Happy New Year! We hope 2020 ended well and, like us, you’re excited for all that 2021 has in store.

With the turn of each new year Crossing Borders also celebrates a new birthday. 2021 is the year when we turn 18 and we thought it was a great opportunity to share the different ways God has grown us as an organization over the past eighteen years.

1. Crossing Borders turned 18 on Jan 1, 2021

2. After co-founder Mike Kim’s eye opening trip to China in 2001, Mike and Dan Chung decided to launch Crossing Borders in 2003

3. The name Crossing Borders was thought up by founders Mike Kim and Dan Chung at a Borders Bookstore

4. From 2003 to 2012, Crossing Borders was a 100% volunteer-led organization

5. Crossing Borders currently employs 6 field staff, 2 missionaries, 3 full-time staff in China and soon, our first social worker in South Korea

6. Crossing Borders has formally helped 432 North Korean refugees with direct support and hundreds more with indirect support such as one-time financial aid, sharing of the gospel or providing medical care

7. God brought 40 new refugees under our care in China during 2020 

8. Our missionaries have been on the field with Crossing Borders for 12 years

9. We’ve helped 6 refugees escape from China to South Korea during the 12 years our missionaries have been with us 

10. We've hosted 8 summer retreats in China for women & children

11. 3 refugee kids are currently being supported to receive college/vocational training

12. Crossing Borders currently works with 14 underground/house churches in China to find, onboard and care for refugees

13. Our missionaries fled China 2 times to avoid being arrested by the Chinese authorities

14. Elim House launched in July 2020 to provide shelter and care for North Korean women in South Korea

15. Elim House housed three women and two children in 2020

16. We have raised an estimated $4M to help North Korean refugees since 2003

17. Donors from across 28 different countries have financially supported our work

18. Despite COVID-19, 2020 was our biggest year for funds raised to help refugees. Thank you!

As we reflect, it is clear to see God’s unwavering love and faithfulness on us and the refugees we serve. Every milestone and accomplishment listed above is only by God’s grace and with support from our generous partners. How amazing our God is and His love for the marginalized.

We are so excited to see how God will move in 2021!

Happy New Year!