Global News

1st Happy Seminar for Soldiers

The Church of God offered a moment of comfort to soldiers who protect the nation with unwavering dedication, even in the lingering summer heat. On September 8, the “1st Happy Seminar for Soldiers” took place at the Church of God in Yeoncheon, with over 200 attendees, including soldiers from nearby bases in Dongducheon and Cheorwon, as well as their parents, whom they had invited. Local officials such as the Head of Yeoncheon Count y Kim Deok-hyeon, Yeoncheon County Councilor Shim Sang-geum, and Dongducheon City Councilor Hwang Joo-ryong were also present to show support. Excitement and anticipation were evident on the soldiers’ faces as they attended the event during their leave or break. At 10 a.m., church members warmly served a…

Korea

Sep 8, 2024

Church of God’s 60th Anniversary Concert Earns Widespread Acclaim in the United States

The Messiah Orchestra, fresh off a tour through Peru from late July to mid-August, made its U.S. debut in early September with performances at prestigious venues, including New York’s Lincoln Center, the United Nations Headquarters, and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. The concert series, titled “Mother’s Love: Concert for World Peace,” marked the 60th anniversary of the Church of God’s founding. Drawing a diverse audience of local members, international diplomats, U.S. senators and representatives, as well as leaders in education, arts, and media, the event sought to promote peace and harmony worldwide through the universal language of music. The Lincoln Center concert on September 8 marked a high point in the Messiah Orchestra’s U.S. tour. As one of America’s foremost…

U.S.

Sep 8, 2024

Education and Training for Teachers for Children, Students, Young Adults 2024

Just as students are passionate about their studies and dreams for the future, there are those with a equally strong thirst for learning: the guidance teachers by age group at the Church of God. These teachers, who sometimes act as parents and other times as friends, are dedicated to helping children, students, and young adults of the church develop both faith and character while instilling correct values. To enhance their skills and qualities, they participated in monthly online education sessions and attend annual gatherings once or twice a year, renewing their commitment to their mission. On September 5, the “Education & Training for Teachers for Children, Students, and Young Adults 2024” was held at the Okcheon Go&Come Training Institute. Approximately…

Korea

Sep 5, 2024

3rd Chamber Orchestra Concert for Students

As students transition from summer vacation to the second semester in September, they often experience a blend of excitement and pressure. This period, commonly known as “new semester syndrome,”1 can pose challenges for many. To help students embark on their second semester positively, the Church of God organized a concert aimed at offering encouragement and support. 1. Symptoms of anxiety and physical or mental difficulties often arise in students transitioning to a new semester or grade as they adapt to a different environment. On September 1, the New Jerusalem Pangyo Temple hosted the “3rd Chamber Orchestra Concert for Students,” drawing an audience of students, parents, teachers, and notable figures from various sectors. The temple was filled to capacity with approximately…

Korea

Sep 1, 2024

Summer Student Camp 2024 for the Second Half of the Year

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many students have faced challenges in adapting to school life and forming interpersonal relationships. According to the Korea Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs’ 2023 in-depth survey on isolated and reclusive youth, interpersonal relationships were the most commonly cited cause (27.1%) of isolation among young people who had been isolated since their teens. To address this, the Church of God holds annual student camps during the summer and winter vacations, offering elementary, middle, and high school students an opportunity to learn the value of cooperation and togetherness. This year, camps were held from mid-July to the end of August in Korea, while overseas camps took place in…

Aug 31, 2024

ASEZ and ASEZ WAO: International Volunteer and Cultural Exchanges Summer 2024

As summer vacation began, approximately 960 members of ASEZ, the Church of God University Student Volunteer Group, and ASEZ WAO, the Church of God Young Adult Worker Volunteer Group, embarked on an international mission. Starting in late July, these volunteers spent two to three weeks in about 140 cities across 63 countries, participating in a range of volunteer service and cultural exchanges. Their environmental activities, which transcended national boundaries, garnered widespread support and encouragement from various sectors of society. ASEZ: The Starting Point of Change for a Greener Earth ASEZ members actively implemented the “Earth Recovery Project,” a key resolution from the Global ASEZ Summit 2024 held last June. Clean-up activities occurred both on and off campuses at various locations,…

Aug 30, 2024

Sharing Love With Neighbors During Chuseok 2024

Ahead of the Chuseok holiday, members of the Church of God nationwide worked diligently to pack over 20 types of convenience foods and essential supplies—such as beef seaweed soup, beef bone soup, dried pollack soup, and sesame oil—into boxes. In total, 5,000 boxes were carefully prepared, with meticulous checks to ensure completeness. These packages were intended to support neighbors facing financial hardship, with hopes that they would enjoy a joyful and prosperous Chuseok. From late August to early September, the Church of God donated the 5,000 boxes of groceries, valued at approximately $181,200, to over 230 government offices, requesting distribution to elderly individuals living alone, single parents, grandparent-grandchild households, multicultural families, households with disabled members, and youth-led families. Ahn Je-mun,…

Korea

Aug 30, 2024

Messiah Orchestra’s Second Tour Concert in Peru

The Messiah Orchestra of the Church of God has concluded a highly successful tour concert in Peru. Marking their second visit since last year’s celebration of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Republic of Korea and Republic of Peru, this tour was organized to honor the 60th anniversary of the Church of God’s founding and the 203rd anniversary of Peru’s Independence. The event aimed to reinforce bilateral ties and spread messages of hope across various communities. On July 20, 40 members of the Messiah Orchestra arrived in Peru and, in collaboration with local musicians, performed a series of impactful concerts over three weeks. The tour concert received enthusiastic receptions and warm welcomes, enhancing cultural and diplomatic ties between Korea…

Peru

Aug 12, 2024

1st ASEZ STAR Character Education for Students

Teenagers, who develop their moral standards through learning, often indiscriminately accept information from the Internet and broadcast media, which can lead to poor judgment or make them more susceptible to negative influences. The Church of God supports students in building healthy values and making sound decisions at critical points in life through not only Bible education offered through worship services and gatherings but also a variety of programs, seminars, character educations. On August 11, the 1st ASEZ STAR Character Education for Students was held at the New Jerusalem Pangyo Temple. Under the slogan, “STOP School Violence! Drugs Out!” the initiative aims to raise awareness of the severity of school violence and juvenile drug-related crimes, which scar young lives, and to…

Korea

Aug 11, 2024

60th Anniversary of the Founding of the Church of God Held in Peru

The months of July and August 2024, marked by the receiving of the Medal of Honor of the Congress of the Republic of Peru and the Messiah Orchestra’s tour concert, are expected to be remembered as a particularly blessed period for church members in Peru. On July 28, the Church of God celebrated its 60th anniversary at Villa el Salvador Sports Complex in Lima, Peru, drawing over 5,000 members from across the country. The event commemorated six decades since the church was established by Christ Ahnsahnghong. It served as an occasion to express gratitude for God’s grace in extending the true light of the new covenant from Korea to Peru and to reaffirm the commitment to completing the evangelism of…

Peru

Jul 28, 2024

The Church of God Honored With the Medal of Honor of the Congress of the Republic of Peru

The Church of God has been honored with the Medal of Honor of the Congress of the Republic of Peru (Medalla de Honor del Congreso de la República del Perú). This accolade is awarded to individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the country’s development and progress. Among the five grades of the Peru’s Congressional Medal of Honors, the “Comendador” (Commander) grade awarded to the Church of God is the highest grade an organization can receive. Honored With the Medal of Honor of the Congress of the Republic of Peru On July 25 at 3 p.m. local time, the Peruvian Congress held a Medal of Honor Award Ceremony at its building in Lima. The event was attended by…

Peru

Jul 25, 2024

Nationwide Flood Preparedness Volunteer Efforts for the 2024 Rainy Season

As summer approaches and sudden heavy rainstorms become more frequent due to climate change, the rainy season has become increasingly unpredictable. In response, the government and local authorities are intensifying efforts to prepare by inspecting flood-prone areas and rainwater pumping stations, and by supporting the installation of flood barriers in residential buildings. The Church of God has contributed by helping manage drainage systems to prevent flood damage and ensure community safety during the summer. From May 26 to July 8, over 8,300 church members across 42 regions in Korea—including Seoul, Namyangju, Changwon, and Gwangju—worked to clean drainage systems in flood-risk areas such as roads, low-lying residential neighborhoods, and parks. This effort is part of the “Creating Sustainable Cities” initiative, one…

Korea

Jul 8, 2024

‘Erasing Plastic Footprints’ Campaign in Celebration of World Environment Day

In celebration of World Environment Day on June 5, the Church of God members from around the world conducted the “Erasing Plastic Footprints” campaign. The campaign aimed to protect marine ecosystems by picking up and sorting plastic waste from beaches and rivers, raising public awareness, and encouraging the reduction of plastic use in the future. This initiative is also part of the Church’s “Global Hope Challenge,” a global social contribution campaign to mark the 60th anniversary of the Church’s establishment. The campaign ran from June 16 to July 8 across more than 10 countries, including Republic of Korea, Nepal, Malaysia, India, the United States, and Brazil. During the opening ceremony before the volunteer work began, representatives from the older generation,…

Jul 8, 2024

[Exhibition Tok Tok] Two Things Visitors Could Not Put Down

On July 2 and 4, a group of 17 North American members, who were attending the “Global ASEZ Summit 2024” in Korea, visited two meaningful exhibitions: “Father’s True Heart” Exhibition (Father Exhibition) at the New Jerusalem Imae Temple, and “Our Mother” Writing and Photo Exhibition (Mother Exhibition) at the Gwanak Church in Seoul. For international visitors, including students, diplomats, and others, these exhibitions can be a challenge due to language and cultural differences. Despite seeing the works directly, many had to rely on translated booklets or explanations from guides to fully appreciate the meaning behind the art, and also the unfamiliarity of Korean culture and historical contexts could make it challenging to understand. So, how did the young North American…

Korea

Jul 2, 2024

Earthquake Recovery in Noto, Ishikawa, Japan

On June 30, more than 60 members from various regions in Japan, including Tokyo, Fukuoka, Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, and Nagoya, gathered in the Noto area of Ishikawa. It is to help the local residents affected by the devastating earthquake that struck on January 1, measuring 7.6 in magnitude. Immediately following the earthquake, recovery efforts were delayed due to the risk of further collapses, and the government did not grant permission for volunteer involvement. However, on the last weekend of June, when civilian relief efforts were finally permitted, volunteers from the Church of God arrived to lend a helping hand. The earthquake, which occurred on New Year’s Day, claimed the lives of approximately 300 people in Ishikawa Prefecture, and over 8,000…

Japan

Jun 30, 2024

Global ASEZ Summit 2024

The term global warming was first introduced around 50 years ago, and now the world has entered an era of “global tropicalization.” With growing concerns about the future of mankind and the earth’s environment, there is an increasing call for achieving carbon neutrality and preserving biodiversity. The importance of international cooperation to address these challenges is also gaining more attention. ASEZ, the Church of God University Student Volunteer Group, held an event to raise awareness and explore solutions to these global issues, leveraging its worldwide network of active members. The event was the Global ASEZ Summit 2024, held on June 30 at the New Jerusalem Pangyo Temple. Under the theme “2024 New Vision: Strong Solidarity for Global Environmental Restoration,” this…

Korea

Jun 30, 2024

IWBA Entrance Ceremony 2024

The IWBA Entrance Ceremony 2024 was held to inspire young adult members who are striving to make the most of their time in a "split-second society" while balancing work and faith, and to welcome the new students of the International Worker Bible Academy [IWBA] as they take their first steps into society. The event took place on June 9 at the Okcheon Go&Come Training Institute, marking the beginning of a year of education for young adult workers. Approximately 10,000 attendees participated, including young professionals from across the country, soon-to-be graduates from universities and high schools, pastoral staff, young adult and student group guidance teachers, and overseas members visiting Korea. Side events showcased various activities such as IWBA, ASEZ WAO (the…

Korea

Jun 9, 2024

Bible Seminar, “Family, the Source of Happiness”

As the Month of Family came to a close, the Church of God organized a significant event to highlight the importance of family. On May 30, the New Jerusalem Pangyo Temple hosted a Bible seminar under the theme “Family, the Source of Happiness.” The seminar, held at 1 p.m. and 8 p.m., drew over 26,000 attendees, including church members and local residents. Additionally, the event was broadcast in 15 languages—such as English, Spanish, Nepali, Cambodian, and Mongolian—via YouTube, where it garnered over 12,000 views from around the world. The event buzzed with excitement as participants arrived early to mingle in the rest zone. Families and neighbors gathered to enjoy refreshments and casual conversation. At the photo zone, attendees posed with…

Korea

May 30, 2024

Temple Dedication Service of the Churches in Sydney and Adelaide, Australia

On August 25 and 28, two churches in Australia, the largest country in Oceania, held temple dedication services. General Pastor Kim Joo-cheol participated in these services, along with the Sabbath morning service at the Sydney Church and Third Day worship at the Adelaide Church. Overseers from across Australia, some from New Zealand, and members from nearby churches such as Brisbane and Cairns gathered for the occasion. Following the blessing of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, the pastoral staff and members rejoiced and celebrated the temples dedications with unified hearts, reaffirming their commitment to advancing the gospel work in Oceania. General Pastor Kim Joo-cheol prayed for God Elohim’s love and blessings to abundantly spread across the entire continent…

Oceania

May 28, 2024

Ascension Day Service and Sacred Assembly of the Day of Pentecost 2024

Two thousand years ago in Jerusalem, 120 saints gathered in the Mark’s upper room. After witnessing Jesus ascend to heaven 40 days after His resurrection, they devoted themselves to prayer every day until they received the promised gift from God. Then, ten days later, on the day of Pentecost, they were filled with the Holy Spirit. Overcoming their fears and hesitation, they boldly preached the gospel with the power of the Holy Spirit, leading 3,000 and 5,000 people to the truth in a single day. They spread the message of Christ beyond Jerusalem to Europe, opening a new horizon for the gospel. The Church of God, which inherited the faith and the truth of the new covenant from the early…

May 19, 2024