Pre-Young Adult Gathering

On November 26, the “Pre-Young Adult Gathering” was held at the Okcheon Go&Come Training Institute. More than 5,700 members, including high school seniors and their parents, teachers for student members and for young adult members, and pastoral staff, gathered to support students who were about to take their first steps into society after completing their university entrance exams or job preparations. This event, which had been held online during the COVID-19 pandemic, took place on-site for the first time in four years, bringing joy to the participants.

Under the warm sunlight, as if the season had been forgotten, the sound of lively laughter continued from the morning at the training institute. In front of the main building of the institute, various snack corners, including tteokbokki, bungeoppang (fish-shaped pastry), dakgangjeong (sweet and crispy chicken), tanghulu (candied fruit skewers), were set up by adult groups from nearby churches to boost the energy of pre-young adults, who are the future protagonists of the gospel. On the grassy field, booths introducing the activities of college students, workers, and military members were spread widely. Each booth was well-equipped with various experiential zones, capturing the footsteps of the participants. Busily moving among booths, the pre-young adults excitedly explored campus clubs, workplace mission activities, overseas cultural experience programs, ASEZ (World Mission Society Church of God University Student Volunteer Group), and ASEZ WAO (World Mission Society Church of God Young Adult Worker Volunteer Group) volunteer services. Their eyes sparkled with excitement for the upcoming young adult life as they encountered various opportunities and activities.

In the worship service during the first part of the event, Heavenly Mother encouraged the pre-young adults who had exerted effort in their studies, and expressed gratitude to their parents and guidance teachers who supported them to grow properly in God’s will. Likening the well-prepared event to a feast in heaven, Mother imparted a vision to the pre-young adults, saying, “You who will become the royal priesthood like kings in heaven have become protagonists on the stage of prophecy in this age when biblical prophecies are being fulfilled. Let us become big vessels and workers of great faith, leading the world with faith in action” (Ps 110:3; Gal 6:7).

General Pastor Kim Joo-cheol urged the pre-young adults to have big dreams, broaden their perspectives and thinking, and spend their unique youth meaningfully. He stated, “God said, ‘I will be with you; do not be afraid.’ Let us not be swept away by the waves of the world but boldly move forward,” encouraging them to be talents like salt and light, radiating positive influence with strong faith (Isa 41:10; Jn 16:33).

The second and third parts of the event were filled with Pastor Kim Joo-cheol’s special lecture and an introduction to youth education programs. Through the special lecture titled “Open Your Eyes to the World,” pre-young adults recalled the spirit of Apostle Paul, who turned his eyes to the world evangelism 2,000 years ago, and expressed their aspirations to be protagonists of the global gospel age. The introduction of IUBA (International University Student Bible Academy), IWBA (International Worker Bible Academy), and IMBA (International Military Bible Academy) featured presentations by senior members of the young adult groups who took on roles as speakers and performers, providing lively and witty explanations of each program. These senior members presented vivid portrayals of life in colleges, workplaces, and the military, along with gospel activities, through situational comedies, bringing laughter and entertainment to pre-young adults and encouraging them to envision specific future scenarios. Mother blessed all the pre-young adults, encouraging them to have strong faith like Joshua and Caleb, sending generous applause.

Brother Choi Eun-woo from Chuncheon, who is about to enter university, said, “This is a meaningful time that fills the first button of my university life. I want to move forward smoothly toward the world by diligently engaging in the gospel, volunteer service, and self-development, as seen and heard today.” Sister Jang Seo-yeong from Suwon, who has been working for 2 months, said, “I have many concerns about how I can do well in my job as a child of God. Meeting senior members, I learned golden tips for both spiritual and practical aspects at work. I will do my best to become a prophet at work who diligently practices God’s teachings.” She smiled broadly.

The attendees also wholeheartedly supported the future of the pre-young adults who will advance toward the vast stage of prophecy. Brother Kwon Myung-jin from Incheon, a parent, said, “It’s both sad and proud that my daughter, who was just a child, has already become a young adult. I believe that each young adult, including my daughter, will realize their dreams within God and grow up rightly as God desires.” Sister Ko Jiyeon from Asan, who welcomed her juniors as a volunteer for a side event, said, “Several years ago, I felt that the world of young adults is much broader than I thought at a pre-young adult gathering and drew up a specific vision. I hope that all pre-young adults here will have a vision and work hard in their respective positions to achieve their dreams.”

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