East Asia Missions

Hello!

It’s crazy to think that a year has flown by since I graduated from my MBA program, and three since leaving Southern California.  I now call Orlando home and have achieved my humble dream of working in the restaurant industry by developing and marketing new menu dishes for LongHorn Steakhouse.  Through this process, I am learning how to trust God’s meticulous plan for my life.  However this letter isn’t about me, but about the unique opportunity be part of God’s work in North Korea, one of the world’s most oppressed and isolated countries, and I would like you to partner with me to make this possible.

In summer of 2011, I had the privilege to volunteer at a small Christian orphanage in Ngong, Kenya.  Going in, I was foolish to think that I had chosen Kenya to visit and that I had more resources and knowledge to “help” those in need.  However God soon revealed that the trip had already been part of His divine plan and that I was called to lower myself to serve, not help.  Although the orphans lacked what I believed as basic rights and quality of life, they were filled with joy.  It was evident that God knew them by their names and placed a faithful pastor and his wife to care for them.  In this, I saw a glimpse of God’s warm, steadfast heart for His children all over the world.  Walking away, I wondered how much God’s heart must break for those in need and yet don’t have access to get to know Christ. 

This is why I’m excited to share about the opportunity in North Korea.  During the week of October 15th, Harvest Presbyterian Church members and I will partner with Manna Mission USA to embark on a mission trip to serve North Koreans.  Manna Mission USA is a non-profit organization that established and operates a bread factory and hospital to provide food and medical aid to North Korea.  A neat part about this organization is that they don’t simply give aid to those in need, but rather teaches them how to produce products and be entrepreneurs.  Although the outward ministry will be limited, we will extend God’s love through labor at the bread factory and persistent prayer. 

North Korea is one of the few places in the world where people have no freedom of speech, press, religion and to leave or enter the country.  According to World Food Programme (WFP), 1/4 of people are in need of food aid and a 1/3 of children are in starvation or stunted in growth.  More importantly, they do not have any access to know Christ.  As I go to North Korea, I know I cannot do this alone.  I invite you to partner with me in praying for the team and/or financially supporting us.  Our goal is to raise $2,500 per team member, so all contributions big and small will be greatly appreciated.  Every dollar you give will be used towards the trip and serving North Koreans.

Please join my team and I as we pray for:

1)       God to open the hearts of North Koreans to receive and witness His work

2)       The team’s safety and traveling mercy

3)       Spiritual protection

Thank you in advance for partnering with us. I’ll be sure to follow up after the trip.

Best,

Nikki