Christianity in South Korea grew with the economy after World War II. In 1970, 18 percent of the population was Christian; by 2000, it was 31 percent. By 2006, South Korea was sending out more missionaries than any other country except the United States.
And then things stalled. Growth slowed, and church attendance began to shrink. It’s not hard to see which generation is struggling—less than 2 percent of those younger than 20 attend church.
“In Korea, money is winning,” some have said. “Money is the No. 1 enemy in Korean Christianity now.” But money is not a good master. Many people in Korea are struggling, sad, and anxious. Children spend up to 16 hours a day in school and tutoring programs, working to enter the best universities. Employees put in long hours under immense pressure. Suicide rates are high, and youth report high levels of unhappiness.
TGC Korea’s vision is to point people to the Savior who is worth more than lucrative jobs or big bank accounts. We have a truth that, like the biblical pearl in the field, is worth selling all your possessions to own.
Ways to pray:
- Praise God for the previous growth of Christianity in South Korea, and for the many faithful pastors still at work
- For Koreans to see the emptiness of the idol of wealth
- For TGC Korea’s ministry to be used as a channel of God’s love and mercy
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Romans 8:31–32
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