Low-Class Like Me

His name was John Howard Griffin. Middle-aged. White. Male. 1959. Mansfield, Texas. He was a man dedicated to the end of racism, and was so passionate for his cause that he underwent medical treatment to turn his skin black, temporarily. What he experienced as a "black" man became the classic book, "Black Like Me." And what did he experience? The "N" word. "No jobs available." "Sorry, can't cash your check." No public restroom. Slowly Griffin became hopeless and defeated, as were the people he was portraying by his courageous act. He eventually allowed the medication to wear off. He was White again. His report went out and brought him adulation throughout the world. Except in still-very-racist Mansfield, Texas, where he was abused and threatened for favoring the African American cause.

In this weekly letter we deal with a similar situation, the baekjeong*. Behold the North Korean. But wait! Are we sure it is a "North" Korean? Add a few pounds and a few centimeters. Clean up the dirt of the coal mine or the hue that comes when clean water and good soap are not available for washing. Put a few good clothes on to replace the ragged cloth you see. Let his smile break. Stand him up straight. Teach him how to walk with dignity again. Is it not now a South Korean? Can you tell? Does it matter?

For so many, yes, it does matter. In South Korea today, North Koreans are herded together and placed in a "special" neighborhood. Their churches are separate. Their lives are suspect. Depression experienced for long years under Kim Jong-il's government gives way to a similar dejection created by the elite and rejecting South Korean government. Stomachs are fuller, trappings are nicer, but the inner separation continues.

Yes, not totally fair. Many South Koreans, there and here, love and cherish the Northerners. I'm sure there are even members of the SK government who have opposed the stringent policies that hurt rather than help their long-departed family members. Nevertheless, the situation remains.

And in this situation lies a wondrous opportunity for the church of Jesus Christ. For when folks are weak they are really strong, if God has a chance to get hold of them. That's a Paul-ism, straight from the Spirit's mind, recorded in your Bible. What if those weak and sickly ones rejected by this world -as was Jesus Himself - were called to strength and salvation and eternal glory? What if they were raised up to incredible worldwide service to the Master? What if mission stations were directed by these for whom hope was lost, and what if their very message was "hope!"

Ah! That's an in -your-face to the Enemy, don't you think?

*baekjeong: considered Korea' lowest class of humanity.

Look for Bob Faulkner's home page on http://sermonaudio.com There you will find a combination of love for the Scriptures and a desire for North Korean believers to have their needs met. There are nearly 300 blogs , over 200 Bible teaching MP3's, lists of resources, NK picture albums, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosun together! Contact me any time at diakonos3@gmail.com

And who am I? A man found of God over 50 years ago, called to the ministry, serving the Lord as needed in my world. Married, member of a local church in the Chicago area, with full time work in public education. Would love to fellowship with believers who respond.