Worldwide Young Adult Leadership Conference 2023

Artificial Intelligence [AI], Chat Generative Pre-Taining Transformer [ChatGPT], the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Climate Crisis, Nano Society (which is an expression that refers to a phenomenon in which society is fragmented into individual units without forming communal bonds), Post-COVID . . .

The world is being shaken by the waves of change. In this age where many things are unpredictable, anxiety and expectation co-exist in the minds of young adults who try to make plans for their future and fulfill their dreams.

The Church of God held the Worldwide Young Adult Leadership Conference 2023 to help young adult workers grow into global talents who will instill God’s love and hope in all people and lead society in a beneficial way, following the teachings of the Bible. Around 150 young adult members from 37 countries, including the U.S., Argentina, Panama, Germany, Finland, Australia, New Zealand, Kenya, Cameroon, Japan, and Singapore, attended the conference held at New Jerusalem Pangyo Temple from June 6 to June 11. The members in Korea too participated in various programs, and approximately 2,000 young adults from 38 countries broadened their horizons and strengthened their friendship, transcending nationality and language.

Leadership with Mercy and Action

Throughout the conference, Mother educated and complimented the young adults, saying, “You are the dew of the dawn, who are willingly devoting yourselves to preaching the gospel according to God’s prophecy” (Ps 110:3). She emphasized the importance of mercy, which means “compassion shown toward others,” while hoping that all the young adults from around the world would deliver the news of salvation to 8 billion people with one mind, realizing that we are all the members of one big family in the truth of the new covenant.

Through the Sabbath morning worship during the conference, Mother enlightened the members to the fact that leading one more soul to life is the example of mercy, set by Christ, saying, “God established the truth of salvation by sacrificing His own life because He took mercy on mankind.” She also taught them the importance of taking action, saying, “Blessed are those who put into action God’ words, instead of merely listening to them once. Let’s follow the example of Christ by becoming one mind in order to plant the hope for heaven in all people who are trembling in fear of disasters” (Lk 10:25–37; 1 Jn 3:16–18; Hos 6:6; Php 2:1–5; Mt 5:20; Eph 4:22–30; 1 Ti 6:3–8).

General Pastor Kim Joo-cheol also emphasized the power of taking action during the opening worship, his special lecture, and the Sabbath worship service held at local churches. Pastor Kim Joo-cheol encouraged the young adults, wishing that the conference would become a turning point that makes the lives of the participants more meaningful and blessed. He said, “People in this age are all waiting for the protagonists of the prophecy. Instead of just remaining idle onlookers, we should pro-actively put into practice God’s will with the sacrificial spirit of “Here am I. Send me!” (Dt 8:1–3; Am 8:11; Zec 14:6–8; Rev 22:17; Eze 47:1–12).

Brother James Alexander (from Houston, TX, U.S.) said, “While the world is growing loveless, we can easily notice people who are unhappy because of family conflicts or worries at work. Since Mother has taught us how to instill happiness and hope like the Good Samaritan, I will make every effort to put Her teachings into practice.”

Delivering the Good News of Love and Hope to All People with One Mind

The conference participants had a tight schedule for six days, which began with the opening worship. The conference consisted of various programs where they discussed on pending issues related to the future of all mankind. They listened to the special lecture where General Pastor pointed out virtues they needed to have as Christians and members of society, and also attended the WM Global Forum and Vision Explanation as well as various meetings, which shed light on the gospel work that was being accomplished prosperously. During the ASEZ WAO (Church of God Young Adult Worker Volunteer Group) Global Forum, experts and some of them discussed how to cope with climate crisis. On the last day of the schedule, the IWBA Entrance Ceremony 2023 was held in the presence of the conference participants and approximately 10,000 Korean members.

Despite the busy schedule from morning until late at night, the young adults consistently paid attention to the conference with a smile and diligently learned from the conference. Even though it was difficult to communicate with one another because of different cultures and languages, they made unforgettable memories by actively communicating with one another through their smart phone translation app and by cheering one another.

“Before I received the truth, I thought that God was no longer working or active. After coming to Korea, I’ve realized that God is actively working for our salvation. While working in a hospital, I see many people eager to extend their lives even for a short period of time. I will diligently preach the truth of the new covenant, which promises eternal life, to all people.” Kevin Kauffmann from Berlin, Germany

“It is important that young adults work in unity to deal with various problems in the global village. One of the main concerns of the UN, which I work for, is the capacity-building of young adults. I believe that when we, young adults, who gain experience and knowledge in each field, unite, we can exert a great influence beyond language and culture. I want to be a leader who sets a good example for creating a greener future.” Xiuhan Hu from New Windsor, NY, U.S.

“I’ve felt that we should make efforts for the future of ourselves and for the next generation. When I return to the Czech Republic, I will try my best to diligently put into practice everything I’ve learned from God. I will keep in mind that time does not indefinitely wait for us.” Diana Achimovicova from Prague, Czech Republic

The participants who finished their schedule set up diverse resolutions and goals. We are looking forward to their role of the salt and light of the world at workplaces where they spend a considerable amount of time of the day.

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