February 2, 2005

Brief report on 2004 activities

Medical missions to North Korea has been difficult and often frustrating over the last year. The U.S. government’s hardline approach to North Korea has made work even more difficult because all Americans, even if offering aid and good will, are considered enemies of the state. It has therefore become my strong belief that helping to create a positive reconciliatory atmosphere for South Koreans to make peace with North Koreans is perhaps the most Christian role to take as a non-ethnic Korean. Korea was divided by the superpowers but cannot be put back together by the superpowers. North and South Koreans must become reconciliated to each other without outside interference. This will be a slow process and should be supported by our prayers and tangible contributions.

In the last year, we have been able to give some support to the Reverend Insik Kim in his efforts to work with the Christian Federation of North Korea. We have worked very closely with Mrs. Sue Kinsler, who has been feeding orphans in an orphanage in Sadiwon North Korea (120 kilometers South of Pyung Yang) as well as providing them with basic nutrition through soy milk production.

The soy-milk-producing machine distribution has been particularly exciting because the beans and the machines that grind up the beans into soy milk are of relatively low cost but offer a crucial change in nutrition, particularly at the critical ages below 5. Mrs. Sue Kinsler has made many trips this last year and I am sure will report in great detail on her important ministry.

A second project in North Korea was a one-time effort of sending $50,000 worth of IV fluids and basic first aid medicines and bandages for victims of the Yongchun explosion in March of 2004. The need was very great, and it was heartening to see the rapid response of the Korean church and the South Korean people as a whole. The donation from the PC(USA) was very well received.

Jina’s dental ministry in Shimyang, China, has gotten off to a very good start over the last year. Many North Koreans living in Shimyang have received care for their teeth at her clinic. Many relationships have been built that hopefully will help with future work in North Korea.

As everyone is well aware, the earthquake and subsequent tidal wave have destroyed millions of houses and taken over 200,000 lives. Relief efforts continue. Jina and our two older children, with 15 other church volunteers, are planning a visit to Sri Lanka during the Lunar New Year holidays to give some assistance. We will report of these activities to you later in greater detail.
Finally, Yonsei University, Severance Hospital is moving into its new 1000-bed hospital in May. A small clinic started 120 years ago by the Presbyterian medical missionary Dr. Horace Allen has grown into the largest private teaching university hospital in Korea. God has blessed us richly. To give you an idea of the hospital’s size—there is capacity for over 1,000 cars in the parking garage in the basement of the new building. We are looking toward celebrations in May and hosting the children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren of many missionaries who worked so hard to make this hospital such a great center of health care excellence. We are looking forward to hosting representatives from the PC(USA) at this time to begin another millennium of service.

Jina and John Linton

The 2005 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 247