As North Korea’s economy continues to deteriorate — exacerbating already chronic food shortages — Christians in the country, aided by partners such as the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and Church World Service, are assisting the most vulnerable North Koreans, the elderly and children.
The Bongsu Noodle Factory and Bakery, operated by the Korean Christian Federation — the government-sanctioned church and PC(USA) partner — turns one metric ton of flour daily into much-needed noodles and bread for distribution to orphanages and homes for the elderly.
Over the years, benefactors of the factory and bakery have included CWS and the PC(USA)’s Presbyterian Women, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and Presbyterian Hunger Program.
The flour, which must be imported from neighboring China, costs a little over one dollar a pound to purchase and ship here.