Rick Warren Confirms Visit to North Korea

According to Rick Warren's blog and a story written by Lillian Kwon and published July 9, 2006 by the Christian Post:

Dr. Rick Warren confirmed plans to visit North Korea on July 17, according to a news release Saturday, amid threats of new missile tests from the communist country

The evangelical pastor plans to meet with church and business leaders in what is officially called the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to prepare for his return to preach to some 15,000 people in March 2007. Warren's speaking engagement next year is in conjunction with the 100th anniversary of the Pyongyang Revival, what many say established the base of Korean Christianity.

Despite the current standoff over recent missile firings by North Korea, Warren stated, "Regardless of politics, I will go anywhere I am invited to preach the Gospel."

A delegation of South Korean businessmen working with representatives from North Korea was reported to have visited Warren at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif., to invite him as the preacher for the anniversary event next spring. They had quietly received permission to hold the first public outdoor Christian service in North Korea in 50 years, according to the release.

Many have expressed concern that the North Korean government could take the opportunity to identify the expected 15,000 Christians attending the service with Rick Warren and persecute them.

Warren has responded:

"I know they're going to use me," Warren said,
"So I'm going to use them."

Many volatile situations exist--Iraq, Iran, Israel, Palestine, North Korea, China... However, the world needs the gospel. I admire Warren's commitment to "go anywhere I am invited to preach the Gospel."