Overcoming Poverty
Death of the Viet Cong: God Repays You According to Your Deeds
I brought the Viet Cong whom I had previously saved back to my base. My platoon leader, 1st Lt. Son Seon Jong, took him away for investigation. Meanwhile, together with some companions, I embarked on a manhunt mission to a cave.
Death of the Viet Cong
Not before long, the thunderous sounds of an explosive drove us out of the cave, and we spotted the ruthlessly scattered body parts of the POW. The stench of his blood was overwhelming. Although the Vietcong was an enemy, I considered him a friend since we had saved each other’s lives. Witnessing the inhumane death of my dear friend and POW, I raced to the platoon commander and reproached him for his heartless cruelty.
He had completely disregarded the captive’s self-surrender and the fact that this POW had saved Yoo Kun Tae’s life and mine. I told my commander that he should keep a good conscience even while on the battlefield. He shot back, saying, “Then, did you want to look after him?”
I responded, “The captive should have been sent to a prison camp and then set free later.”
He yelled at me, “You, Jesus believer, may do that, but not me.”
Later, I found out the real reason he had killed the captive: he didn’t want to be involved in any possible dangerous operation if the POW were to be sent to a regimental headquarters and reveal important information. I reprimanded the commander again, pointing out that God would protect his life only when he valued the lives of others. He used to take my words to heart because he knew I was different from other soldiers and thoroughly led a faithful life following God, but He just lowered his voice this time and told me to go eat. I replied that I couldn’t eat because of the stench of the blood. He criticized me saying, “Is this your first time smelling such a stench? You’re impossible.”
You reap what you sow
Tears ceaselessly rolled down my cheeks for three days following the death of the captive. We were saved by loving each other, yet he was ruthlessly killed; how could I not grieve? Murderers cannot get away with crime.
One month later, an unusual thing happened. Out of the blue, my platoon commander, Son Seon Jong, was dispatched to an armored corps. A regimental commander sent him to the perilous front line because he regarded Son as a merciless and brave man. Son, reduced to skin and bones, returned to my unit six months later. He had experienced all kinds of hellish suffering in very dangerous areas.
God has told us that human beings receive according to what they’ve done. Yoo Kun-Tae, who had passed out during my encounter with the Vietcong, regained consciousness some time later. I told him to believe in God and Jesus because they had saved us that day by inspiring the enemy’s heart. He said that he would.
About Author
Shinki is that IT Gig, that go to person for computer related issues.
In his spare time he runs, cycles, and exercise with the trinity in mind.