Red Flags

“‘For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.’” Luke 19:10, NASB.

One of the first things to strike visitors to the city of Seoul, the capital city of South Korea, is the large number of churches spread throughout the city. Although the nation of Korea has a spiritual background steeped in Confucianism, Shamanism, and Buddhism dating back thousands of years, Christianity came to Korea in the mid-1800s. Sadly, many of those who first brought the Gospel to Korea were martyred for their efforts. However, by their blood, the seeds of faith were planted, and in the early 1900s, revival began in a men’s Bible study that swept throughout the larger cities on the Korean peninsula. Thousands were saved, and hundreds of churches were planted. In the sprawling city of Seoul, particularly, churches are identified by a large cross placed atop the steeple. At night these crosses glow red, and it is an amazing sight to count the number of red crosses that are visible from any given point in the city.

However, while much of South Korea is considered evangelized, pockets of lostness remain. In fact, just a three-hour drive south of Seoul, are a cluster of small towns with few Christians and even fewer churches. The small cities of Jinju, Sacheong, and Samcheongpo sit at the base of Jiri Mountain in South Korea. Each is an old city known for its strong ties to Buddhism, Shamanism, and Confucianism. Many historical sites are deeply rooted in the Buddhist religion. In fact, instead of churches are numerous small store-front Buddhist temples. Instead of a red cross atop a steeple, a red flag sits atop a bamboo pole. In Buddhist tradition, the bamboo is thought to welcome the gods, and the red flag is designed to get their attention.
 
Pastors Kim, Lee, Song, and Choi each pastor small Baptist churches in Jinju City, Sacheong, and Samcheongpo. Less than one-half of one percent of those living in these cities has a personal relationship with Jesus, and these men and their families struggle daily against discouragement and despair. They long to see God work in power among their people, but they are also often overwhelmed by the spiritual traditions that hold many in bondage.

Pray that:

God’s spirit will fall on the people of Jinju, Sacheong, and Samcheongpo and that hundreds will come to faith in Him.

Pastors Kim, Lee, Choi, and Song will not despair and will continue to be faithful in these difficult areas. Pray that these pastors will experience an abundance of spiritual blessings from the Father.

A church planting movement will begin within these areas.

Red flags atop bamboo poles will be replaced with red crosses atop steeples.

Pacific Rim is a region of the International Mission Board, SBC.