We are continuing to prepare various shipments for delivery to North Korea. Since the beginning of 2008, we have shipped 2-40' containers, and 1-20' container filled with hospital upgrade supplies and equipment, with antibiotics and other medicines, and medical supplies. In process are four additional containers to be filled primarily with canned meat, dried food, and blankets. We are grateful for our major partners and our donors who are making these shipments possible. We are also expecting to place an order for several thousand patients worth of TB medicine this month.

Newly arrived in North Korea is a shipment of nearly 300 doors and windows needed for the hospital upgrade project at the Kaesong Provincial Pediatric Hospital. Currently transiting from China to North Korea  are multiple additional truckloads of materials, equipment and supplies also needed for this upgrade.

Our technical team hopes to visit later this spring to begin renovations at the Kaesong Provincial Pediatric Hospital. During this visit, they plan to oversee the replacement of doors and windows, renovate and re-equip operating room areas, install a water system, install electrical upgrades and various infrastructural improvements including medical equipment, all the while working side by side with local staff. We also hope to send our confirming team  to assess new needs and confirm the arrival of multiple shipments.

The heavy work of spring planting in North Korea has begun, and international news reports are indicating that food shortages are already severe for many, and will worsen in the coming months, barring a massive influx of international assistance. The North Korean people, now more than ever, need our continued support and prayers.