“The gospel is the good news which will save the dry branches in North Korea like a welcome rain,” one of the missionaries exclaimed during prayer before the launch. The launch team was composed of missionaries, volunteers, university students and Christians with family members in North Korea.

South Korean soldiers visited the launch site as usual, but they were fewer in number than in the past. Despite the fortunate weather and circumstances, only 10 of the 30 prepared balloons were launched because of problems with the hydrogen fuel. Still, the team prayed before the launch and successfully sent 1,000 Bibles and 90,000 gospel flyers into North Korea.

“These men and women show a passion for balloon launches, because the Word of God is sent with balloons by their hands,” wrote a Voice of the Martyrs partner. “Although they can’t go to North Korea, these flyers can.”

More than 7,900 New Testaments have been sent to North Korea this year alone.