ADRA Local Branch Assists at Airport After Plane Crash in South Korea

As the nation’s grief deepens following the passenger plane crash that occurred at Muan International Airport in South Korea on December 29, the Honam branch of the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) in South Korea is assisting the bereaved families and friends. 

Not long after the accident, the ADRA Honam branch set up a booth in the passenger terminal of Muan International Airport and began distributing food and other basic items. 

At the scene, more than 200 members from Muan-eup Seventh-day Adventist Church comfort the families and friends of the victims. Upon hearing the news, volunteers came from as far away as Jeonju; and the teachers and staff of Honam Sahmyook Adventist school, who lost a couple of their students in the crash, also participated.  

On the afternoon of December 30, Southwest Korean Conference president Jang Won Kwan and the directors of the Honam district visited the site to meet and comfort the bereaved families and encourage the volunteers. 

The ADRA Honam branch has been providing daily assistance since the day of the crash. The volunteers wear ADRA Korea and Sahmyook Community Service Association vests and have delivered snacks such as mandarin oranges, bananas, bread, and soy milk. They also have distributed cold-weather supplies and daily necessities such as toiletries, masks, wet wipes, medicines, and socks. On December 31, they prepared and served 500 lunches. 

ADRA has also set up a booth in front of the disaster-relief tent, where the victims’ families are staying, to provide help to the bereaved families and officials who are looking for urgently needed supplies. Through its distributor in the Jeonnam region, Sahmyook Foods in Gwangju has provided supplies such as soy milk. However, additional help is needed. In situations of extreme stress, people need medicines such as painkillers, digestive medicines, and other pharmaceuticals, ADRA leaders reported. There is also a shortage of funds. 

Local church leaders and members were stunned by the situation. “I was shocked when I saw the news at first,” Jung Hae-po from the Muan-eup Adventist church said. “I was even more surprised that this happened in my area. It’s heartbreaking, as if my birth family has been hit hard. In times like these, we need to share the love of Christ. I just hope it helps in a small way.” 

Jung’s wife, Oh Geum-hee, said, “I can see the site of the accident from the roof of my house. I still can’t believe it, and it’s difficult for me to calm down. But sorrow is halved when shared, so I hope Adventists across the country will join us in sharing this great sorrow. Even if you can’t come here to serve in person, I hope you will pray—wherever you are.” 

A man in his 70s also extended a helping hand. Jung Young-boon from Naju Adventist church said, “I thought I should do something because I couldn’t be comfortable at home. I feel like the victims are my children, my parents, and my brothers. I’m still sad beyond words. I don’t know how long I’ll be doing this, but my plan is to keep participating in these relief efforts.” 

Na Yoo-jung from the Mokpo Hadang Adventist church explained that at a time when the whole nation is in shock and sorrow, “I have been entertaining the idea that if I can share even a little help, I should do so. In these difficult times, we need to give and share with our grieving neighbors in the spirit of Jesus.” 

Pathfinder leaders also rolled up their sleeves. Cha Sung-min, leader of Honam Pathfinder Council and of Samhyang Adventist church, said that he felt he had to do something. “I contacted the Pathfinder leaders and discussed with them the idea for the conference to deploy volunteers. Over the course of two days, more than 40 Pathfinders served. It’s devastating and somber, but I hope it will somehow give strength to those who are grieving.” 

Woo Eun-hye from the Mokpo Hadang Adventist church said, “If there is anything I can do and help with, I am willing to do it. It is even more heartbreaking when the bereaved families say thank you even for something that is not a big deal. There are many people who can work with ADRA, the Community Service Association, and the Pathfinder Council, which gives me courage and comfort.” He added, “Participating in disaster relief is a natural and necessary thing for Adventists, and I hope the bereaved families will be comforted by the hope of the resurrection.” 

The head of ADRA Honam branch, Choi Gyu-sik, said he was grateful to those who have donated goods and money. Inquiries regarding volunteer work are ongoing, he said. He expressed his gratitude for the participation of churches and church members across the country and asked for “continued interest and prayers” during the funeral arrangements. 

“We are checking the situation from time to time, but there is a shortage of supplies for some items,” Choi said. “We are having extensive discussions about future support measures and countermeasures. We will do our best to adjust the allocation of volunteers and the timetable according to the ever-changing situation on the ground so that there is no shortage of delivering the love of Christ to the bereaved families and related parties.” 

The original version of this story was posted on the Korean Union Conference news site.