Christ. 

There is much to be learned here so may we learn together.  For now, I’m so thankful that the remaining hostages are all freed now.  While I was hopeful and prayerful, I had my doubts so this outcome is amazing and an answer to many prayers lifted up by the larger Church.   Soon, they’ll all be back home to enjoy their loved ones [and the barrage of media and public overdose and scrutiny].

My condolensces to the parents, wife, children, and other family members of Pastor Bae Hyung Kyu and Shim Sung Min.  May these two not be forgotten…

Update [August 29] [8.30am PST] It is now confirmed that two more groups of 5 and 4 more hostages were released totaling 12 total hostages freed today [Yonhap News].  7 more hostages are to be released in the next couple days.

It appears that all hostages will be released. This is certainly news for celebration…But now, be prepared for the [mostly negative] stories to begin trickling about the Korean government having no backbone and caving into the Taliban demands.  Let’s get everyone home first and then the debates can begin…

Korea Times has a timeline of the events from its beginning to this current situation.

[2.21am PST] It is now confirmed that the Taliban has released 3 [female] hostages  [NY Times] and more may be released within hours according to various news sources.

Taliban militants released three South Korean hostages on Wednesday, the first of 19 captives scheduled to be freed under a deal struck between the insurgents and the South Korean government.

The three, all women, were first handed to tribal leaders, who took them to an agreed location where officials of the International Committee of the Red Cross picked them up, according to an Associated Press reporter who witnessed the hand over.

The three hostages released [pictured above] are Ahn Hye-Jin, Lee Jung-Ran, and Han Ji-Young.  Hostages are being released at different times because they were [are] held captive in different locations.  Several more will likely be released later today and the rest over the next couple days.  

Honestly, I’m still amazed… 

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Update [August 28] *Another update:  All Korean hostages to be released.  More details will need to be worked out but let’s hope and pray that the Taliban will follow through on this arrangement.

Seoul welcomes the deal, but spokesman Cheon Ho-sun cautioned that many details must still be worked out and the aid workers will not be released immediately.

Under the terms of the agreement, South Korea agreed to stick by its previous decision to withdraw its 200 non-combat troops from Afghanistan, which work mostly in an engineering and medical capacity.

In addition, Seoul will halt all Christian missionary work in Afghanistan.

Another read via International Herald Tribune. I’m withholding commentary for the time being. 

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On the 40th day of the Korean Christian hostage situation, a Taliban commander tells CBS News that some hostages [like 3 -4 women] will likely be released soon…

The Taliban will free three or four South Korean hostages — likely women — after face-to-face negotiations Tuesday, a senior Taliban commander tells CBS News. The remaining hostages will likely be released in small groups in the coming weeks, according to the commander. [read full article]

Korean news sources are taking a more conservative approach on the matter.  Yonhap News reports that Korean diplomats are hoping for the release of hostages. 

Here’s a recently published video of the mothers of the Korean hostages pleading for the return of their children.  They communicate in Korean but also recite a few sentences in the Afghan languages.  The most frequent Korean phrase used in this video is phonetically spelled “Woori  Cha Shik” which is translated “Our Children.” 

40 days of captivity.  Set them free!

Update [August 25] News is trickling throughout different sources that negotiations for the release of all 19 remaining hostages may come to fruition in the next couple of days.  Wow. 

• Taliban likely to release hostages [Islamic News Agency]

• No deal yet [Yonhap News]

• Talk Continue for SKorean Hostages [Australian Broadcasting]

My guess is that something is clearly in the works but as to not give people [and especially the families of the hostages] false hope, news of the release of the hostages will be denied until they actually PYHSICALLY released.

Regardless, this is very hopeful.  Let’s continue to be in prayer.  Also, the video below is from BBC News which highlights one of the female hostages who volunteered to stay so that someone else can go.  Her parents share some of the content of the letter she wrote to them.  It’s worth checking out.

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Update [August 24] As the Taliban grows impatient, they have issued another threat to take the lives of the hostages [JoonAng News]. Today, the two freed Korean female hostages conducted an exclusive video interview with Al Jazeera and pleaded for the life of the remaining hostages.  I have posted the YouTube video below.

Speaking exclusively to Al Jazeera, in an interview broadcast on Thursday, Kim Kyung-ja and Kim Jee-na said the relief they felt at their release was overshadowed by the plight of the remaining hostages. 

“You probably think we are happy now, with our families. In fact, we can hardly sleep at night,” said Kim Jee-na. 

“I understand that Islamic teachings give priority to life and family. Please release our co-workers as soon as possible.”

Lee Jee-young, one of the hostages and who had also been working as a translator for the group, gave up her place as one of the hostages to be freed. 

“We were very worried when we heard that Jee-yong volunteered to be left behind,” said Kim Jee-na.   “But the Taliban allowed Jee-yong to write a letter to her family which consoled her and gave her some hope that she would come home soon.”

Update [August 22] Negotiations between the Taliban and Korean officials have been at a near standstill since the release of the two Korean female hostages.  New reports indicate that the Taliban are losing patience.   Meanwhile, the Korean officials are simply asking for more time.  Several of the Korean hostages seem to have grown in their resolve and courage and have gone on a hunger strike.

I recently received an email today from a fellow minister in the United States who “confessed” that he had no idea that this was going on until he stumbled onto this blog.  Let’s do our part to both pray and help bring light to this situation.

• I recently did an interview with a reporter for the Covenant Wire about the situation.  Click here to read it.

• Here’s a video timeline produced by a Korean TV station. 

I’m approaching the busiest 6-8 week stretch in a while.  If you run into resources, news, or other contributions, send them this way…

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Update [August 19] Today marks the 31st day [one month] of the Taliban’s captivity of the Christian hostages  in Afghanistan.  Current face to face negotiations between the Taliban and Korean officials have failed but a new deadline has been set for the lives of the captives.  According to the purported spokesperson of the Taliban, their “Leadership Council” will determine the fate of the hostages.  More disturbing news: another relief aid worker, a German woman named Cristina Meier, was kidnapped by “gunmen assailants” at an eatery in Kabul, Afghanistan.  She is said to be 5 months pregnant. 

When news of the Christian relief workers first broke out, I was surprised and upset at the lack of visual media coverage.  I had to scour the internet and especially Korean news sources to obtain information.  During prayer for the hostages and their families, I decided to daily update this blog entry for one month.  It has taken much time but I’m glad to know that it has been of service to some.

While I will obviously continue to keep up on this situation, I will not be updating this entry regularly but sporadically.  If you are interested, here are some others news sources that may be helpful for you as you both enter the story and pray for the 19 remaining hostages: 

• Korean News Sources:  Chosun News, JoonAng Ilbo, and Yonhap  | Christian Today.  An entire section to the Hostage Crisis  |  Al Jazeera. One of the main news sources of the Arab world. I’ve appreciated their coverage not just on this event but on other global matters.  I’m learning news things such as Prisoner345  |  And of course, the very simple but effective:  Google News.

Help spread the word and let’s continue to pray.

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Update [August 18] The two freed hostages were unaware of the deaths of their pastor [Bae Hyung Kyu] and friend  [Shim Seong Min] until they were notified during their flight back to Korea.  As you can assume, they were shocked and deeply saddened…

Tomorrow is the ONE MONTH MARK of this hostage crisis.  Let’s continue to pray and advocate for our fellow brother and sisters.  19 hostages still remain in captivity with the Taliban.

Update [August 17]  The two female hostages who were released, Kim Kyong Ja and Kim Ji Na, arrived back safely to Korea.  In some brief comments to the media: 

“I want to thank the Korean government and the Korean people for their concerns and sincerely apologise for causing such worries…I hope for the safe release of the rest of our team members as well.” [Kim Kyung Ja]

“All I wish for is the release of the rest of our team members.” [Kim Ji Na]

You can read news of their return here.  These Korean Christians, from the outset of this incident, have received heavy criticism from the larger Korean culture for “causing this trouble.”  It is my sincere hope that these fellow Christian brothers and sisters would not be discouraged - either for their faith or for their convictions to go to Afghanistan.  While this has caused much anxiety and pain, I do pray that the bigger picture would not be lost in translation.  These Christians were pursuing their convictions as followers of Christ - not only with words but their deeds.  They were seeking to DO GOOD and that should be celebrated.

You can read more about the story of another Korean female hostage forgoing her opportunity to be released by asking they release one of the more ill women below. 

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Update [August 16] The Taliban and Korean officials will continue direct negotiations and that’s good news.  Praying for a breakthough:

• Taliban to Resume Direct Negotiations with Korea [Chosun News] 

• Talks to Resume Amidst Hope [Korea Times]

• Taliban Might Reduce Demand for Hostages [JoonAng Ilbo]

And if you missed it yesterday, make sure you read this article.  Also, read this “sincere Islamic advice.”

Update [August 15] According to Korean news sources, another female hostage was picked to be released.  The other female has yet to be identified but she asked that Kim Kyong-Ja be sent home instead of her.  Why?  She told the Taliban that she was not as ill as the other woman [Kim Kyong-Ja] and asked that she be sent home.  Wow, what an amazing story…  Meanwhile, negotiations over the 19 remaining hostages continue  but not face to face.

This is a must read article by Ann Lovell for Baptist Press:

“I spend one day in heaven and one day in hell. I am constantly shuttling between these two places.” Mrs. Chey Pok Lee wipes her eyes as she describes the agony of waiting for news of her 38-year-old son, Chong Hee Chey, one of the 19 Korean hostages still being held by Taliban militants in Afghanistan.

Chey, an overseas marketing agent with a Korean electronics company based in Seoul, has been on previous humanitarian aid trips, to Turkey in 2006 and India in 2005. He also has taught English to Korean students in an English language institute. He went to Afghanistan as an interpreter for doctors and nurses on the 23-member Korean team that was taken hostage on July 19.

And he went just to play with the children. “He learned magic so that he could entertain the Afghani children,” his mother said. “He also left Seoul loaded with toys, books and other things that he thought the children might need and enjoy.”

Further along in the article:

Sharing the love of God cross-culturally is not new to Saemmul Presbyterian. Currently, the church sponsors 47 Christian workers in 14 countries. For the last five years, seven of those have been based in Afghanistan. Three of the seven are among the hostages.

“These young men and women went to Afghanistan with a burden to repay a debt of love,” a church spokesman explained. “The nation of Korea received unconditional love and assistance from numerous nations around the world when we were wrecked by war more than 50 years ago. Because of this, our debt of love extends beyond race, religion and borders. It was the prayer of this team and of our church that the children in Afghanistan would learn from us how to grow and act in love.”

And more encouraging thoughts:

In addition, about half of the family members who are meeting together are not Christian. Now, Park said, “Both Christian and non-Christian families are praying, reading Scripture and finding comfort in each other and in God.”

Jin Pyo Shim, a state congressmen, is the father of Sung Min Shim, the second man to be executed. Before the crisis, he was not a Christian. However, Park reported that shortly after his son’s death, the father confessed faith in Jesus Christ…

“It is only through prayer that we have been able to endure these hard times and it is only through prayer that we will survive,” Yu said. “It is our prayer that this tragedy will unite the Korean church and that revival and spiritual renewal will be the result. Please pray for us.” [Read full article]

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Update [August 14] The big news of yesterday and today has been the release of the two female hostages.  Two Korean news sources provide great info:  Two Hostages Freed by Taliban [JoonAng Ilbo] and  Two Released Hostages Safe [Chosun News].  Also, video news from BBC.  Let’s continue to lift up the 19 remaining hostages and their families in prayer.

Also, an article entitled Costly Commitment was published in Christianity Today [and available online] about the hostage situation.  I was quoted in the article.  After a half hour interview, it’s frustrating to be reduced to one or two sentences and to give the impression that I was being critical of this missions/relief aid group.  [Read more here].

Update [August 13]  The Taliban have released two female hostages and it has been confirmed by Korean officials.  The two released hostages are Kim Ji Na  [32 and digital animation artist] and Kim Kyong-Ja [37 and computer software worker] - pictured below being released to Red Cross officials. 

 

Welcome back home.  Negotiations continue for the 19 remaining hostages.

Please keep the church, parishioners, and the families of the victims from yesterday’s church shooting in Missouri.

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Most news sources indicate that the two female hostages will be released by the Taliban some time today.  In news that make sense, the Afghan government has banned media from the location where the negotiatons are taking place to prevent media attention for the Taliban. 

For those who’ve surmised that the reason why the media hasn’t covered this story was to not give attention to the Taliban is simply wrong in my opinion.  You can cover the story without building a platform for the Taliban and their distorted cause.  The simple reason that it isn’t covered is that the powers to be have deemed this un-newsworthy.  And well, not many are complaining.  Honestly, that’s somewhat understandeable because the media is unpredictable but the silence of the larger Church is shocking to me.  Several months ago, the news of the so called Hybels and Driscoll fiasco at the 2007 New Church Conference spread like wildfire to the point that it shot up the list of the ten most searched, blogged, and discussed topic on Technorati.  But who wants to talk about 23 kidnapped Korean Christian relief aid hostages?

But just in case those who do care are losing your motivation to care, share, or pray, check out the new video below.   As an American citizen, as a person that loves democracy, as a person born in Korea, and as a fellow Christian and a lover of Christ, I want these hostages and their families to know that they are not forgotten.  We are praying for them…

Update [August 12]  After much confusion [CNN via Reuters] about the Korean Christian hostages, a Taliban spokesperson now says: Not releasing hostages - yet.

In the first face-to-face negotiations with South Korean officials on Saturday, Taliban leaders reportedly agreed to set free two sick female hostages as a sign of good faith but they later shelved the plan, according to Qari Yousuf Ahmadi, who describes himself as speaking for the Taliban.

“The plan to release two female hostages first is still valid, but the timing has not been fixed yet,” Ahmadi told Yonhap News Agency by telephone.

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I’m speechless and if my parents didn’t read this blog, I’d swear up a storm.  In a series of confusing news today, the Taliban had apparently released two of the sick female hostages as a “gesture of goodwill.”  However, the latest news in a simple phone call/news release through Yonhap news:

The Taliban have decided not to release any of the 21 South Korean captives yet, a self-styled Taliban spokesman said Sunday, dashing hopes of a breakthrough in the protracted hostage crisis.

“Our leaders have changed their minds and decided not to free two female hostages,” Yousuf Ahmadi told Yonhap News Agency by telephone.

Hoping and praying that something was “lost in translation” and that the Taliban will follow through and release these two hostages very soon.  And the rest of the hostages as well.  If the question two weeks ago was, “Does anyone care?” — the question we should we asking now is, “Does anyone even remember…?”

Other news sources:  Koreans Can’t Confirm News [Bloomberg]; South Korea says “No Comment” [Reuters]

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Update [August 11]  Great news.  Two female hostages have been released by the Taliban [Al Jazeera]:

 Two South Korean women held hostage in southern Afghanistan for more than three weeks have been released by their captors, according to the Taliban.Two spokesmen for the movement said the women were ill and had been freed as a “gesture of goodwill” after face-to-face talks with a South Korean delegation ended on Saturday.

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Face to face negotiations between the Taliban and Korean officials are continuing for a 2nd day.  We can only hope for the best outcome but the conditions appear to not have changed:  the Taliban want Taliban prisoners who are under U.S./Afghan custody to be released.  They can’t comply.  However, this news report from Associated Press [prematurely?] gives some hope: 

A Taliban leader taking part in hostage negotiations for the lives of 21 South Koreans said Saturday that talks are on a “positive track” and that he hopes the captives could be released “today or tomorrow.”

Wow.  Make it so…Pray.

Compelling glimpse into what the hostages’ families are going through:

With few breakthroughs in the kidnapping case, which has so far claimed the lives of two of the 23 Korean medical aid workers, each day is painful for the family members of the remaining hostages, said Kim Gi-woong.

Kim, 35, a brother of 32-year-old female hostage Kim Gi-na, said the health condition of many of the families in the church is deteriorating and two of the parents of the hostages are being hospitalized.

One of the other parents is receiving intraveneous fluid regularly at the church. A couple of doctors, including an Oriental medicine specialist, are giving the families free treatment at the church, he said…

Sitting against the wall, people with pale faces sat still, with their eyes closed, or were fixated on the 24-hour news channel on the big-screen television.  Others spoke in frail voices.

“When we eat, it has no taste,” Kim said. “But we squeeze the food into our mouths because we need to be alive to meet them.” [Read full story]

Update [August 10]  South Korean diplomats and negotiators [4 reps] have begun face to face negotations with the Taliban [2 reps].

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No end in sight to this situation.  But as this story becomes more distant and forgotten [even in Korea because of the startling news of North/South Korea summit], it worries me what the captors will do to draw the world’s attention in the coming days.  However, the Taliban say no one will be killed until face to face negotiations take place.  When and where?  Let’s do this…send them home!

Compelling News and a Glimpse of Parents’ Love for their Children:  Mothers of South Korean Hostages to Seek Help from Arab World…

The mothers of several South Korean hostages held in Afghanistan will travel to Dubai next week to seek help from the Arab world in securing their loved ones’ release, a spokesman for the families said Friday.

Five women and a translator will leave Monday for a five-day trip to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, said the spokesman, Cha Sung-min. Their exact itinerary had not yet been confirmed.

“The reason why we are sending women, especially mothers, to Dubai is that Islamic culture has more sympathy for women,” Cha said. [read full article]

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Update [August 9] Three weeks = two dead.  21 still in captivity and no progess on the face to face negotiation = lots of pain and confusion.

No real progress in the past couple days.  However, a group of well known religious leaders,  Interreligious and International Federation for World Peace (IIFWP), [after three weeks] demand the release of the hostages.  Also, the Peace Council, “21 prominent world religious and spiritual figures,” had this to say:

The international and interfaith Peace Council, 21 prominent religious and spiritual leaders, and the trustees of the International Committee for the Peace Council ask for the immediate and unconditional release of all the Korean hostages held by Taliban forces in Afghanistan. We ask our brothers in Afghanistan to consider the great distress of the hostages’ families and to have compassion. These hostages are innocent civilians, not party to any war or violence. We believe that they should not be harmed in any way or detained and that they should be freed to return to their families in Korea.  

We also ask the Afghan and coalition military forces not to intervene in this situation, believing that military action will endanger the lives of the Koreans held by the Taliban. We support the Korean government’s efforts to secure the release of their citizens without using military force. 

Although we understand that these hostages were on a humanitarian mission, they are associated with a Christian church in Korea. We ask the Christian churches who have sent missionaries to proselytize in Islamic countries to stop this practice. We think it is disrespectful to Muslims and for that reason Christians who believe in loving their neighbors should not do it.  

Lives are at stake; the matter is urgent. We ask all people of faith and organizations working for peace to join us in this appeal. Please act now. Finally, we pray for a true and lasting peace in Afghanistan and in all the world.

I don’t really get it: “We ask that Christian churches who have sent missionaries to proselytize in Islamic counries to stop this practice.  We think it is disrespectful to Musilms and for that reasons Christians who believe in loving their neighbors should not do it.” 

What?  These folks were Christians not there to convert people by force, manipulation, sword, or imperialism but rather to demonstrate their faith and convictions through care and compassion.  Is that so wrong and disrespectful?  Is it me or are they implying that the hostages are partly to blame?  OK, another post, another time.  For now, let’s focus on prayer and the work at hand:  Send them home!  A recent video from families as they communicate, heart to heart, to the nation and people of Afghanistan.

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Update [August 8] The NY Times has a great article on the stories [a glimpse of the people] behind the story:

Seo Jeong-bae was not too worried when his daughter and son, both Christians, told him last month that they were going to Afghanistan on an aid mission to help children in the Islamic country.

His daughter had already traveled to Uzbekistan, India and Uganda for volunteer work. “Father, don’t worry,” she told her father, who is not a Christian. “We don’t proselytize. How can I? I can’t even speak the language.”

Mr. Seo supported his children’s trip because he knew what it was like to be a child growing up in a war-ravaged country; he was born in February 1950, four months before the outbreak of the Korean War.

“Whenever I saw those poor children on television, I thought of my own childhood,” he said. “I felt good and proud when my children left for Afghanistan.” [read full article]

Links: Military Option should be Last Resort [Yonhap News]; More About the Female Hostage Swap [Al Jazeera]; New Appeal to Free Hostages [LA Times]

My daily updating on this situation isn’t to convey that this is the MOST important issue in our world today.  It is to simply convey that in the landscape of much that requires attention, compassion, justice and prayer, this is also one of them.  In a conversation today, I asked the question, “What would the world be like if people pursued the convictions of their hearts?”  In my life of paradox, contradictions, and hypocrisy, I am seeking to Love God and Love People.

This is something that goes on EVERY DAY and also calls our hearts, prayers, and passions.  In many ways, I believe this is why the Korean Christian Relief Mission team from Saemmul Church went to Afghanistan:  Not to evangelize Afghanistan with an Imperialistic Agenda but rather, the hope and grace of Christ demonstrated through the power and beauty of actions.  And why the author of that blogpost, Kate, [a young 21 year college student, follower of Jesus, Quest attender, and QCafe barista], will be returning to Uganda with a few other Quest college students and a group of other Univ. of Washington students to pursue their convictions.  Cynicism and hopelessness is not the answer.  Hope has been given and so hope must be extended. 

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Update [August 7]  Today, a video from Ryu Haeng Shik to his wife, Kim Yun Yeong [one of the Korean Christian hostages in Afghanistan] was posted on YouTube as a plea to the Taliban to release her and the other hostages.   His letter has also been published in numerous places.  This is the first of a series of letters entitled, ”Love Letters to Korean Hostages in Afghanistan.”

Prominent News today:  Taliban wants to swap two Korean female ill hostages for two female Taliban prisoners; Bush and Karzai agree to not give into Taliban [Chosun News] and [CNN].  No surprise there but you have to ask the question: Are they doing all that they can.  Despite what was initially stated, this kidnapping had NOTHING to do with the hostages being a Christian Relief Group.  So, let’s stop with the bashing of Christians or Korean Christians. 

I know that I’ve already complained about the lack of attention this has received from both the media and the larger [C]hurch.  For me, it’s so very simple:  If the US is at war against terrorists such as the Taliban, why wouldn’t you highlight this story in some way or another?  Doesn’t this support the cause?  Particularly, if it’s a group of innocent civilians who trained for SIX months to go to provide relief and aid?  *And to clarify, I’m not saying that there hasn’t been ANY covergae whatsoever but rather, a dearth of focused coverage.

The lack of attention in the larger Church is more enraging.  In my perception, news of the situation only seemed to spread a little more after the killing of the 2nd hostage.  These are Christian missionaries and relief workers.  These are brothers and sisters in Christ.  But hardly a whimper.  Does that make sense?  Is the larger church that fragmented? 

Someone emailed and asked a simple question: 

“Why are you wasting your time by posting updates every day?  Let’s face it…You nor I can do anything…God is in control.”

My response:  It is true that I am spending more time than I want on this blog.  I try to give myself no more than 45 minutes each day but have broken my own rules.  And I also agree that ultimately, God is in control.  I believe that God is able and will redeem this situation…  But, before you get carried away, let’s not stop caring, believe, hoping, praying, or working just because you have what I call a hyper steroidified version of Calvinistic worldview.  I share these updates because outside of Korea and some of Asia, the stories of these 23 people - innocent civilians, mothers, children, husbands, and wives, doctors and nurses, relief workers, Christians living out their faith, missionaries with a plan not to blindly oppress and proselytize the Afghani people with forced or manipulative evangelism but rather, faith demonstrated in compassion and care - will never be heard.  They will simply be forgotten.  Their compassion and their courage will be forgotten.  Their purpose will be forgotten…

And finally, while I acknowledge the situation looks very dim, let’s not let that discourage us from ENTERING into their STORIES.

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Update [August 6]  It appears there is no end in sight to this situation.  Earlier today, the Taliban renews its threat on the 21 hostages: “We can start killing the hostages anytime.”

Yesterday, a female hostage [Im Hyun Joo] was allowed to call the UN Secretary General and plea for help.  Read Todd Kim’s blog to read more about his personal reflections as he and his wife personally know this hostage, Hyun Joo.

“Every day it’s really hard to survive. We really want to go home. We are all sick and weak,” she said in English to the Voice of America radio station by phone.

“We are innocent people. We came here to help the people, but now we are all sick.

“Dear Mr General-Secretary Ban Ki-moon, please save us… We don’t want to die.”

But earlier today, there was a minor “breakthrough” as Korean officials were permitted to speak directly and make contact with one of the Korean hostages and communicate in Korean.  In all previous interviews or phone calls, the hostages were never permitted to speak in Korean out of fear that they might reveal too much information about their situation or their whereabouts.

Also, Afghan doctors were also permitted to deliver [by airdrop] medicine for the Korean hostages.  Let’s hope that it will be delivered to them. 

Afghan President, Hamid Karzai, arrived to the US today and is scheduled to meet with President Bush on Monday [today] to supposedly discuss the hostage crisis.

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Update [August 5] The family of Shim Sung Min’s buried his body today.  Pastor Bae Hyung Kyu’s family remains steadfast in their decision not to bury his body until all the hostages are released and return home.

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Update [August 4]  As talked are delayed until after the US Summit [August 5 and 6], people are now just waiting and praying which may be the most difficult things to do at this point.  I just can’t imagine what the respective families of the hostages must be going through - let alone the hostages.  The families of theses hostages have chosen to write a series of letter to their families in hopes of appealing directly to the Taliban.  Letters are written in Korean and translated directly into Pashto, the language spoken in Afghanistan and also in English. 

The first letter is written by Ryu Haeng-Shik to his wife, Kim Yun-Yeong - one of the 18 female hostages taken captive by the Taliban.

Translated into English:

To my lovely wife, 

Honey, it must be hot and difficult there. I have no words to say to you other than that I am sorry.  I can’t be more hateful of myself for eating and sleeping at a time when you must be really sick and going through so much hardship.

I told our children that you are staying with the children in Afghanistan a bit longer because you love the people there so much. The children are really proud of you for helping people living in poverty and distress. You must really miss our children, our darling children, our children that you so dearly love. Although you may desperately want to see them, we must be patient for a bit longer. For the sake of our children, stay strong and healthy and please hold on to positive thoughts.We will see each other soon. I am proud of you. Although it may be hard and difficult, please hang on for a little bit longer. I am sorry. I am really sorry, all I can say is that I am sorry. I love you, I truly love you.

As we continue praying, may we also remember the situation with the collapsed bridge in Minneapolis and the “worst ever” flooding in South Asia.  Please consider giving through:  World Vision and Mercy Corps amongst others.

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Update [August 3] Korean diplomats are going to meet directly with the Taliban amidst the possibility of military action [Yonhap News].  Also, S. Koreans in Afghanistan for talks with Taliban [Reuters] and Taliban Willing to Meet Koreans for Direct Talk [JoongAng Daily].

However, another tension is mounting:  relations between Korea and United States.  In Korea, there is escalating public frustration, pressure, and anger about the perception of the lack of US support and cooperation.  In my opinion, this is part of the Taliban strategy.  While I completely understand the frustration of the Korean public, we must remain united.

“What can we do?”  Not much but rather than being a bystander, we can enter into this situation and invite others to be aware and mindful, and to pray.  Prayer matters - for us and for them.   So, read this prayer…

Another interesting read is Newsweek’s exclusive interview with a Taliban commander and their strategy behind the abduction of these hostages.  They were captured with hopes of swapping them for 115 Taliban prisoners.  Despite what people initially perceived, this hostage situation did not have much, if anything, to do with the Christian Relief Team’s “proselytization.”  While people can question the wisdom of this group entering into a “country of war,” the article points to the innocence of this Christian relief aid group [at least in my opinion].

Taliban Subcommander Abdullah was on the lookout for hostages. Ever since his superior, Commander Daro Khan, was arrested by U.S. forces in Ghazni province’s Qarabagh district in June, Abdullah has had his men patrolling the main Kabul-to-Kandahar highway that runs through the province, watching for foreigners to kidnap. The goal: to exchange the prisoners for Khan and other Taliban operatives in Afghan and U.S. custody.

On July 19, Abdullah’s men got lucky. A pair on motorcycle patrol spotted a large, white passenger bus, traveling with no armed security escort. The fighters immediately pulled their motorcycles alongside the bus and pointed an AK-47 and a rocket-propelled grenade launcher directly at the bus driver’s head. Rather than speeding up and trying to outrun the gunmen, the driver stopped and the 23 South Korean Christian aid workers riding on the bus were trapped.

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Update [August 2]  I awoke yesterday morning to hear purported breaking news of a military rescue mission.  But as folks already know, it was an error.  There was no military action.  If anything, US and Korea agree to rule out military action - for now.  Perhaps, this incredibly important face to face meeting between the Taliban and South Korean diplomats will pave the way for a peaceful resolution.  In some fashion or another, the message must be: “Let my people go.” [Read this prayer].

I wrote up a very lengthy response to one of the emails I received today at the bottom of today’s entry.  Here are some other media reads about the situation and the Taliban threat to kill four more hostages:

• Threat Made to Kill Four More [Joon Ang Daily]
• Korean Govt Push for Meeting w/ Hostages [Hankyoreh]
• Taliban says Hostages Still Alive [Al Jazeera]

The most encouraging news and what I’ve been waiting and clamoring for is something like this.  This should have happened the very next day this hostage situation took place.  Every nation or coalition needs to follow suit and publicly condemn this act - again and again.

I apologize to those who have emailed me with your comments and questions.  I haven’t and won’t have the time to respond to most of them.  I did want to share this one email that arrived today and attempt to respond to it:

I respect your post and your opinion on your recent post of the hostages.

However, let me ask you what you think we should do? We cannot for any reason give into their demands. Why? Because these will not be the only hostages taken. It opens the doors for people to blackmail again in the future.  If you don’t give into their demands and don’t give them press…they have won nothing.

I am sorry these individuals have and will have to suffer. I know you don’t believe this, but it has nothing to do with the race of the hostages. It has to do with terrorists and not giving in to the hatred they spread.

By the way…I think it is convenient how so many are willing to blame the U.S. for not getting involved in some situations and then blame them for getting involved in others. The U.S. can’t be everywhere at once and nowhere at all. Of course, it is always the fault of the U.S. isn’t it?

My Response:  Thanks for your email.  This is obviously a complex situation.  War always is.  I am not a brilliant strategist, military thinker, or political analyst.  I’m a 37 year old United States citizen that happens to also be of Korean descent.  I am Korean-American.  I am also a Christian and a pastor.   I share these elements to simply convey my worldview.  I see this hostage situation from the lens colored as an American citizen, a Korean-American born in Korea, a Christian who then obviously shares the faith of the 23 original hostages; and a pastor like Bae Hyung Kyu, the first martyr.  I was also on the pastoral staff years ago at a very large church - like Saemmul Presbyterian Church - in Korea.  Like Saemmul, we sent out hundreds of missionaries and relief groups all around the world.  I personally have led and participated in several trips somewhat similar to this group - albeit not as dangerous. 

No one has initially blamed the United States.  While there may be political jabs going back and forth on other blogs and conversations, my motivation has not been to create that sort of forum.  I think we can all AGREE that what is EVIL in this situation are the actions of the Taliban.  They have kidnapped and murdered.  I don’t care what anyone says about the proselytization element of this church group, it STILL does not justify the actions.

I understand the reasoning behind Afghanistan and US’s stance on not exchanging hostages.  It makes perfect rationale sense.  But if the roles were reversed, don’t you think the US would be clamoring and flexing for Korea to exchange hostages for US citizens?

Korea has proven itself to be a strong ally to the United States in the “fight against terror.”  This is why Korea has asked for “flexibility” from the United States in its hostage policy.  There’s a long relationship with US and Korea.  Imagine this situation from Korea’s perspective:  Their citizens are taken as hostages and like any responsible government, they want to work to free the hostages.  The Taliban require something for the freedom of the Korean citizens but it has nothing directly to do with Korea.  They want Taliban prisoners - held by Afghanistan and the United States.  Korea asks and both countries say, “No.”  What then is Korea to do?  One hostage executed.  Second hostage executed. Third…

I am not personally advocating for an exchange of hostages for the very reason you mentioned but the question must be asked:  Is the United States doing ALL that they possibly can do, with the exception of exchanging hostages, to work with Korea in bringing back these hostages?  I ask this question as a United States citizen.  Why?  Because it should be asked of us…

My other area of concern has been what I perceive to be the lack of focused attention and compassion by the media.  We all know the media wields much influence.  It both captures the heart of the larger culture AND simultaneously shapes and molds what we are seeing, hearing, feeling, and believing.  What we have seen [on the most part] are secondary, if even that, news items.  While it has a place in the cultural landscape and thus, news, I am personally overdosed of  Britney, Lohan, Vick, Bonds, and Paris.  But, that’s just me. While the media is a free enterprise, shouldn’t it also be guided by a moral compass of mercy, justice, and compassion?  Where is the outrage?

So, let me recap the story:  23 Koreans prepare, plan, and pray for a trip to Afghanistan.  It is a war torn country. It is dangerous but they go because no one else goes to Afghanistan.   The trip is led by Pastor Bae Hyung Kyu who leaves behind his wife and 9 year old daughter to lead this group for a 10 day relief trip.  The majority of the team are young Christians - 2os and 30s - who make sacrifices of finances, time and health to be a source of aid, blessing, and hope.  They are hosted by Im Hyun Joo, a 32 year old woman who had worked in Korea as a nurse but felt called to serve the people of Afghanistan through her skills and faith - particularly the children.  The brutal reality is they are kidnapped and taken as hostages.  Two are killed.  Two are reportedly deathly ill.  There are constant threats to kill all the hostages…

The world knows about it.  United States knows about it.  The media knows about it.  Christians know about it.  Do we care?

When we should be celebrating these young people for the choices [even as they appear  unwise now] they make to demonstrate mercy and compassion, our voices are silent.  There is hardly a whimper.  It’s on the news for a night - only to be drowned by the images of a distorted culture. 

The capital “C” church?  I’m sure there are folks and churches  mindful and praying about this situation but on the most part, it was really really quiet for a long long time. Feel free to share your thoughts but just don’t throw rocks.

Spread the Word.  Shout.  Cry.  Pray.  Blog.  Kneel.  Stand and Shout in Solidarity.  But don’t be silent.  Love Wins. 

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Update [August 1]  News is breaking that an Afghan Rescue Mission Underway to Find Kidnapped Hostages [Reuters] and Fighting Has Started [BBC]; There are conflicting reports but it appears that it may have been “a routine operation.” That would make sense since Yonhap news earlier reported that Seoul Makes All Out Diplomatic Effort.  We’ll soon find out.  Let’s keep praying - for a peaceful resolution - however incredulous that may be at this point.

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Does the world care? The body of Shim Sung Min was found today.  This picture and video convey the dark and grave reality of the situation.  According to Korean news sources, Sung Min’s parents had no idea that he was going to Afghanistan as he chose not to tell them.  He only told his younger brother.  Can you imagine how they must have felt when they discovered that he was actually one of the hostages?  Along with the notable reads below, read the exclusive interview of a purported Taliban spokesman with a Korean news source.  Also, see the faces of the remaining 21 hostages and think of them and the German hostage, Rudolph B, in prayer. 

The Taliban has also issued a new deadline for Wednesday.  In fact, Korean News [Joong Ang Ilbo] states that,

“The Taliban also upped the ante by threatening to kill the remaining hostages at a faster pace. “We will kill the male hostages step-by-step. Next will be the female hostages. The period between the killings will get shorter and shorter and the killing today is only the first step in these killings,” said Ahmadi in an interview with Yonhap News Agency.

As expected, the families of the hostages are losing hope [CNN].  According to Korean news, two of the female hostages [per the Taliban spokesperson] are in very critical health conditions and that the Taliban are willing to exchange these two sick women for two Taliban prisoners.  But to give them and ALL of us a glimmer of hope, CBS News later reported that the Taliban “might stop killing hostages.”  

A high-ranking Taliban commander in Afghanistan with direct involvement in the capture and captivity of a group of South Koreans has told CBS News, “we might stop killing hostages, because our strategy may be changing.”

Notable Reads:  Korean Warns Taliban to Stop Atrocities [Chosun News]; Taliban resembles Al Qaeda? [Christian Science Monitor]; Korean urge US to Intervene [Al Jazeera]; Korean News Video about Sung Min’s murder; Buzz is [finally] starting to spread around blogosphere. 

Not sure what this will do but can’t hurt: Sign this petition.  Spread the word.  Share with your co-workers; write on your blogs; lift your prayers; voice your outrage; kneel, stand, and shout in solidarity. 

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Update [July 31]  Seriously, does anyone care?  Is anyone else just tired of the Michael Vick story?  Why isn’t the media sharing more about the situation?  Anderson Cooper, where are you?  I really do not understand how this cannot be prominent NEWS here in the United States.  I understand that these hostages are not “Americans.”  They are Koreans and Asians and thus, considered by some as “others” here.  But, can’t people understand that the Taliban took these hostages as an attack and a statement - not to Christians or to Koreans, but to all those that  oppose them.  This was and is a statement to the US as well, right?  Isn’t that the reason why the first interview was given to CBS News, right?  Where is the outrage?  It pisses me off immensely that another person has been killed and it is barely mentioned.  My cynical prediction:  this won’t be front news until the Afghan president, Harmid Karzai, visits President Bush at Camp David on August 5 and 6 - that is, if the hostages are still alive.  Does anyone care?  Amongst Christian bloggers in the Western world, this one post kinda sums it up: “The Silence in the GodBlogosphere is Deafening.”   The only “political voice” that seems to be blogging about this regularly is Michelle Malkin…  Spread the word; lift your prayers; voice your outrage; kneel, stand, and shout in solidarity.

As I shared earlier today, a 2nd hostage has been killed.  The body has NOW been found by the Afghan police.  Please take a few moments to read the little bio of Shim Sung Min’s life. 

According to Korean news sources, Sung Min was 29 years old and single.  He used to work for an IT company but resigned two months ago to prepare for his Masters’ education [agriculture].  One of his passions was volunteering with the disabled community and other aspects of social work.  29 years old.  May he find comfort in the arms of His Savior.  Below is a picture of his father, Shim Jin Pyo, upon learning about his son’s execution as he prepares to address the media.  I have purposely chosen not to show pictures of Jin Pyo’s mother upon hearing of his death.  It is too painful…

Here are some noteworthy reads:  We Killed a Male Hostage [JoongAng News]; Chosun News Account of 2nd hostage; Pastor Bae Hyung Kyu’s body arrived in Korea today but his family was not there to receive the body.  Why?  They insist they will not see the body until all the hostages safely return to Korea.  Instead, they gather with relatives of hostages for a prayer vigil…It is what Pastor Bae would have wanted [video] according to his father.  But to no surprise, the families are all losing hope in the situation. Below is the video shown by Al Jazeera showing seven of the female hostages.

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Update [July 30] A male hostage has been shot dead [Reuters].  Al Jazeera is reporting the person’s name is ‘Sung Sin’ but Korean news sources report the person’s full name as “Sung Min Shim” [Shim is his late name]. 

AFP news agency quoted a Taliban spokesman as saying: “We set several deadlines and the Afghan government did not pay attention to our deadlines.

“Finally tonight at 8:30 we killed one of the Koreans named Sung Sin with AK-47 gunshots.”

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Hostages will Die Monday… [CNN]; Another Hostage [Lee Jin Young] is allowed to communicate.  This is first direct exchange with a Korean newspaper:

“We are sorry to have caused this trouble. We want to get out of here as soon as possible,” Lee Ji-young, 34, said she wanted to tell South Korea’s government…

Lee has been in Afghanistan since late in 2006, volunteering to teach computer skills to children and helping with medical treatment. She served as a guide and translator for the kidnapped mission group. She said that she had been sharing food with her kidnappers.

Little more stories and backgrounds about some of the other hostages [JoongAng News]; Muslims [in Korea] Pray for Safe Return and issue a letter to Koreans not to harm Muslims living in Korea; Pastor Bae’s body to be flown to Korea on Monday [NY Times] but Korean news sources says that his family insist that his body NOT be returned back to Korea until all hostages return home; A Plea from Afghan Leaders to Taliban to free Female Hostages;

Starting to get an increasing uneasy feeling about the coming days[s].  Perhaps, it is some of the headlines I’m reading.  Perhaps, it’s because they call this an impasse and something needs to happen.

Praying for a safe and peaceful end to this situation.  And birth to new possibilities for healing and reconciliation.

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Update [July 29] Another female hostage [Yoo Jung Hwa] pleas for help.  My wife and I have been tracking the situation via the Korean news sources since news is much more accessible there.  This news hasn’t “broke” here in the Stateside yet but another female hostage was permitted to use one of the Taliban captor’s cellphone to call some Afghani authorities.  You can hear her describe their situation and her plea to the Korean and US government.  The newscast is in Korean but at the 22 second mark, you’ll hear the hostage communicate entirely [she's an English teacher in Korea] for about a minute in English.

Also, more Afghan elders and a former Taliban member join the hostage talks [CNN]; But NY Times [via Reuters] is reporting that the Taliban ruled out more talks:

“There is no need for further talks. We have given the government a list of Taliban prisoners who should be released and that is our main demand,” he told Reuters by telephone from an undisclosed location.

“The government needs to deliberate on it and if it wants to use force, then it will jeopardize the lives of the hostages and the Taliban will resist till the last gasp of their breath,” he added, but did not issue any new deadline.

Praying…

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Update [July 28] Entering day 8 and 9 of the hostage situation.  There is a noteworthy article in the NY Times about the situation of the hostages’ declining health as the latest deadline has passed.  Other news sources:  Urgent Talks as Envoy now In Kabul [JoongAng Daily]; Might Use Force[CNN]; Korea’s Muslims Gather for Prayer [video Al Jazeera]

This hostage situation has sparked lots of comments, criticism, and questioning of Korean churches, missionaries, organizations and such [Time Magazine's article ].  While more details will come out soon and we can discuss more then, this is a time for the body of Christ to pray and kneel alongside these hostages and their families.  While there are harsh critics who think these hostages had it coming for proselytizing, they’ll never understand the PURPOSE and HEART behind the group.  There’s no deception here.  They served, helped, prayed, and shared because of their love for Jesus.  Is it such a bad thing to want to make this world - even a far away distant place - a little more reflective of the beauty, mercy, and compassion of God?

Korean Central Daily News [JoonAng Ilbo] has a moving interview with Im Hyun Joo’s brother [the female hostage that was interviewed by CBS news last night]. In this article, they spell her last name as “Lim.”  Does this sound like a person who has no regard, investment, passion, and care for the Afghan culture and people?

“She is in a dangerous situation, but she appeared to be calm,” her brother said.

According to her family, Lim used to work at Severance Hospital in Sinchon, Seoul. She left for Afghanistan three years ago to work in a medical mission. Her passion was clearly visible from her e-mail ID, “afghanlove,” the Lims said.

“Some say going to Afghanistan is reckless, but she went there because no one goes there to help,” her 34-year-old older brother said. “My sister has already adjusted to the local environment, so she could communicate accurately.”  CBS reported that Lim spoke in Korean and an Afghan dialect.

 

“She is the only daughter among four children. My parents initially opposed her decision to go to Afghanistan, but she had very strong desire to go. Her determination eventually persuaded my parents,” he said.

 

Her family and friends remember Lim’s brief visit to Korea last month, because she brought a young Afghan girl who had lost both her hands during the war. Lim sponsored surgery to provide the girl with artificial hands.

 

“I hope the Taliban understand that the volunteers truly love Afghanistan. It is hard to understand that these young people, who went there to help those in need, are being held hostage,” Lim’s brother said.

In the future, while we must be all committed to prayer, discernment, planning, and safety, my hope is that Christians [and for that matter, all people] would not allow their convictions to be swayed and drowned by the fear that accompanies the calling to follow and obey Christ.

 

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Update [July 27]  Lindsey Lohan, Michael Vick, Bonds, blah blah blah.  There’s more important things going on in the world.  Today, one of the female hostages [a native Korean LIVING in Afghanistan, the host of the group & also a hostage] was allowed to do a live interview with CBS News [audio link].  The woman’s name is Im Hyun Joo. 

“We are in a very difficult time. Please help us,” said a woman who introduced herself as Im Hyun-joo (32), a former nurse from Seoul, in a phone interview with U.S. broadcaster CBS.

Im speaks Dari, an Afghan dialect of Farsi. She spoke Korean and Dari in the interview. “All of us are sick and in very bad condition. We are all pleading for you to help us get out of here as soon as possible. Really, we beg you.” She said she was with 17 other women while the men were being held separately. [read full article from Chosun Ilbo]

To read more of an inside scoop to this woman, check out Todd Kim’s blog.  He and his wife know this woman personally and has pictures of them together on a previous trip to Afghanistan.  Coincidentally, I ran into Todd this past Tuesday in Seattle.  He writes:

Regarding the taped interview.  I think people should listen to it knowing that a Taliban terrorist could be standing next to her pointing a gun at her and telling her what to say.  There has been so much confusion and misinformation about everything that is going on, we wont know the whole story until they are freed.

I honestly believe that Hyun Joo would be willing to die for what she believes in.  That is why she is there.  I know when I went to UZ, that is the mind set I had.  There must be a huge burden right now in her heart for the short term workers who came.  From the news I heard, the men have been separated from the women and the women didnt even know Pastor Bae had been murdered.  Also, my wife told me there is a brother/sister in the group as well.  Think about how their parents must feel…

According to breaking Al Jazeera news, “The Taliban is claiming it has agreed a prisoner deal with the Afghan government which could secure the safety of at least some of the 22 South Koreans held hostage for a week.”  You can also read CNN’s report of the negotiations and Im Hyun Joo’s interview.  Also, here’s an explanation to what happened to the 8 hostages [Chosun News] that were supposed to have been released two days ago.

Please be in prayer.  I am updating this entry regularly for the simple purpose of informing people of the situation since it is getting minimal attention in Stateside and to much degree, amongst the Christian blogosphere and community.   Please pray  for the 22 hostages, for Afghanistan, for the families of the prisoners, and even the captors.  The video below [from Al Jazeera English] captures some of the pain and emotions of the parents of the hostages:

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Update [July 26]  The crisis of this hostage situation in Afghanistan seems nonexistent here.  The majority of the buzz has been generated by the YouTube Presidential Debates.  That’s not a bad thing but I’m deeply frustrated at the minimal exposure of the hostage situation.  Even in blogosphere amongst pastors, leaders, emergents, and such, it’s been eerily silent.  Why?  These are fellow brothers and sisters in Christ; people living out their convictions and faith in Christ; people not just talking and blogging but also doing.  Are we calling the body of Christ to ”mourn with those who mourn?”

The report of the 8 hostages being released seems now to be have been premature.  According to a Korean website, the hostages were taken to be released but never released.  A top envoy from South Korea has headed off to Afghanistan to negotiate and seek the release of the 22 Korean citizens.

Korean news sources also state that Pastor Bae Hyung Kyu was in excellent health.  I personally don’t believe his health had anything to do with his cold blood execution.  He was the pastor and the leader of the group and the Taliban captors wanted to make a statement to the world.  There are idiots out there who actually believe that these hostages had it coming for being arrogant enough to go to another country as missionaries guised as ‘relief work.’  Shut up!

Yesterday, I gave a little picture to Pastor Bae Hyung Kyu’s life.  Some additional information:  He was known for his passion, generosity, and hospitality.  He was seen at church always bowing [out of respect and hospitality] to the church’s congregants.  In addition, his passion was evidenced by his love for his wife, his 9 year old daughter [3rd grader], and the young adult group at Saemmul Church [Saemmul means New Waters or Living Waters].  Prior to becoming a pastor, he was a “salary man” which means he was a working professional.  I haven’t been able to find information what he exactly did but after receiving his “calling” into ministry, he entered seminary in 2001 for formal training to be a minister.  As I shared yesterday, he was 42 years old.  He was born in 1965 in Cheju Island.   The day that he was executed was also his birthday.  [Sigh]

He was a husband, father, pastor, and also a son.  His father [an ordained elder] is seen in the picture below praying for his son…  [News:  Hostage Timeline - Chosun News, Korean Hostage Killed - NY Times, South Korean Envoy - CNN

This situation can turn incredibly ugly.  A final deadline has been set by the Taliban.  The Korean government returned with their strongest statement thus far:

 South Korea said Thursday it would not tolerate the killing of an innocent civilian and vowed the kidnappers would be held accountable. It demanded the immediate release of the remaining hostages.

"The killing of an innocent civilian cannot be justified under any circumstance or for any reason," Baek Jong-chun, chief presidential secretary for security affairs, said in a statement. The kidnappers "will be held accountable for taking the life of a Korean citizen." [read full article]

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Update [July 25] It’s been reported that 8 hostages were released yesterday.  This morning, one hostage was killed and “his body was left next to the main Kabul-Kandahar highway” [Al Jazeera] - his body peppered with 10 bullet shots.  It’s been difficult [and very frustrating considering Korea was a strong ally w/ the United States in the "fight against terrorism"] to find much news or empathy of the situation here in the US.  Folks that read this blog may not care or may not have access to his story so I wanted to share a little more [and will add more as I learn more] about this person.

The person killed early this morning has a story.  From my translation of a Korean article,  here is a glimpse.  His name is Pastor Bae Hyung Kyu [Bae is his last name]; he was 42 years old.  He was the leader of this relief group.  He was on staff as the pastor of the Young Adult ministries in Saemmul Presbyterian Church and actually helped to plant that church with the senior pastor nine years ago which has since grown to nearly 4000 people.  Just last April, he led another group to Bangladesh and after the trip to Afghanistan, he was planning on leading another group of young adults from the church for relief work in Africa.  Pastor Bae is survived by his wife and his daughter.  He was a follower of Jesus and a fellow co-laborer in Christ.

Thank you Pastor Bae for your witness…

The Taliban has set a final deadline and threatened to kill all the remaining hostages if their demands are not met. Please continue to lift the hostages, the situation, and the captors in prayer.

News:  Taliban Kills South Korean Hostage [Chosun Ilbo], CNN’s report; Al Jazeera’s report

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Original Post [July 22] Today at Quest, we had numerous Korean guests visit the church from Vancouver, British Columbia [originally from Southern California].  They drove all the way down to worship with us.  As I chatted with them afterwards, I learned that these three couples and their children were in preparation to head off around the world as missionaries:  one couple are currently in Peru, another couple headed for a minimum of 5 years to Mongolia, and another couple headed as life missionaries to Ukraine.  I felt so honored to have them visit us at Quest.  If you’re reading this blog entry, thank you for visiting and God bless you.

During our conversation, we briefly shared our burden for the hostage situation in Afghanistan.  I know that there are German hostages involved as well and prayer is requested for all but I wanted to especially highlight the 23 Korean hostages of which 20 are members of Saemmul Presbyterian Church in Pundang, Korea [on the southern outskirts of Seoul, Korea.  Saemmul Church is a 9 year old churchplant that has grown to nearly 4,000 people. 

According to the NY Times:

SEOUL, July 22 - South Korea said today that it was in indirect talks with Taliban militants in Afghanistan to win the release of 23 Christians from Korea held hostage there. A person who described himself as a spokesman for the Taliban extended a deadline for the lives of the hostages by one day, until Monday evening, to give negotiators more time...

Mr. Ahmadi said Saturday that the insurgents would kill the South Koreans if Seoul did not immediately withdraw its 200 military engineers and medics from Afghanistan. He later said that the Afghan and South Korean governments had until tonight to agree to the release of 23 Taliban prisoners held by the government, and as that deadline approached he extended it again.

“ We are holding 23 South Koreans, and 18 of them are women,” he said. “We know that these people have come here to convert our good Muslims away from Islam. If they were not women, we would have killed them on the spot.” [read full article here]

It is true that Korea sends lots of global missionaries - 2nd next to the US and most per capita.  20 [18 women] of the 23 hostages are from Saemmul Church.  According to their church officials, they are in their 20s and 30s and were scheduled to be there for about 10 days on a short term relief trip.  Not so much at all to “convert good Muslims away from Islam” but rather to live out their personal faith in Christ. 

Rev. Bang Young-gyun of the Saemmul Community Church stressed that the abducted South Koreans were not involved in any missionary work, saying they only provided medical and other volunteer aid to people in the war-ravaged country.

Let’s be in prayer.

Other noteworthy links:

• Korean Chosun Ilbo
• International Herald Tribune
• Video from New Zealand Herald
• Guardian Unlimited: Deadline Extended