Simply existing as a Christian in North Korea is effectively impossible, let alone sharing the gospel in a place where one’s every move is watched. But, as Cho’s story demonstrates, nothing is impossible with God.

When Cho first met Eun-Yeong, she was terrified. She had just escaped North Korea—a place where even owning a Bible can get you and your family thrown in prison for life. If she was caught, she could be sent back, interrogated, or even killed.

Cho was looking for people like her—but not to harm them. He wanted to help.

“Please don’t shout,” Cho whispered. “I’m not here to hurt you. I want to help.”

Cho had a dangerous mission: to share the hope of Jesus with North Koreans who had risked everything to flee their country. Every week, he hiked through forests carrying food, blankets, and something even more precious—a Bible.

Why Cho RISKED IT ALL

We’re able to share Cho’s story because his ministry is over. A few months ago, he sadly died from a long-term illness and he is now in heaven with Jesus. That’s why it’s safe to tell you about his extraordinary calling and his work as a secret Open Doors fieldworker.

“My purpose in life is to save souls,” he said simply. Cho believed that with God, anything is possible. He knew North Koreans had been taught to fear Christians, but he wanted them to know the truth: Jesus loves them.

When North Koreans cross the border, they are usually desperate for food – so that’s what Cho would bring, to show he was a friend.

“Look here,” he said to Eun-Yeong and the man with her, Cheol-Ho*, putting down his bag and backing away a few paces. “I have some food and water. It’s yours.” The desperate couple ate and drank, and began to trust Cho.

“There’s also a tarp and some blankets in the bag,” he added. “I’ll come back again to bring you more food. It will be much safer for all of us if I come after dark, so no one is watching. Stay in the shelter until then and make sure you are not found.”

ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE WITH GOD

The next day, Cho returned. When Eun-Yeong asked why he kept coming back, Cho told her about Jesus and gave her a Bible. At first, she refused to listen.

He was used to this response. North Koreans often haven’t heard of Jesus, but have been warned against Christians. The authorities say that Christians are spies who want to kidnap and abuse them. It can take time to break down this mistrust.

“I give a Bible to every North Korean I meet,” Cho would say. “Sometimes they read it. Sometimes they refuse. My job is to tell people about Jesus. It’s up to God to touch their hearts. And anything is possible with God.” 

A Life-Changing Decision

As often as he could, Cho returned to see Cheol-Ho and Eun-Yeong. One night, Eun-Yeong rushed towards him as he approached. “I have something I need to tell you,” she said. “I’ve been reading the book you gave us. Then yesterday, I had a dream. There was a person in my dream. He called me by my name. I think it was this ‘Jesus’ this book talks about, and I want to find out more about Him.”

Cho introduced Eun-Yeong and Cheol-Ho to a safe house where they could learn about Jesus and it was at the safe house that Eun-Yeong and Cheol-Ho dedicated their lives to Jesus! In human terms, it seems impossible that North Koreans would ever make this decision – but God used Open Doors fieldworkers to ensure it could happen.

But now that they were Christians, being caught and sent back to North Korea was even more dangerous. They might be executed. Even having met a Christian would mean their punishment would be more severe, let alone having chosen to defy the North Korean authorities and decide to follow Jesus themselves.

But Eun-Yeong and Cheol-Ho didn’t have to be caught by spies. They chose to go back themselves.

The Bigger Picture

What greater example of God’s impossible plan could there be? Despite the dangers, the courageous couple were determined to share their newfound faith with North Koreans desperately in need of the gospel.

A few months later, Cho received a coded message sent from North Korea. It simply said: “Our family has grown to five.” Three more North Koreans had heard the gospel and chosen to follow Jesus!

Today, there are around 400,000 secret Christians in North Korea, risking everything to follow Jesus. Cho’s story shows that even when something seems impossible, God can make a way.