God desires to gather North Koreans and position them firmly in His love and truth, so they may live in freedom and portray Christ. It is time that we, as sons and daughters of the King, partner in love, stand, and intercede for North Koreans as He does.
My response to North Korea is "Project 43NK" (Love for North Korea). The birth of this project began in 2012, after I had seen on video the countless atrocities committed by the North Korean government towards its citizens. Out of a conviction to display His love in action, I began a jewelry fundraiser to raise awareness of the situation in North Korea. This was a pivotal moment for me as I saw passion and heart form a purpose. It was then that my time in Korea began to have significance, and I could call this land "home."
I am confident that God will do more than I can imagine as I remain faithful and obedient. My focus in 2012 was to speak North Korea from a God-centered perspective, and that goal still remains relevant today. We must know the gravity of the situation but not be overwhelmed by the present circumstance to the point we can't see God's intention to redeem North Korea. I am merely one among hundreds who are called to serve and minister to North Korea. He's raising up an army to stand in the gap for NK!
Project 43NK (Love for North Korea) is a rally for the freedom to create as a RIGHT. Each NK ministry caters to a specific area, and I currently have been led to stand for artistic expression of North Koreans who have arrived in South Korea. As children of the ultimate Creator, we all posses a God-given creativity within. God's creativity is celebrated whenever there is an expression of art. The striking truth is, North Koreans in their homeland may and never be presented with the opportunity to freely turn concepts, ideas, or designs, into reality. And the truth is, this freedom is far-removed from a North Korean's list of priorities. However, when the basic needs for food, safety, and shelter are met, this is when the ministry becomes relevant. Project 43NK intends to build appropriate structures for North Koreans to "take back" the opportunities that have been withheld from them, and allow them claim the fullness of life that is God-given. I aim to see North Koreans embrace and thrive in the arts, specifically in jewelry, find delight in their work, and develop Godly values that in turn fuel them to be diligent in what they love.
The goal of Project 43NK is to build a platform for North Koreans to showcase their talent and experience the freedom that creativity can bring. I am currently teaching North Koreans to make jewelry every Saturday using the English language. Though it is more "efficient" to use Chinese or Korean while teaching, another aim of the project is to increase the level of comfort that the Koreans have with English, and allow them to obtain an advantage that will be useful to them in the workplace and even in missions.
Jewelry-making is also utilized as a form of therapy, and trains artisans in the discipline of going through the required steps to make a concept tangible. As we come together for classes, a community will form within the group. I pray that these sessions will not only train jewelry-designers, but also become a place where minds are renewed and encouraged. I'd like to see the development of relationships that will edify, strengthen, and sharpen each person's unique role in the Great Commission. Our willingness and partnership with the Lord can pave the way for many North Koreans come to know Life and experience restoration. As a result, they will be living proof of Christ, and may one day testify to their own nation of Jesus as the true Savior. We have all been positioned for such a time as this!
Your financial support will go towards the purchase of jewelry materials and supplies, provide meals for North Koreans, and allow me to develop jewelry manuals and curriculum. Your support will fund my seminary studies so I may more holistically and wisely speak of Christ to the world. It is through your giving that I am able to devote more time to cultivating this vision effectively. Thank you, and blessings!
Christy Lin
