I stopped a man walking by. “Where can I find a cross?” I asked. “Look up.” And there it was.

This was my first time inside a church. It was late in the evening, and a few men lingered in the modest building. “I am from North Korea,” I said. “I don’t know anyone here and need help.” One of the men gave me 20 yuan (about $3) and told me that was all they could spare.

From that town in the northernmost part of China, I made my way to Yanji, then to Tumen City. I wandered around until I found another church. On the wall were written these words: Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. …

Read the article “How I Escaped from North Korea, and How the Church Helped Me” on christianitytoday.com.