On March 1, as spring began, the “Student Opening Worship 2026” was held at the Okcheon Go&Come Training Institute. The event was prepared to help adolescents, who are beginning a new school year, renew their strength within God’s love and set a clear direction for their lives with dreams and goals.
About 11,000 people attended the service, including middle and high school students from across the country, parents, student group teachers, and pastoral staff. The students’ bright smiles reflected their excitement and anticipation as they prepared to embark on a new beginning.
Before the main program, snack booths were set up in front of the main building of the training institute. A variety of snacks such as tteokbokki, skewered fish cake, and hot dogs—lovingly prepared by members from nearby regions—were provided for the students. On the second floor, various side events drew great interest. Students looked back on past activities through exhibition panels featuring ISBA (International Student Bible Academy) and ASEZ STAR (the Church of God Student Volunteer Group), and they also visited the photo zone to capture memorable moments.
In the first part of the service, Mother offered prayers of blessing for the students who diligently pursue both their academic studies and their study of the Bible. She prayed that they would have courage like David and faith like Daniel, becoming lights that shine in a dark world and students who reveal God’s glory wherever they go. She also expressed her gratitude to the students for their faithful efforts, as well as to the parents, student group teachers, and pastoral staff who have devoted themselves to nurturing them with care.
General Pastor Kim Joo-cheol emphasized that adolescents possess limitless potential, saying, “You are seeds directly planted by God, and within a seed is the nature to grow into a tree, bear fruit, and form a forest.” He continued, “If you believe in God who enables you to grow and take steps toward your dreams, you will reap thirty, sixty, and a hundred times what you sow” (Ro 9:7–8; Mt 28:18–20; Mk 4:26; Mt 13:3–8; Jn 12:23–25).
The second part featured an awards ceremony to encourage students from Korea and abroad who set exemplary standards both in school and in their faith. Certificates were presented to 21 individuals and 13 groups, including recipients of the ISBA Academic Excellence Award and the ASEZ STAR Volunteer Excellence Award.
The third part began with greetings from new students and graduates. Representatives of middle school freshmen and high school graduates came on stage to read letters expressing gratitude to friends, juniors and seniors, and parents who had supported and encouraged them. They also shared their goals and resolutions for the future with confidence, reflecting the excitement of a new beginning.
In the video presentation that followed, the activities of students who participated in the ISBA education program were introduced, along with a clear overview of its system and vision. Students also performed situational skits that reenacted real-life activity cases in an engaging and relatable way, illustrating how to make the most of their school years while drawing laughter and empathy from the audience. The special video “Because We Are Students” portrayed how adolescents can wisely overcome the slumps they often experience. The story of a student group caring for one another with warm words and thoughtful consideration, following God’s love, left a deep impression on the audience. In the final segment, all attendees stood together and sang the New Song “To Our Dream With One Heart.” The yellow handkerchief performance, combined with hopeful lyrics, symbolized a new beginning for students standing at the starting line toward their dreams.
Mother, who attended the event, blessed the students, saying, “Seeing you practice God’s words even while busy with school life reminds me of Heavenly Father’s words that ‘students are our future.’ ” She prayed that all the dreams and goals they held that day would be fulfilled.
Kim Ju-ha from Cheonan, who received the ISBA Academic Excellence Award, shared, “By using the messages I hear at the opening worship each year as guidelines, I was able to spend my school days meaningfully.” She added, “While participating in various volunteer activities as an ASEZ STAR member, I even conducted a ‘School Violence Prevention Campaign’ at an elementary school upon the mayor’s recommendation. These experiences greatly influenced my career decision, and I chose to major in social welfare so that I can develop expertise in volunteer work.”
Student group teacher Kim Ji-hyun from Seogwipo said, “I was concerned that I might not be able to attend due to a flight delay, but despite the long journey, everyone truly wants to be here. At the opening worship, students set directions for themselves by thinking, ‘I want to follow that example,’ as they see the good examples of their peers. I also realized that I need to care for each student more attentively and guide them with love.”
Parent Sa Jae-ik from Hongcheon shared, “My son, who is now a senior in high school, said his wish was to attend this event with me, so we came together. After attending the opening worship, he shows positive changes and gains confidence.” He also expressed his hope that such meaningful events for students will continue to be held more often.
