Meet Angela
Angela is applying her theological studies to practical assistance and healing for North Korean refugees
"I always lived with a hungry stomach. Rather than starve to death, I decided to defect and go to a country where I could eat well. Now, my deepest desire is to build a community of faith and healing for my fellow North Korean defectors, showing them the boundless love of God and the promise of a free life. My theological studies are equipping me to serve and lead this mission. I believe it's time to join hands for the peaceful unification of the Korean Peninsula and to show the world the power of freedom."
– Angela
[Note: Given the sensitive nature of revealing personally identifiable information, the accompanying image was submitted by the RISE Scholar to represent herself.]
Story
Angela's early life in North Korea was defined by constant hunger, a stark reality that intensified with the collapse of the socialist economic market in the 1990s. Driven by a desperate hope for a better life for her son, she sold their family apartment and embarked on a perilous journey to cross the Tumen River, aiming for South Korea. Her initial attempts to escape were met with capture and brutal imprisonment in Chinese and North Korean facilities, where she endured unimaginable suffering and witnessed the immense cost of freedom.
Despite being repatriated twice, Angela's resolve remained unbroken. Her third attempt to escape proved successful, culminating in a decade-long, 30,000-kilometer odyssey through challenging terrains, including Mongolia. This arduous journey, marked by severe injuries, finally led her to the shores of freedom in South Korea, where her life began to transform under the guidance of a compassionate employer. Her newfound faith in Jesus provided solace and purpose, igniting a powerful calling to assist her fellow defectors.
Angela's commitment to her calling led her to pursue Christian psychology and counseling in Korea, recognizing the deep emotional wounds shared by many North Korean defectors. Her educational journey continued in the U.S. with the unwavering goal of establishing a church in California specifically for North Korean defectors. She understands the unique challenges defectors face, from language barriers and economic strain to emotional instability, and her current theological studies are equipping her to build and lead a community that truly understands and supports their experiences.
Angela is already actively providing temporary housing and counseling to North Korean refugees. Her ultimate dream is to create a refuge—a place where defectors can find God's love, receive tailored support programs, engage in customized Bible studies, and heal from their pasts. This comprehensive approach requires deep spiritual and practical knowledge, for which her ongoing theological education is equipping her. Her unwavering determination and dedication to her studies will enable her to become a church leader and pastor, fostering healing and advocating for a unified and free Korean Peninsula.
Journey with Angela as she seeks to help other North Korea refugees experience transformational healing and true freedom in Jesus.
How Your Contribution Helps
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Tuition Assistance: Your gift helps RISE Scholars more fully dedicate themselves to their studies by alleviating some financial burdens and responsibilities.
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Books, Transportation, Rent, Fees, and Meals: Your gift helps to support the numerous other costs associated with daily life and health. Many refugees are on their own, without family or a robust community support system to lean on.
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Encouragement: Your gift is deeply encouraging to our RISE Scholars receiving your support. The hope and confidence they gain as others come together to support them on their journeys is an immeasurable blessing.
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Prayer: Your prayer support throughout the school year will help to provide care, protection, comfort, guidance, and open doors beyond any human control!
