I subscribe to the Larry King Live podcast, which I often watch on my iPhone during my commute. This is a helpful way for me to stay up to date on current events and people who are in the news. Last week, I learned of the arrest and imprisonment of two journalists when their families were guests on LKL to talk about the situation. Somehow, if it was covered in the news, I missed it. Since Friday, I've been thinking and praying for these two women - Laura Ling and Euna Lee - and hoping for their release.

Well, sadly, this morning I learned that they were not released. In fact, they have been sentenced to twelve years in a North Korean labor camp.

There appears to be a growing trend developing as countries begin to refuse the aid of humanitarian workers among their needy. Last week we were stunned with the announcement made by Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir to expel foreign aid to the thousands who are hungry and sick in Sudan. Just this morning Reuters AlertNet reported that North Korea has climbed aboard the foreign aid refusal train, with a seat next to Sudan. See the full report here.

Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir will be responsible for "every single death" caused by the expulsion of 13 foreign aid groups from Sudan, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on Tuesday.