Karl Gutzlaff: Korea for Christ

In 1832, the first protestant missionary to Korea sought an opportunity to preach the gospel to this ‘hermit kingdom’ as an interpreter on a British merchant ship.

Carl Gutzlaff made the most of his travels through Korea, sending gifts and copies of the Bible translated in Chinese to the Korean emperor. However, his gifts were sent back and his efforts showed little fruit. He wrote in his journal, “Can divine truth disseminated in Korea be lost? This I believe not. In the great plan of God there will be a time of merciful visitation for them.”

His words were prophetic as Korea has become one of the centers for modern day Christianity and the second largest missionary sending country in the world.

In Revelations 7:9, the Apostle sees, “A great multitude that no one can number from every nation from all tribes, and peoples, and languages standing before the thrown and before the Lamb; clothed in white robes.”

Even in his despair Gutzlaff foresaw that a great multitude of the Korean people would stand before the thrown and worship the Lamb that was slain. Taking comfort that, “ .. the Scripture teaches us that God can bless even these feeble beginnings.”