North Korea has been politically and economically isolated for years. The people live a life of poverty. Photo: humedica
North Korea: humedica Helps With Important Supplies
by Steffen Richter, 2008/02/29
The situation of the people in North Korea is influenced by collective poverty. In one of the last communist regimes in the world, the people lack almost all basic necessities. In addition, there is a shortage of raw materials, and because of this shortage, experts estimate that only about 20 percent of the country’s agricultural and industrial capacity is being used. That economic help from former brother countries stopped years ago, international sanctions have been in place since September 2005 and other boycotts exist, only make the dramatic situation worse.
The internationally-active charity Agape, part of Campus Crusade for Christ, was, up until 2004, one of the only foreign organizations allowed in North Korea. Agape established and sponsored specific agricultural projects in order to help the people, whose land is not particularly fertile, become a little more self-sufficient.
Real help which came to an abrupt end three years ago. The North Korean government ordered all foreign organizations and business to leave the country. After exhaustive efforts with those in charge, Agape was given permission to be allowed to deliver relief supplies. In the past ten years, humedica has worked with KCF – Korean Christian Federation, Agape and Mercy Ships on numerous relief transports to deliver medicines and seed potatoes.
The delivery, which will be leaving Germany in a few days on its long journey to North Korea, will be carried out by Agape. It consists of two forty-foot containers which were packed at the humedica headquarters in Kaufbeuren. The donations-in-kind contributed by humedica, with a value of 1.2 million Euros, include medicines, medical equipment (surgical instruments, etc.) hygiene articles (soap, toothpaste, etc.) and construction materials (paint, cleaning supplies, tar paper, etc.).
Agape will also supply the abandoned agriculture projects with equipment, including a reaper and trailer, a pallet jack and seeds.
The North Korean Ministry of Agriculture will be receiving the containers, however, the supplies will be separated and distributed in the presence of a team from Agape/Campus Crusade for Christ.
If you would like to support our much needed help in North Korea, help with payment of the transportation costs would be greatly appreciated.
