Two women were released last week, two men have been shot to death when the captors’ demands were not met, and the location of the others is unknown.
“It seems like it hasn’t captured our attention,” says Cho, who has followed events with commentary on his blog. (http://eugenecho.wordpress.com) “The silence has been deafening.” (Covenant President Glenn Palmberg did release a statement August 1 that called on the governments of Afghanistan, South Korea, and the United States to work for the captives’ release).
Where there hasn’t been silence, criticism has frequently filled the void. Christians as well as non-religious organizations, including many in the Korean culture, have criticized the decision of the missionaries.
Whatever disagreement Christians may have with the Koreans’ decision to work in Afghanistan “pales in comparison that these are brothers and sisters who share the same confession we do for Jesus,” Cho says.
“When we pursue God’s work, there’s always going to be criticism,” Cho says. “Going to Afghanistan is just a natural outgrowth of their faith. They were seeking to do good. When they carry it out with grace and action, it speaks to me strongly of their faith background.”
Cho says, “There’s a false assumption that these were naive Koreans.” He notes that the organization with which the missionaries are affiliated has sent people to Afghanistan in the past.
Having grown up in Korea and ministered in that country, Cho says the current situation, “really hits home for me.” He also has participated in mission trips to dangerous areas, including one that took him into a country that had not granted permission.
“The call hasn’t changed although the circumstances have changed,” Cho says. He acknowledges that when missionaries run into trouble, the implications are different from the early church because they are felt by many others, including their governments.
“There are obviously a lot of layers to the situation,” Cho says. There are political layers. When they’re kidnapped for political purposes, there has to be political involvement.”
Government action was involved in the failed attempt to free Covenant missionary Paul Carlson in 1965. He was murdered during a military raid by American and Belgian troops that sought to free him and other hostages held for a year by rebels in the Congo.
Cho says missionaries from around the world have emailed him to express their appreciation for his blog comments.
