Pastoral Staff Family Education for the Second Half of 2023

In December, a month for reflecting on the past year and preparing for the upcoming new year, Heavenly Mother prepared a special event for the pastoral staff members who have devoted themselves to the gospel. On December 7, the “Pastoral Staff Family Education for the Second Half of 2023” took place at the Okcheon Go&Come Training Institute. More than 1,800 attendees, including the pastoral staff from across the country and their wives, deeply expressed their gratitude to Heavenly Father and Mother who consistently support and trust them, recognizing the value and blessings of their pastoral ministry.

“May the names of the pastoral staff who follow the path of sacrifice of Father and devote themselves to the gospel and the names of their wives who serve with love and care shine forever in the book of life.”

Through the worship service during the first part of the event, Mother prayed for all the pastoral staff’s families to receive abundant rewards in heaven by completing the gospel mission in the grace of God. Mother encouraged them, saying, “The recognition of the Church of God in the world today is evidence of your diligent devotion to God’s glory.” Mother emphasized, “Where there is warm love, much fruit is borne. Expressing heartfelt gratitude to Father who endured sacrifice and hardship while hoping only for the salvation of His children, let us commit ourselves sincerely to our brothers and sisters. Be humble and warmhearted the pastoral staff families, sharing kind words with the members who come to church and with neighbors. Let us bear much fruit and run this path to the end” (Rev 22:12; 1 Th 5:15–23; Zep 3:14–20).

General Pastor Kim Joo-cheol reminded everyone that fearing God and following His word is the most blessed life and the duty of God’s children, and said, “Let us express the joy of salvation on every inch of our faces with pride and dignity as children promised heaven. In the new year, let us achieve an even happier gospel.” In the second part education, it was emphasized that the first virtue that the pastoral staff families should possess is gratitude.

“When we love our Zion family members as we serve God, and foster a complete unity based on understanding and respect between the pastoral staff and their spouses, and between overseers and assistant overseers, the evangelization of the 8 billion people can be accelerated.”

The third part, including the Messiah Orchestra concert and dinner, was a time when Mother gently embraced the each heart of pastoral staff members and their wives. The Messiah Orchestra began with “Amazing Grace With Bach” and presented moving performances of songs such as “The Bright, Heavenly Way,” a hymn frequently sung by Christ Ahnsahnghong, Eric Satie’s waltz “Je te veux,” and a New Song, “O My Mother,” performed in collaboration with the male choir. Lastly, through the dinner, Mother reminded everyone of the eternal joy they will experience in heaven. She expressed Her hope that everyone would follow the path of Heavenly Father healthily and happily until all could partake in the blessings.

After completing all the event and on their way back to their respective church, pastoral staff and their wives, with excited voices, thanked God and shared their hopes and resolutions for the new year.

“Being called by God and serving in the ministry until now, there are still many areas where I fall short. However, I’m truly grateful that Mother has always trusted and complimented me. Just like Father, I will make every effort to carry out a ministry of love, boldly proclaiming the gospel to the entire world, and caring for those beside me with Mother’s heart.” Pastor Kim Byung-man from Changwon, Korea

“I’ve once again realized what a great blessing it is to do the work of God, and my heart is filled with renewed gratitude. As Mother taught me, I want to practice love by extending a warm word to the Zion family members working together for the gospel, and by doing that, I aspire to be a help in the gospel.” Elderess Choi Jeong-sook from Gimhae, Korea

“I’ve prayed earnestly, but there were many occasions when, despite God’s answers, I failed to offer prayers of gratitude. Now, I will present daily thanksgiving offerings and wholeheartedly dedicate my strength and will to the holy mission of finding our lost heavenly family members and conveying the love of Father and Mother.” Missionary Heo Dae-gyeom from Busan & Kim In-gyo from Cheongju, Korea