What We Do

More on “communities”

When we talk about empowering the global Body of Christ, it involves not just an individual, but many people. But we are looking beyond simply a gathering of Christians, but one that comes together in a spirit of love and unity to foster a community of believers committed to living out our faith and vocational callings in the context of North Korean engagement.

We also envision a Body that is healthy. Imagine a body where the parts that are in optimal condition and functioning individually, and in concert with other parts, and it all comes together because we are in mutual submission to the head, Jesus Christ. When the parts of the Body are rightly related and aligned in Christ, this healthy community/church can maximize its potential to carry out God’s will of uniting all things in heaven and earth under the headship of Christ (Eph 1:8-10). When the Body functions in health and greater wholeness toward the fullness and thriving intended by God (shalom), we will see the fruit of reconciliation and redemption through loving relationships with God, with one another, and with creation.

Of course, we are a body that is both already redeemed and not yet fully glorified. Yes, God can still use imperfect vessels to carry out His will; however, we have a responsibility to become the healthy vessel which God desires for His people, ultimately preparing the sanctified and glorified Bride of Christ. To that end, we believe accountability, based in Scripture and guided by the Holy Spirit, is critical in the task of maturing as the Body of Christ. Accountability is the willingness and commitment to open one’s self (e.g. motives, thoughts, words, decisions, deeds) to regular examination and reflection before God and other trusted, mature believers (e.g. in settings such as the local church, sending organization, local prayer group or fellowship), and receive godly affirmation, counsel, or even correction according to the Scriptures. Accountability, when done well, provides life-giving encouragement and guardrails for us to stay on the narrow path of being rightly related with God, with one another, and with creation.

Spiritual communities that can provide this kind of accountability are primarily, the local church, and additionally, for those field-bound, sending churches/organizations. Reah fosters communities that further bolster the connections of faith, vocation, and North Korea callings, in the form of location-based prayer groups, or “Reah City Teams,” and vocation-based “vocational guilds.” Whether an individual or organization is based on the field or homeside, these groups aim to bridge believers around the world who share this heart and burden for North Korea toward focused prayer and action.

For those engaged on the field, we encourage belonging to at least three key communities for a fortified web of support and accountability. First, every worker should belong to a local church in their country of origin. Those who are most effective overseas are those who are effective locally and the local church is the best means of fostering leadership and ministry skills to a person who is considering overseas service. The local church can give accountability and support when the global personnel is coming home for a break or for the final return. Secondly, we encourage people to consider joining a sending organization which can provide accountability, support, and resources on the field. Joining an organization can be costly, but it is when things are not ideal that an experienced organization knows what to do to mitigate the problem. Thirdly, we encourage fieldworkers to join a Reah City Team for additional prayer support from a glocal community that bridges their place of origin and the field. Most people who end up on the field have been part of a faithful prayer group in their local community. Usually, the people in the local prayer group will continue to maintain the relationship and continue to pray for the workers when they are on the field.

For a believer on the homefront, we also encourage everyone to actively belong to their local church and a prayer/vocational group and seek accountability. Staying home does not give us license to pursue the American dream or your country’s dream, but to remain spiritually alert living each day in light of the Second Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in a responsible and balanced manner. We encourage everyone to be faithful where God has placed us in our church, families, and workplace so that we can use our vocation to benefit those who do not have the same opportunities and privileges that we have, including the people of North Korea. We also encourage everyone to be physically, relationally, and spiritually healthy so that we can go wherever and whenever the Lord leads us to bring His shalom.