A few years ago I was inspired by 18th Century British politician and philanthropist William Wilberforce, who once said:

"If to be feelingly alive to the sufferings of my fellow-creatures is to be a fanatic, I am one of the most incurable fanatics ever permitted to be at large".  William Wilberforce

Not long afterwards, I was introduced to the nation of North Korea. What a shock to the system! I couldn't believe what my eyes were seeing and that such a country even existed. 

Fast-forward 5 years, in August 2018, I start observing very peculiar signs all pointing towards OpenDoors and Korea. I was reluctant at first, but these signs were so unusual and relentless that I couldn't deny Someone was really speaking to me about it. So I decided to go for it and sign up to the South Korea Muskathlon!  

Muskathlons involve an extreme challenge in a country where the reality of poverty is not hidden.  Having been on a Muskathlon in Kenya before, I understand the bags of heart these events give.  This video illustrates this very well:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVkCkQrkwyU&t=142s

In response to the deep stirrings in me, I decided to take on a challenge worthy of a cause worth fighting for, worth running for...so I have decided to take on the marathon of marathons...an ultra marathon in the heart of South Korea.  This will entail a 39 mile run through mountainous terrain, a task which won't be easy!  But I have decided to take on something this extreme because I realise what I am dealing with is also extreme. This short video clip shows a glimpse of what life is like in North Korea:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLJ3AdcbGow

Open Doors has identified North Korea as the nation where persecution of Christians is at its worst.  If discovered, Christians are deported to labour camps or killed on the spot and many would starve to death without support. 

Through this Muskathlon challenge, I am hoping to raise what I can in funds for these precious North Korean people.  Although the target is £10000, please don't feel obliged to give any large amounts just because of the big target. I am grateful to whatever support you can offer, even just your prayers are huge. 

Open Doors, who is the Christian Charity I am going with, will use the money that you give to provide 60,000 North Korean Refugees with safe houses, food, clothes, medicines and other forms of relief to ensure they can stay alive. The link below shares more of how the money you give will be used:

https://www.opendoorsuk.org/act/fundraise/muskathlon/muskathlon-south-korea/

If you would like to give monthly, that is also possible. Actually, that is even more amazing as you are providing vital long-term support for Christians who are facing the most extreme persecution.  £8 a month will count towards £250 of my fundraising target and £25 a month will count towards £1000 of my fundraising total.  Do let me know if you wish to do this!

For more information on North Korea and the trip itself, check out the links below: 

https://www.opendoorsuk.org/persecution/countries/north-korea/

https://www.4muk.com/page/south-korea/

Final Remarks

During my time in South Korea I will be meeting North Korean Refugees who have been imprisonment for their faith. I realise by doing this Muskathlon Challenge, I will be the closest to North Korean people I have ever been and I may feel numerous emotions about this...If you pray, keep me and the team in prayer as it could get messy emotionally!

Thank you everyone. 

Please join me in showing the people of North Korea that they are not forgotten!  

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