Gospel Moment: John's Letter from Seoul
- Rex Ballard
- Jun 26
- 4 min read
A Korean Brother's Grateful Reminder of America's Gospel Legacy and the Bond of Christian Brotherhood
In a time when ingratitude and division often dominate headlines, a simple, heartfelt letter from a husband and father of three in Seoul, South Korea, cuts straight to the heart of what really matters.
Shared recently through Dr. Douglas Frank, the letter was read aloud by a man named John. It is not a political statement or a demand. It is a testimony of salvation, sacrifice, and sincere Christian love directed straight at America.
Here is the heart of what he wrote:
“140 years ago, you came to our land and you taught us the Bible. So, now I’m saved. Thank you… In 1950 to 1953, you came to our land again. You fought for us. You protected us. Almost 36,000 American soldiers died and more than 100,000 were injured. You bled and died for us. You bled and died instead of us. Thank you… And I’m sorry I didn’t thank you enough. My brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers in America in Christ, thank you and love you. From now on, we’re not going to just ask for help. We want to fight for you now… We want to make America stronger and wealthier and greater to protect people, protect the world, to protect freedom of faith.”
John’s words carry the weight of history and the warmth of genuine faith. He is speaking as a member of the same family — the family of God.
The Gospel in This Letter
This letter beautifully displays several eternal truths:
The power of the Word sent out. Around 1884–1886, American missionaries (men and women like Horace Allen, Henry Appenzeller, and Horace Underwood) brought the Bible to Korea at great personal cost. Today, roughly 31% of South Koreans identify as Christian, and South Korea has become one of the world’s leading missionary-sending nations. John’s salvation is living fruit of that obedience to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). When the Church is faithful to send the Word, lives are eternally changed — even 140 years later.
The cost of standing for others. John remembers the Korean War sacrifices with piercing clarity: nearly 36,000 American lives given, over 100,000 wounded. He says plainly, “You bled and died instead of us.” This echoes the greater reality of the Gospel: “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). The soldiers’ sacrifice points us to Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice — and it calls us to live lives worthy of such love.
The family of God across every border. When John addresses American believers as “my brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers in America in Christ,” he is not using poetic language. He is stating spiritual reality. In Christ there is one body (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). Nationality, distance, and language do not sever the bond purchased by the blood of Jesus. This letter is a beautiful, living example of that unity.
Mutual encouragement and resolve. John does not stop at gratitude. He moves to reciprocity: “We want to fight for you now… to protect freedom of faith.” In an age when many Americans feel our nation is fighting a “lonely fight” for religious liberty and traditional values, this letter reminds us we are not alone. Brothers and sisters around the world are praying, standing, and willing to labor alongside us.
A Word for Shasta County
Here in Northern California, we face our own pressures — cultural shifts that challenge biblical truth, declining church influence in some circles, and the constant temptation to grow weary in doing good. John’s letter is both encouragement and gentle exhortation.
It invites us to:
Give thanks for America’s Gospel heritage and for every missionary, soldier, and faithful believer God has used to spread light and defend freedom.
Repent where we have taken these blessings for granted or failed to express gratitude to God and to those He used.
Stand firm in the faith, clothed in the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18), not only for ourselves but so that future generations — and brothers and sisters around the world — can continue to hear and live the Gospel freely.
Pray for our nation, our military, our veterans, and for allies like South Korea who desire to stand with us for freedom of faith.
A Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the faithful men and women You sent to Korea with the Gospel 140 years ago and for the fruit that still multiplies today. We thank You for every American life given in defense of freedom — and most of all for the life of Your Son, who bled and died for us.
Strengthen America to be a nation that honors You, protects religious liberty, and remains a blessing to the world. Unite Your people across every border in love and courage. Help us in Shasta County and across this land to live worthy of the Gospel, to encourage one another, and to fight the good fight of faith with humility and boldness.
May we never grow weary of thanking You — or of standing together with our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world.
In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.
This Gospel Moment was inspired by the sincere letter from John in Seoul, South Korea, shared via Dr. Douglas Frank on YouTube. May it stir gratitude, unity, and renewed commitment to the Gospel and the freedom to live it.
