The number of North Korean defectors has increased in the 1990's. One particular fact is that many North Korean defectors are religious persons living in South Korea. Their motivation for accepting religion was that they had received various types of support from Christian missionaries and/or Christians in foreign countries, or in South Korea itself. This is the result of missionary work on their behalf. There were many who joined churches which had helped them when they came to South Korea. A few of them entered theological college or seminary. Among them some had theological education at underground seminaries in China and performed ministry for North Korean defectors. They entered theological schools for more systematic education. Some started theological education by themselves. Some began it because of North Korea mission. Some are practicing ministry for other North Korean defectors, while others have established churches. This is a very positive aspect for/by North Korean defectors themselves, and area of will continue as mission for North Korean defectors after the reunification of Korea. North Korean defectors convey their difficulties in theological education, but express their need for it. Having a religious life and studying theology are different matters. Many of them stayed outside of the traditional school system for a long time. This makes them quite challenged when adapting to school life. Many also experience the difficulties of foreign languages, and different educational systems, which exist between North and South Korea. The students are lonely and need faithful friends. Although they study theology, they need counseling, to help them have balance and succeed in a new and different environment. Moreover, tuition is one of their real problems and often blocks them in their studies or ability to study. Most of them serve churches, as Sunday school teachers or serve on a North Korean Mission committee within the church. There are many churches in South Korea, but only a few provide these students with a meaningful position in the church setting. Although the students may experience trial and error, in their new life, it is necessary for them to be provided for in the ministerial fields. For their future and the future of the two Korea, it is important for them to have practical experiences of ministry in various fields. South Korean churches should face up to the fact that it is important not only send them to theological schools, but to also nurture them and train them to be faithful and Christ driven ministers. Before entering theological schools, North Korean defectors must seriously consider whether they have a conviction to study theology. Second, it is important for them to have a confession of faith that they live with Jesus Christ as their Savior. Third, they should have correct understanding of theology. Fourth, they must have healthy view of ecclesiology. Fifth, they should open their heart to serve not only in the North Korean mission field, but also in varied areas of ministry. Sixth, although it seems that North Korean defectors have a good Christian faith, it is not desirable to recommend North Korean defectors to study theology without considering their faith and calling. South Korean churches or other supporters should select North Korean defectors through careful conversations and counseling. South Korean churches should nurture North Korean defectors as they grow in their Christian faith. Some of the churches will want to prepare them as future missionaries to their home towns after reunification. They will be in the vanguard of missionaries to North Korea after reunification. Their missionary work probably will be more effective than that of others who will enter the North for the first time.

• 조은식(숭실대)