THE KUKMIN DAILY

The National Peace and Reunification Council (NPRC; President: Rev. Pi Jong-jin, Executive Director: Rev. Jin Yo-han) announced on October 21 that it had participated in a “South and North Joint Prayer Meeting for Peaceful Reunification” on October 17th at Bongsu Church in Pyongyang. Invited by Joseon Christian Federation (JCF), the Council visited Pyongyang from October 15 to 18. It was the first time in nine years that the Council had joined a prayer meeting in Pyongyang. The last time was in October 2005.

Rev. Song Cheol-min of Bongsu Church led the prayer meeting, in which 300 some North Korean Christians participated. In his welcoming address, JCF Chair Rev. Kang Myeong-cheol said, “Prayers of faith bring about wondrous actions. It is God’s grace that the North and the South are praying to become one… It will help the reunification of our motherland if the June 15 statement and the October 4 statement, which have been agreed by the North-South summit, can be carried out.”

In his words of greeting, NPRC President Rev. Pi Jong-jin said, “In Genesis 32, Jacob sent presents to appease his brother Esau, who was coming to kill him, and prayed with lamentation to be reconciled with him. Then Jacob recovered his relationship with his brother, and also brought changes in Israel, God’s chosen people, allowing it to become our ancestor of faith and blessing. When we Christians of South and North pray together like Jacob, I believe we will experience the amazing moment when reconciliation and peaceful reunification of South Korea and North Korea finally arrive.”

Elder Heo Yeong-hui of North Korea led the gathering in prayer, which was followed by Rev. So Gang-seok (New Eden Church)’s sermon titled “May we be one people,” based on Acts 8:12-17. Former NCCK president Shin Gyeong-ha and former Korean Red Cross president Jang Chung-sik delivered congratulatory comments, and former Christian Council of Korea (CCK) Lee Man-shin led the eucharist.

In his words of thanks, NPRC Executive Director Rev. Jin Yo-han said, “This is the seventh prayer meeting in North Korea alone. Through our prayers this time, I believe reunification, our wish even in our dreams, will come true. When we become reunified, our people will be the best people in the world and will shine the light of peace for the whole human race.” NPRC advisor Rev. Park Jang-won pronounced the benediction, and all the participants sang “Our Wish is Reunification” three times in unison with the Bongsu Church choir.

The visiting Council group, which had been unable to visit North Korea for some time due to blocked relations between South and North, expressed surprise at the impressive changes in downtown Pyongyang since Kim Jong-un took leadership.

Rev. So said, “This is my first time in five years to visit Pyongyang. They have demolished old apartment buildings and built a lot of high-story apartment buildings. And there are many more public facilities and recreational parks. It seems that the Kim Jong-un administration is trying hard to win the Pyongyang citizens’ hearts.”

NPRC preparation committee chair Rev. Hwang Jun-ik said, “Different from before, the number of cars, taxis and sedans has increased, and I noticed women in short skirts and citizens with cell phones.”

Rev. Jin said, “Fortunately Bongsu Church, Chilgol Church, and Pyongyang Seminary have all been well-maintained. Although relations between South Korea and North Korea are rigid now, let us pray together, south and north, toward the achievement of peaceful reunification as soon as possible.”

NPRC, a non-profit, incorporated association affiliated with the Ministry of Unification, is a mission organization that prays for reconciliation and peaceful reunification of South Korea and North Korea. It was established in March 1993, when pastors who had just finished a 40-day prayer fast came together with church leaders who yearned for peaceful reunification of South and North, and held a prayer meeting. The organization has held 200 some prayer meetings in South Korea, North Korea, and overseas locations.

Reporter Seyoung Sohng (sysohng@kmib.co.kr), with Yeara Ahn-Park (yap@kmib.co.kr)


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