THE KUKMIN DAILY

Kosin University Prof. Lee Byeong-su (61, photo) traveled to eight different countries over a span of 40 days last summer, meeting diaspora people. During a recent interview with Kukmin Daily at the International Research Institute for Multicultural Society in Yeongdo-gu, Busan, he told about a Serbian refugee village where he had spent some time. Living in that village were more than 500 refugees from Syria, Iran, Afghanistan, Somalia and Pakistan. The majority had departed from their homelands to escape war situations, but some had left to avoid religious oppression.

“There were also Christians who had lived in Muslim nations but left to avoid persecution,” Prof. Lee said. “Though the definition of refugee includes possible ‘harm from religious persecution,’ I was awakened to the fact that I had not recognized this adequately.” Among the refugees in the village, 30 some were baptized last year. “Two baptized Iranian women boldly requested not just humanitarian help but also the sharing of the Gospel,” he said. “When we communicate the Gospel to people in difficult or troubled situations, surprisingly many accept it,” he added. “Diaspora and refugee ministries can be a good opportunity for mission.”

He said the focus of diaspora ministry is being concentrated on refugees. As Syrian refugees have been scattered throughout Europe as a result of the civil war in their country, they have become a diaspora. Eight hundred some Syrian refugees are currently in Korea, and Prof. Lee is helping more than 30 of them. “Worries about refugees here have been inflated beyond the reality,” he said. “A more relaxed viewpoint is needed.”

Prof. Lee’s plunge into diaspora ministry was greatly influenced by his wife, an overseas Chinese of Taiwan nationality. From 1996 up until 2014, the two of them carried out ministry together. Then the professors of Koshin University joined them in developing the International Research Institute for Multicultural Society. Along with others ministering to overseas diaspora and refugees, they are putting into practice the teaching of Jesus, “Love your neighbors.”

Article and photo by reporter Inho Hwang (inhovator@kmib.co.kr), with Marion Kim (marionkkim@icloud.com)

Original Article in Korean:
“난민사역, 선교의 좋은 기회 될 수 있어”: 20년 넘게 디아스포라 사역, 고신대 이병수 교수