The 82nd Overseas Visiting Group

Amidst the fresh green leaves of spring, the 82nd Overseas Visiting Group arrived in Korea with bright, hopeful smiles. Having faithfully observed the Passover and the Day of Resurrection, they prepared for their journey with gratitude and praise for the grace of Heavenly Father and Mother, who came to a distant land in the East to restore the truth of salvation—the new covenant. A total of 90 members from nine countries, including the United States, Canada, Peru, Mexico, Hungary, Finland, Russia, Croatia, and the Czech Republic, participated in the two-week schedule from April 24 to May 8.

Heavenly Mother warmly welcomed the members who were visiting Korea for the first time and strengthened their faith with thoughtful care and consideration. Throughout the visit, She emphasized the deep love of Father, who came twice to this earth. She continually reminded the members to remember Father’s love, who sacrificed Himself to death for the salvation of humanity. She earnestly wished for them to deeply realize that love and carry it out with devotion, guiding today’s love-starved generation to the truth. When Mother said, “Let’s deliver God’s love and gospel not only in your own countries but also in neighboring nations, bringing blessings to many people,” all the members responded loudly with “Amen!”

General Pastor Kim Joo-cheol emphasized that although the members came from diverse cultures and backgrounds, they are one family in Father and Mother. He encouraged them to live each day meaningfully, looking forward to the brilliant future prepared for God’s children. He also instilled a vision, saying, “Let us take pride as the children of the Spirit and the Bride, the Saviors in this age, and open a bright future for us and all mankind by testifying about God, who is the light, to the whole world.”

In the embrace of spring’s warmth, the visiting group formed cherished memories. They visited local churches in Seoul, where Mother preached the gospel, as well as Suwon and the Daejeon area, where they witnessed the progress of the new covenant gospel. They also toured the Church of God History Museum, reflecting on the sacrifices of the Heavenly Parents, which laid the foundation of gospel development. They visited the Korean Folk Village and the Seoul Sky Observatory to gain a deeper understanding of the history and culture of Korea—the land where the Second Coming Christ appeared—and to envision the gospel work of Father and Mother. They also visited the “Media’s Views” exhibition, the “Father’s True Heart” exhibition, and the “Our Mother” writing and photo exhibition. At the event with more than 20,000 Korean members held ahead of Heavenly Parent’s Day, the visiting members experienced the deep love of the heavenly family established through the new covenant. Members in North and Central America even went on stage to glorify God by performing in unity with the Messiah Orchestra and the choir composed of Korean members.

Brother Andrew Patton (Riverside, CA, U.S.) said, “I heard that in Korea, May is the Month of Family because it includes Parents’ Day. I’m so grateful to be here at such a meaningful time to express my thanks to Heavenly Mother. Everywhere we went, I felt the sincere love of the Korean members. I want to go back to the United States and share this love with everyone.” “I could feel that the heart of Mother who only cares about her children is full of love,” said Brother Tomas Jiricny (Prague, Czech Republic). “I will make every effort to take care for and encourage my brothers and sisters, just like Mother.” He said.

With heartfelt resolutions to save many souls—not only in their own countries but also in neighboring regions—the visiting members departed from Incheon International Airport, offering carnations of deep gratitude to the Heavenly Parents.

Heavenly Parents’ Day

On May 4 and 7, a celebration event was held at the Okcheon Go&Come Training Institute in the presence of title and position holders, in anticipation of Heavenly Parent’s Day. A total of approximately 20,000 people, including Korean pastoral staff members and the overseas visiting group, attended and celebrated Heavenly Father and Mother’s grace over the two days.

Mother expressed heartfelt thanks to the members who had devoted themselves to saving souls following Heavenly Father’s will, saying, “In this age when love is fading, let us extend love both within Zion and throughout society, embracing our neighbors and leading many people to God.” General Pastor Kim Joo-cheol also delivered a sermon, “Based on the new command, ‘Love one another,’ let us be united and build the way to heaven where no one is lonely” (Jn 13:34–35; 1 Co 13:1–13; 1 Jn 4:4–8; Ro 13:8–10).

The event continued with touching performances by members from Korea and abroad. From an elegant dance portraying the glorious kingdom of heaven, to a stirring solo performance of “Lascia ch’io pianga” from Handel’s Rinaldo, the “Flower Duet” from Delibes’ Lakmé, and a heartfelt rendition of the Korean song “Mother’s Heart,” the participants honored the love of Heavenly Parents and shared deep emotions. A vigorous and disciplined marching band and color guard performance symbolized the unstoppable momentum of the gospel reaching every corner of the world.

The event concluded with a special video reflecting on Heavenly Father’s 37-year gospel journey. As the video retraced Father’s footsteps through Korea’s tumultuous modern history—from the Korean War and postwar famine to the Miracle on the Han River—attendees were moved to tears as they reflected on His unwavering devotion to seeking and saving lost children. They renewed their resolve to proclaim Father’s boundless love to the ends of the earth.

Interview with the 82nd Overseas Visiting Group

“In Mexico, there is a word apapacho, which originated from an indigenous language. It means to embrace someone with your heart and bring comfort. Since I had received so much love from God, I wanted to warmly support my brothers and sisters from various countries during my stay in Korea, but in the end, I was the one who received all the love. It was true apapacho.
Mother was always there for us and took care of us whether during worship, at meals, or in any situation. The Korean members also sincerely welcomed us from the airport to wherever we went. Even though we were seeing each other for the first time, I could feel the love in their eyes. Every moment was filled with Mother’s love.
When we sang the Korean song “Mother’s Heart” during the event, the lyrics, “Giving her flesh and bones, sparing nothing for her child throughout her life,” deeply touched me. Until now, I’ve always thought from my own perspective, centered on myself. But when I return to Mexico, I want to share the love of Mother that I received here with the members there. Next time, I hope to return to Mother as someone She can be proud of by caring for our members and supporting their spiritual growth.” Yael Martinez from Mexico City, Mexico

“It was such a valuable experience that I would be willing to give up everything I have just to return. Being with Mother allowed me to reflect deeply and gain so much insight.
In my line of work, which involves government affairs, I often work with people across different sectors to coordinate and implement various projects. While helping society and citizens is rewarding, it can also be overwhelming, and I’ve had many concerns. Through this visit, Mother personally showed me what should be at the center of my heart: love. Mother is tirelessly carrying out so much work for Her children around the world. Although what I do is nothing compared with that, Mother comforted me and said that she would pray for me. I believe that Mother’s love will support me and become the strength to help many people physically and spiritually.
Love is not just something I need. It’s something the whole world needs. When we have love, those in power can use their power in the right way, and people will be able to care for and help others in a materialistic world, and will be able to create the world God wants. I may be lacking, but I want to become a force in spreading that love.” Francis Paredes from Faucett, Peru

“Today, in many countries, the value and bond of family are breaking down. Families gather less frequently, and it is the same in Croatia. That is why the world needs God’s love. It is because love has the power to bind people together.
After receiving God, I changed a lot. As I kept God’s commands and learned His teachings, my heart became much softer and I’ve become less quick-tempered. The brothers and sisters in Zion have set a good example. Once, when I was sick and resting at home, some members came to visit and brought seaweed soup and oranges. My mother saw that and said, “They must be good people to care for others like this,” and complimented them. Not long after, she was reborn as a child of God.
I hope many more people can receive the same blessings as our family. To make that happen, I need to have even more love. I realized and learned many things by being with Mother in Korea. Seeing Mother, who carefully listens to each and every member, I reflected on how I gave up quickly when I met someone who didn’t accept the truth. I thought it was pride that kept them from coming to the true God. But I don’t think that way anymore. If we are filled with Mother’s love, we will be able to influence them with the faith that does not give up. I want to plant that love in all people in Croatia.” Ivan Ožegović from Zagreb, Croatia

“At the ‘Father’s True Heart’ exibition, there was a work about a father who was a farmer. Seeing it reminded me of my own father. He lived as a farmer and a cook to make sure we were well fed and grew up healthy. Many people often forget father s’ love while speaking of mother s’ love. But these two types of love are truly complete when they are together.
During my stay in Korea, I received an overflowing amount of that love. When Mother hugged me tightly and the Korean members welcomed us, I felt that my heart was being healed. At the event held at the Okcheon Go&Come Training Institute, I felt full of love and happiness. It felt like I was truly valuable person. It was an amazing experience, and it made me share that love with even more people. Even though I may lack in many ways, I believe I can share this love with others because I have received it from Heavenly Parents. Now I will preach the gospel more diligently to find our lost brothers and sisters.” Adonuris Annamari from Helsinki, Finland

“During my stay in Korea, I found myself asking, ‘When I welcomed others to Zion, did I treat them the way these members are treating us? Was I warm and thoughtful like they are?’
So many Korean members welcomed us, cared for our meals and accommodations, and paid close attention to even the smallest details. I have a gluten allergy, but I never had any trouble eating thanks to their thoughtful consideration. I knew that there were nearly 100 people in the visiting group, which meant there were countless things to prepare. So I thought, “They really don’t need to go out of their way for someone like me,” but their care made the experience deeply special. It was such a special experience. Knowing that their care came from Mother’s heart made it even more touching and meaningful. I felt Mother’s love everywhere and in everyone.
I hope that I, too, can reflect that kind of love by laying myself down to serve others with care. If someone were to see me and feel Mother’s love, how joyful and thankful that would be.” Laura Barnett from Manhattan, NY, U.S.

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