NINE years ago we attended the graduation exercises of the Korean Union College. At that time one could not help being impressed with the earnestness of both students and faculty. The college buildings had been badly damaged by war, but the spirit of the people was unbroken.
A few weeks ago we were again on the campus. And what a difference! Practically all the buildings are new, and the crowded chapel spoke eloquently of progress. Seldom have we witnessed more enthusiasm, and the fine group of college students means much to the future of God's work in Korea. President T. V. Zytkoskee and the faculty are making a rich contribution both academically and spiritually.
The accompanying pictures show the college students only. Add to this an academy enrollment of more than 350, and one begins to realize the worker potential for this land in coming days. And they will surely need everyone who can be pressed into service, for upon Korea the Spirit of God is being poured out in power. It is impossible to keep abreast of the advancing work there, for things are moving so fast. What is reported today is outdated tomorrow. During the days of our visit the ministerial classrooms were crowded with young people eager to get all the knowledge of God's Word and spiritual help possible.
Even before the graduation some of the young men were called away to the army, and that means almost certain imprisonment, because Korea does not have a clause in her constitution exempting conscientious objectors from bearing arms and from service on Sabbath. So practically all our young men are compelled to serve a prison term of from six months to six years, and even more, for conscience' sake. Yet our youth are undaunted, seemingly happy to serve and suEer for Christ's sake. So earnest are they in studying with their prison inmates that they make many conversions.
While in Korea we had the privilege of making special representation to high-ranking government officials in the hope that something might be worked out in the future for our young men. We were graciously received, and we pray that some good may come from our contact.
While in Pusan we addressed 850 prisoners in the army correction center. Among these were fourteen of our own young men. The chaplain there invited me to take the Sunday morning chapel service. Some features of this meeting were particularly impressive, especially the response of these young men to the appeal to accept Christ. The man in charge of the music and the choir had been brought to the Lord by our Adventist prisoners.
So many things are happening in this land of opportunity that one witnessing it can only exclaim, "What hath God wrought!"
