Believers See “Silver Lining” of Failed Bible Launch: “God Always Has a Reason”

A few days ago, MNN asked believers worldwide to pray for a Bible launch organized by Voice of the Martyrs Korea. Each year, VOM Korea sends Scripture to North Korea in balloons or sea bottles.

Today, Pastor Eric Foley explains the “silver lining” to Friday’s failed Bible launch. “What we’ve learned over the years is that God always has a reason for every event that happens,” he says.

“We used to get disappointed about it, but what we realize now is that God has a purpose for blocking launches.”

An unexpected Gospel opportunity

As described here, police stopped the latest launch following political maneuvering between North and South Korea. Police interference with their work isn’t new, Foley says. It’s even turned into a recurring Gospel opportunity.

“Four years ago, we had police surrounding our building and our vehicle to stop us from launching. They did it for four days in a row,” Foley recalls.

As VOM Korea’s small team gathered materials for their intended balloon launch, riot police surrounded their vehicle. Officers threatened to arrest believers if they stepped past a designated point. Police also surrounded VOM Korea’s building to ensure they wouldn’t proceed with their launch plans.

“Every day, I would say, ‘we are doing our work in the name of the Lord Jesus. [We are] subject to you as the authorities so we won’t proceed past this point, but tomorrow, we’ll be out here doing the same thing, as long as the weather’s suitable’,” Foley says.

When police criticized the team’s persistence, believers responded with faith and kindness. They brought water and snacks to the police, who surrounded their building night and day. On the fourth day, an officer approached Pastor Foley in disbelief.

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SOURCE: Mission Network News, Katey Hearth