Smuggling Light: One Woman’s Victory Over Persecution, Torture, and Imprisonment

by Esther Chang, Eugene Bach (Contributor)

North Korea is dark. Literally dark—most of its regions are too poor to afford electricity and other basic needs. Figuratively dark—its daily life is hidden from outsiders, its citizens reticent, and its propaganda vast. And spiritually dark-its ruler, Kim Jong-il, is both worshipped and feared and the gospel is squelched without question. Into this darkness, Esther walked. Growing up a Chinese-Korean, Esther wanted nothing to do with Christianity until a visit to an underground church in China flooded her with the mercy and power of the Spirit—and she was given an unusual be a missionary to North Koreans. But again, Esther wanted nothing to do with it, or rather, with them . Rude, filthy, and abusive, North Koreans seeking refuge in China were the worst of the worst. However, when Esther slipped inside North Korea for the first time and witnessed for herself the shocking conditions, she finally they acted desperate, because they were. Esther gave her all to her mission. Although imprisoned and tortured by both North Korea and China, sometimes destitute and always in danger, having few resources and little time for family, for the past fifteen years Esther has faithfully spread aid and the gospel witness to North Koreans. Smuggling Light is her true tale of bravery, humility, and complete reliance on the mighty hand of God in one of the darkest nations in the world.

Genres: Christian, Memoir, Nonfiction

176 pages, Paperback

Published October 11, 2016

Reviews

[Rebecca Adelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of Esther, a Korean-Chinese Christian who devoted her life to spreading the gospel in North Korea. The writing was slightly lacking, but the evidences of our God's power and desire for his kingdom to reach all people were very clear.

[Laura A · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a difficult one to review.

As I was reading, the writing was a little vague and I didn’t feel like I really connected to Esther and her work. It is not the most engaging or best writing.

However, when I read the epilogue at the end, it all became clear. Esther is living her life in hiding in another country (not revealed) as a result of her work in North Korea and details of her work had to be purposefully made vague for safety of the Christians in North Korea and China. The epilogue made me appreciate the book a lot more.

I wish the epilogue was at the start of the book as I would have been able to understand more.

This book gives an insight into the work in China and North Korea and knowing now, I think this is all we will know on this side of eternity, due to persecution of the dear Christians there.

However, there wouldn’t be enough ‘stars’ to rate the work that Esther has done! She will be rewarded in heaven for her sacrifice and work.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short book tells the story of Esther Chang, a Korean-Chinese woman who made it her life's mission to minister and bring the Gospel to those living in the oppressive systems of North Korea.

Esther wanted nothing to do with Christianity as a young person. Only her grandfather was a Christian and the whole family was persecuted because of his beliefs. Even though God brought Esther back to life after officially dying, Esther still associated God with hatred and ridicule. That all changed when Esther was invited to an underground church in China. There she found the power of the Holy Spirit and saw the mercy of God at work. She knew right away God was calling her to minister to North Koreans. Like Jonah, several times she denied that call. She tried to run away. She eventually surrendered to God and began her work traveling back and forth from China to the even more hostile country of North Korea.

The story is captivating. The personal look into the real living conditions of the North Korean people is mind blowing. It is impossible to think there exists a people so desperate, they will eat their children for lack of food. In all the hardships Esther endured because of her witness for Christ, she held on to her faith and prayed. All around her miracles happened. She continues to this day working among the North Koreans, ministering to their needs and sharing Christ with them.

[Emily Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very compelling and faith boosting. From a writing standpoint it could be better but I don’t take any points off because I’m sure it had to be translated. It doesn’t take away from what she went through and what happened to her! Starts slower and ends very powerfully. Her faith is absolutely amazing and the miracles are just crazy. Incredible story.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting true story about a very brave woman who is risking her life to share Christ with North Koreans.

[Leonie]

Een boek waarin het geloof centraal staat en de liefde van het geloof. Ik vond het een enorm mooi boek, maar soms wel aan de langdradige kant