To the Released Americans, Welcome Home!

I stayed up late last night so that I could watch the return of the three American hostages from their North Korean prisons/labor camps. Finally, we got to see these men at about 3 a.m. It was worth the wait just to see the now-former hostages walk onto American soil and freedom, and do so under their own steam.

I had studied quite a bit about persecution during part of my B.A. degree many years ago. My college had actually originated as a training school for missionaries going to foreign countries in the early 1900’s. That focus created a unique conduit for the exposure of horrific persecution in countries where religious and personal freedom is virtually non-existent. All those many years later, as it served a global student population, it birthed in me a deep appreciation for our freedoms here in America.

Even more importantly, it gave me a window into what people who find themselves in such desperate situations turn to for internal help. So I was not surprised when these freed hostages found sustenance through their difficulties in faith. One of the men handed a note to Vice President Mike Pence. It quoted Psalm 126. How appropriate for these men! Now, the sentiments, thoughts and prayers of the country are for their restored health and wellbeing for both them and their families. We are grateful they are home!