In May and June, two CFK teams (12 people) spent a total of 26 days in North Korea. We were thrilled to see the first two hospital operating room projects at Sariwon and Haeju at or near completion, and hear how these projects have transformed the surgical care now available to the patients served by these facilities.

The first team traveled to 14 different locations, confirming delivery of multiple shipments of medicine, food, blankets, toiletries, medical supplies and equipment. The second team installed a new pump at the Sariwon TB Hospital, and did major renovations at the Kaesong Provincial Pediatric Hospital including installing a new water system, complete with large tanks, solar panels, pump, and distribution lines to multiple buildings; installing a power conditioner, breaker boxes and fully wiring two operating rooms; working alongside with local staff to install 287 windows and doors; new drop ceilings and lighting, tile, heating/AC units, etc., as well as multiple pieces of medical equipment. The technical team returned home on June 14 very grateful for the project successes, which were many, and for the warm working relationships between the team members and our North Korean counterparts. We continue to see growing partnership between our sides, and this is transforming the nature of our relationships on every level , opening new opportunities to share our faith, and expanding the kinds of projects that are now possible as a result.

Very serious food shortages, caused in part by significant flooding that happened last Fall, have greatly impacted the health of the population in alarming ways. The number of registered Tuberculosis cases has gone from 52,000 last year, to over 100,000 this year. This is putting a lot of pressure on local staff and our supported facilities as they struggle to care for the increased patient load amidst shortages of many kinds. Please continue to pray for the people of North Korea as they endure more hardship, sickness and hunger. Please also pray that we will have the resources we need to help care for them.