An article on the Voice of America’s news site today has this to say about the plight of Aijalon Mahli Gomes:
Han Myung-sop is a South Korean lawyer with expertise in the North’s legal system. He says the large fine is a break with precedent.
He says North Korean law does not provide for any monetary punishments whatsoever. Such a concept, he says, is inconsistent with the North’s socialist system. Therefore, says Han, the fine imposed on Gomes can only be viewed as a ransom.
Han says the United States is in a quandary now, especially as it tries to enforce international economic sanctions related to North Korea’s nuclear program. Also, Han says if Washington pays the fine, this kind of situation is likely to repeat itself in the future.
This brings up a troubling point–Aijalon Gomes may find himself in between the proverbial rock and hard spot… the USA unwilling to pay ransom and the North Koreans unwilling to lose face (not to mention money) by dropping the fine.
On the other hand, if Aijalon Gomes, like Robert Park–who entered North Korea a month to the day earlier than Gomes–acted primarily to draw attention to the plight of North Koreans, then his captivity there may pay off in a big way… through some money in the picture and everyone pays attention.
Robert Park, in his interview with Reuters, said this:
I am going in for the sake of the lives of the North Korean people. And if he (Kim Jong-il) kills me, in a sense, I realize this is better. Then the governments of the world will become more prone to say something, and more embarrassed and more forced to make a statement.
His last recorded statement, though, came from the North Koreans, and–since he has remained silent since his release–allegations and rumors have run rampant, but the truth remains unconfirmed
The West is massively feeding “Children of Secret State”, “Seoul Train” and other documentary videos with stories about non-existent “human rights abuses” and “mass killings” in the DPRK and “unbearable sufferings” of its Christians and the like…
I worshipped and there, there was the Jondosa, there, there was a pastor, there was a choir, they knew the hymns, they knew the word of God. That’s why I was completely amazed. But I began to weep and weep in the Christian service because I learned that there are churches and Christians such as Pongsu Kyohoe (Church) in different cities and regions all throughout the DPRK…
I have felt shock, embarrassment, shame. Here I’m in the lands where people respect human rights and, not just respecting human rights, they have actually loved me and showed me more than just human rights. They have shown me grace…
My prayer is that Aijalon Gomes also be the recepient of love and grace, that all nations drop their hostilities and begin to work together and that peace will reign in our world and in our hearts.
“Get real,” you say? The reality is that human beings are enduring untold suffering–and not just in North Korea, but around the globe. I don’t choose to accept that as the status quo. None of us are truly free, until all of us are free.
May God bless Aijalon Gomes and Robert Park. May God’s Spirit reach into the heart of North Korea. May God bless you and me.
Thomas says
Enjoyed your post. Especially your last paragraph. I made a similar statement on another K-Blog and was told I’m a fool for encouraging others to do as Gomes and Park. In my opinion, if we could get even 50 Bible believing Christians of faith to walk across the border peacefully to bring even more attention to the norK situation, it would be amazing. In my opinion, more Christians (myself included) need to be (truly) willing to pick up the Cross and start helping the truly less fortunate of the world.
May God bless Gomes, Park and yourself!
Thank you.
roadturn says
I appreciate your attitude, Thomas.
Christians aren’t called to GO to church, but to BE the Church… somewhere that has become all twisted around. One of my students told me of a man at his “church”, who was sitting in the back pew crying. The elders smelled alcohol on him and made him leave. Others have told me of people who weren’t dressed right and were turned away at the door.
Christianity isn’t a country club; it is the Power of the Creator reaching out to us in Love. That is what I see in Aijalon Mahli Gomes. I understand the sentiment of those who ridicule his actions and suggest that the USA should protect its borders in the same way–but the bottom line, for me, is that Aijalon’s heart is reaching out to the people of North Korea in compassion… and to the people of the world for compassion. What if the whole world was to stop… and listen?
Thomas says
Thank you for the sincere compliment.
As for your statements, I agree with you 100%. I remember hearing a pastor once saying that turning away people from a house of worship because of the way they are dressed is like telling an injured person they’re too bloody to enter the emergency room.
I’ve argued with others that we cannot judge Gomes’ actions as we do not know what God called him to do. And I agree with you that in his (Aijalon’s) heart, he is reaching out, with pure motives. I too pray the world will stop and listen.
I’m not Korean or Asian, but I spend a LOT of time in Korea and have done so for more than 20 years now. I know the stories of the torment and persecution of the citizens of the north are true and I pray for them. Lately I’ve been trying to find other ways to help and have been researching the various organizations that help the north Korean citizens. I feel I’m being led in that direction and am praying (and ask you to pray) that the Lord will make clear His desires.
Lord bless,