Kenneth Bae - Not Forgotten: The True Story of My Imprisonment in North Korea

PRAISE FOR NOT FORGOTTEN

Nothing is more tragic than the separation of loved ones. I am honored to have witnessed firsthand the unwavering faith and courage exhibited by Kenneth Bae and his family in their quest to bring him home. As a Korean War veteran in Congress, I have been working hard to encourage peace on the Korean Peninsula and to reunite divided families. Inspiring stories like this keep the hope and pulse alive of seeing a unified Korea in our lifetime.

REP. CHARLES B. RANGEL MEMBER OF US CONGRESS (19712016)

If you ever have the feeling of being deserted, this is the book you must read. This ordinary mans extraordinary experience with God during the 735 days of his captivity in North Korea shows Gods presence, love, and care for us, no matter the situation we are in or who we are. Kenneth Baes story is evidence of how God brings light and hope even in the darkest tunnel.

I also desperately sought Gods answer during my 140 days in North Korea. Not Forgotten carried the answers with the Bible verses that open every chapter. The Lord was and is with me.

EUNA LEE, JOURNALIST AUTHOR OF The World is Bigger Now: An American Journalists Release from Captivity in North Korea

Kenneth Baes memoir takes us to the heart of darkness that is North Korea. His account of his two-year detention in North Korea shines a light on this secretive country and its savage treatment of its starving people.

MELANIE KIRKPATRICK AUTHOR OF Escape from North Korea: The Untold Story of Asias Underground Railroad

As someone who worked to secure Mr. Baes release, I could only imagine the difficulties, fear, and suffering he endured. Not Forgotten gives us an honest glimpse of his experience and of what life is like for ordinary North Koreans, from government officials to prison guards to gas station attendants. His story reveals how his unwavering faith allowed him to act with humility and treat everyone he encountered with compassion. Not Forgotten is a story of human hope, perseverance, and triumph.

GRACE JI-SUN KIM, PH.D. AUTHOR AND ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF THEOLOGY, EARLHAM SCHOOL OF RELIGION

In many ways, this is a very personal book for me. While I did not personally know Kenneth prior to being with his family to welcome him home, I had the privilege of being the pastor to Kenneths family during his imprisonment in North Korea. As such, I intimately knew the ordeal, tears, tenacity, and faith that was involved during his journey. What amazed me thenand todayis that Kenneth and his family continue to pray for the people of North Korea. This is a book not only about the details of a missionarys imprisonment but, more importantly, about Gods love for people.

EUGENE CHO SENIOR PASTOR, QUEST CHURCH AUTHOR OF Overrated: Are We More in Love With the Idea of Changing the World Than Actually Changing the World?

An uplifting and Scripture-filled account. Kenneth Baes witness and testimony to the Lords presence in his trial is a blessing. It both affirms the faithful goodness of God and allows those of us at home to know that Kenneth never felt abandoned, that prayer can reach beyond the bars of persecution.

LISA JONES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CHRISTIAN FREEDOM INTERNATIONAL

Christians around the world will be blessed by this account of courage for Christ in faithful dependence upon his unwavering grace. Kenneth Baes love for his North Korean brothers and sisters through years of imprisonment and hard labor powerfully displays the heart of his Savior.

BRYAN CHAPELL PASTOR, GRACE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH PRESIDENT EMERITUS, COVENANT THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

2016 Kenneth Bae

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ISBN 978-0-7180-7963-5 (HC)

ISBN 978-0-7180-7964-2 (eBook)

ISBN 978-0-7180-8111-9 (IE)

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Library of Congress Control Number: 2015960286

16 17 18 19 20 RRD 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

For my sister, Terri, who dedicated her life
for two years to get me home;
for my family, who together hoped and endured suffering;
and for all who stood with me and remembered
me during the darkest time of my life.

CONTENTS

by Bill Richardson

Return home and tell how much God has done for you.

LUKE 8:39

FORMER GOVERNOR OF NEW MEXICO BILL RICHARDSON

OVER THE COURSE of my career, Ive been called upon to negotiate the release of American prisoners held captive in foreign countries. It is a privilege I never anticipated having and one that I now deeply treasure. At the request of my superiors, even the president, Ive flown to some of the most dangerous nations on earthCuba, Sudan, Iraq, and North Korea to name a fewto negotiate the release of American citizens. Often, I went after several other envoys made unsuccessful attempts to secure their freedom.

North Korea is at the top of that list. Not only is it very difficult to get into the DPRK, but if you do get in, it can be incredibly difficult to get out. And because the United States has no official relationship with their government, it makes it that much more difficult to communicate and bring about a successful negotiation.

That is why when I learned of Kenneth Baes arrest, I knew he was in for a difficult journey. I also knew the North Koreans pay close attention to American media, so I quickly spoke out on Kenneths behalf, along with many other concerned leaders, such as Jesse Jackson and even President Obama. We knew it was going to take some time to figure out a negotiating strategy. Then former NBA star Dennis Rodman launched his own goodwill tour of North Korea, and the publicity for Kenneths case went to a whole new level. Suddenly we had sports diplomacy working for us.

The American people care a great deal about our family members who travel abroad. It has certainly been true of the families of our troops over the decades, and its been the same with Kenneths family. The way Kenneths family and friends organized and brought attention to Kenneths plight was impressive and did a lot to cause our government to act.

He may be a different kind of soldier, no doubt, but a very effective one nonetheless. You see, I believe in the power and necessity of Americans to get involved in foreign affairs. We need to know other countries, make friends with them, and learn about their leaders, their customs, and their languages. You may not be as bold as Kenneth, but there is a place for ordinary citizens in international relations. We need to grow our list of goodwill ambassadors around the globe to include people driven by humanitarian missions and organizations not sponsored by a government office. Kenneth was and is driven by his strong Christian faith to help the poor and suffering in the far corners of the world. We can learn a lot from his example.