We earnestly hope for the swift lifting of the closure of Intercop BTJ Yeolbang Center
[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Ju-cheol In] It has been revealed that the Intercop BTJ World Mission Center, which was ordered to close its facilities by local authorities, is suffering a second wave of hardship.
Within the BTJ World Mission Center in Sangju-si, Gyeongbuk, there is a temporary lodging facility for missionaries who have become exhausted and ill while working in remote overseas areas.
These missionaries not only spread the gospel but also carry out specialized welfare projects such as medical care, education, and beauty services beyond race, religion, and political ideology. They also promote the excellence of Korean culture, including Taekwondo, Korea’s national martial art, and K-pop, both domestically and internationally, enhancing its prestige.
These missionaries and their families are suffering day by day with nowhere to go.
Missionary A, who was residing at the World Mission Center after sustaining head and shoulder injuries last November and undergoing surgery and treatment, expressed anxiety, saying, “The hospital I used to go to has become too far away, making it difficult to continue treatment at the appropriate time.”
Missionary A said, “My eldest child, who should be starting elementary school, is very confused after moving to a different region where they cannot greet friends or teachers.”
He added, “Every morning when the child wakes up, they say in their dreams that they met friends and teachers and ask, ‘When can we go back to the center’s house?’” and broke down in tears.
Another missionary, B, said, “Missionaries serve the poor and underprivileged locals in third-world regions through education, IT, and Korean culture, often neglecting their own health for long periods overseas,” adding, “They have not only spread the gospel but also played the role of unofficial diplomats by promoting Korea’s excellence.”
Missionary B said, “They had briefly returned to their home country during long overseas stays to take care of their exhausted health and recharge,” and added, “Due to the sudden closure order, missionaries have lost their place to stay and are living unstable lives, moving from place to place.”
He emphasized, “Most missionary children have a mixed Korean and local culture background, making life in Korea a very important time to establish their identity.”
He continued, “While experiencing the Korean education system and establishing their roots, the sudden loss of their residence, the grief of parting from friends, and the burden of having to settle into a new school have caused them to be emotionally very unstable.”
Missionary B expressed, “I earnestly hope that the facility closure of the World Mission Center will be lifted promptly,” and said, “The winter spent in the home country after a long time feels colder and harsher than ever, but I sincerely hope the government will deeply consider this with warm love and care so that we can regain strength.”
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