Global News

79th Overseas Visiting Group

In the spring, when the charming Ipomoea flowers and colorful azaleas brightly lit up the streets, the 79th Overseas Visiting Group visited Korea with smiles as bright as the flowers. The group, consisting of about 120 members, included members from 20 countries such as the United States, Canada, Peru, Brazil, Spain, the United Kingdom, South Africa, New Zealand, and the Philippines. These individuals, working in various professional fields such as law, medicine, academia, media, and business, arrived around April 25 for a 7-night, 8-day schedule, during which they renewed their commitment as prophets who will fulfill the will of God in the Age of the Holy Spirit. Heavenly Mother welcomed the visiting group with love, who had flown to Heavenly…

Korea

May 3, 2024

São Paulo City Council in Brazil Holds Event to Celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Church of God

To mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the church, the members of the Church of God worldwide are intensifying their efforts in volunteering to share God’s love and bring hope to their neighbors and communities. Welcomed and praised across various sectors, the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Church of God took place at the City Council of São Paulo, Brazil, the largest city in South America, amid such positive strides. This event was made possible through the suggestion of São Paulo City Councilor Edir Sales, who proposed it after witnessing the sincere volunteer activities of the Church of God University Student Volunteer Group [ASEZ] during a street cleanup last January. Impressed by the…

Brazil

May 2, 2024

Global Hope Supporters Launching Ceremony

“[People are being] crushed under the grinding wheels of poverty [and that] entire communities are literally on devastation’s doorstep because of changing climate. Now is the time to prove you are listening.” Secretary-General António Guterres made his appeal to the international society at the SDG Summit held at the United Nations Headquarters last September. Even after the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, humanity is suffering from ongoing turmoil such as Earth tropicalization, global economic crisis, and conflicts between peoples and nations. In response, the Church of God held the Global Hope Supporters Launching Ceremony at the seminar hall of the New Jerusalem Pangyo Temple on April 30. In celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Church of God, this event…

Korea

Apr 30, 2024

ASEZ in New Windsor, NY, U.S. Holds the Future Leaders Forum at Columbia University

On April 17, ASEZ, the Church of God University Student Volunteer Group, in New Windsor, NY, U.S., held the ASEZ Future Leaders Forum at the Low Library rotunda at Columbia University. About 90 people, including ASEZ members, South Sudan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, professors, and environmental activists participated, sharing opinions of the roles of the university students living in the era of climate crisis. Before the event, a panel exhibition was held to introduce ASEZ’s diverse climate response activities. Some of guests expressed their willingness to participate in ASEZ’s environment protecting activities. At the discussion that began around 1 p.m., the South Sudan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Cecilia A.M. Adeng, and environmentalist Paul Presendieu served as panelists. Ms.…

U.S.

Apr 17, 2024

5th ASEZ WAO Street Campaign

According to a report by the Global Monitoring Laboratory (GML) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), last year saw the largest increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels in 65 years of observations. Among the six major greenhouse gases that exacerbate global warming and contribute to global boiling, the concentrations of carbon dioxide and methane are now over 50% and 160% higher, respectively, compared with pre-industrial levels, accelerating the Earth’s warming. On April 14, ASEZ WAO, the Church of God Young Adult Worker Volunteer Group, conducted the 5th ASEZ WAO Street Campaign as part of the “Mother’s Forest” project. This initiative aims to plant 8 billion trees—one for each person on Earth—to help reduce greenhouse gases. In the lead-up…

Korea

Apr 14, 2024

The Sacred Assemblies of the Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and the Day of Resurrection 2024

On March 24, 2024 (the 14th day of the first month in the sacred calendar), the Sacred Assembly of the Passover convened simultaneously in 7,500 Churches of God across 175 countries. The following day, the 25th, marked the Sacred Assembly of the Feast of Unleavened Bread; and on the 31st, the day after the first Sabbath following the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Sacred Assembly of Resurrection Day took place, following the ceremonies outlined in the Bible. Members worldwide participated in these feasts, expressing gratitude to Christ, who, through His sacrifice on the cross, granted the forgiveness of sins, rose again on the third day, and bestowed upon them the living hope of resurrection. The Church of God in Davao,…

Mar 31, 2024

Passover Bible Seminar 2024, “Finding the Way”

On March 20, four days before the Sacred Assembly of the Passover, the Church of God held the “Passover Bible Seminar 2024” to share God’s love and blessings contained in the Passover. The seminar emphasized the importance of the New Covenant Passover, established by Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins and the blessing of eternal life. It was held two times at the New Jerusalem Pangyo Temple at 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. (Korean time). About 5,000 people, including church members, their families, and neighbors, attended the event. The seminar was also live-streamed on YouTube, with around 19,000 participants watching from countries such as Germany, France, Singapore, East Timor, Japan, Hong Kong, Nepal, Malaysia, and more. The video was…

Korea

Mar 20, 2024

[Go&Come Interview] Journey Toward the Completion of the Gospel With Mother of Love

Reflecting on the past year and planning for the upcoming one, the General Assembly serves as a time for the pastoral staff dedicated to the gospel to receive comfort from Mother and gain new strength and courage. At the General Assembly 2024, which celebrated the 60th anniversary of the church, pastoral staff members from both domestic and international regions gathered to share vibrant gospel news and visions under Mother’s blessings and grace. During this period, what insights did the pastoral staff gain, and with what mindset did they resolve to approach their mission? Between the events, I had the opportunity to listen to the stories of the overseas pastoral staff. Their confident voices conveyed their great expectations for the busy…

Mar 13, 2024

General Assembly Awards Ceremony 2024 & Worldwide Gospel Vision Proclamation Ceremony

On March 10, one day before the new year by the sacred calendar, the General Assembly Awards Ceremony 2024 was held at the Okcheon Go&Come Training Institute along with the Worldwide Gospel Vision Proclamation Ceremony. This event served as an opportunity to not only review the gospel work last year but also to reflect on the 60-year history of the church and reaffirm the commitment to the “preaching to 8 billion people.” A total of 13,000 attendees, including title or position holders and the pastoral staff both domestic and overseas, participated in the General Assembly. During the first part of the worship service, Heavenly Mother expressed Her heartfelt gratitude to the members who dedicated themselves to the salvation of souls.…

Korea

Mar 10, 2024

General Assembly 2024

Around the New Year of the sacred calendar (March 11), from March 6 to 13, the “General Assembly 2024” was held at the New Jerusalem Temple in Pangyo, Korea. In commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the church’s establishment, this significant General Assembly saw the participation of overseas regional representative pastoral staff as well as domestic pastoral staff, lasting for 8 days and 7 nights. Expressing deep gratitude to God Elohim for paving the path of salvation through the new covenant and for leading them consistently with love and sacrifice, the pastoral staff took this opportunity to review the gospel resutls of 2023, recalibrate their mindset, and look forward to the grand future of the gospel. A Time of Encouragement…

Korea

Mar 6, 2024

Worldwide Academic Year Opening Worship 2024

International University Student Bible Academy [IUBA] is an educational program of the Church of God, which assists university students, who are taking their first steps in their young adulthood, to plan a healthy future with true faith and correct values based on the teachings of the Bible. Since its establishment in 2014, many university student members worldwide have grown into talented individuals through IUBA education, enriching their campus life. The Worldwide Academic Year Opening Worship, where students gather to prepare for a new beginning by focusing on the word of God before the new semester, carried even more significance this year as it coincided with the 10th anniversary IUBA. About 8,100 people, including current students, freshmen, graduates, parents, young adults…

Korea

Mar 3, 2024

Winter Student Camp & Elementary Winter Vacation Camp 2024

For students, vacation is like a gift that allows them to accumulate new experiences beyond the confines of the classroom. At the same time, it can also be a time when routines become irregular and distractions abound. The Church of God holds camps twice a year, in the first and second halves, to help students build a foundation in faith, cultivate upright character, and expanding perspectives during the vacation period. The Winter Student Camp and Elementary Winter Vacation Camp in 2024 were flexibly operated according to the circumstances of each church from early January to the end of February. Camps were also held overseas in countries such as the United States, New Zealand, Peru, and India to provide students with…

Feb 29, 2024

School Year Opening Worship for Students 2024

On February 25, ahead of the new school year, the “School Year Opening Worship for Students 2024” was held at the Okcheon Go&Come Training Institute. This ceremony aimed to instill confidence and dreams in students and offer support for their school life, marking the second event of its kind, following last year’s initiative. Approximately 12,000 people attended, including around 7,000 middle and high school students, their parents, pastoral staff, and student group guidance teachers. Before the main event, various side events were organized at the main building of the training institute. Students looked around these events to gather information about student-related programs and activities, and they wrote down their resolutions for school life and the future on memo pads, posting…

Korea

Feb 25, 2024

60 Churches of God in Seoul Awarded the Seoul Metropolitan City Council Chairman’s Award

60 Churches of God across Seoul received the Seoul Metropolitan City Council Chairman’s Award. This recognition acknowledges their ongoing commitment to a range of volunteer activities, including environmental cleanup, group blood donation, and welfare initiatives, all aimed at fostering the development of the local community. At two separate ceremonies held on January 15 and February 16 at the Seoul Metropolitan City Council Chamber, a total of 14 and 46 churches respectively were honored with awards. During the ceremony on February 16, Deputy Chairman Woo Hyung-chan of Seoul Metropolitan City Council congratulated the churches. He expressed, “As those who are giving awards, we are honored because we are well aware of how devotedly the Church of God has served and inspired…

Korea

Feb 16, 2024

Church Dedication Services in Four Locations in Yeongnam Region, Korea

In the year 2024, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Church of God, the construction of temples and dedication ceremonies have been ongoing both domestically and abroad. On February 15 and 16, dedication ceremonies were held for four churches in the Yeongnam region. Commencing with the Jaeun Church in Changwon, the ceremonies continued at the Churches in Donghae, Yeongcheon, and Yeongdeok, with a total of 2,600 attendees, sharing blessings amidst joy and gratitude. Mother complimented the members, who tirelessly worked together until the new temples were built, and prayed for God’s grace to overflow upon each church and the homes of the church members who celebrated the joy of the new temples. Mother emphasized that in this…

Korea

Feb 16, 2024

The Members of the Church of God in Edmonton, Canada, Visit Alberta Health Services

On February 11, volunteers from the Church of God in Edmonton, Canada, visited the Alberta Health Services, a nursing home in the community, and held a consolatory event for them. To provide vitality and support to the elderly people, more than 80 people attended the event, including volunteers from the Church of God University Student Volunteer Group [ASEZ], Edmonton Church members, elderly residents, and nursing home staff. The event began at 3 PM. With bright smiles, the volunteers presented a variety of wholeheartedly prepared performances, including a traditional North American cowboy dance, a Korean fan dance, and karate, a Japanese martial art, and more. The elderly residents smiled warmly and brightly. They watched the performance, holding hands with the church…

Canada

Feb 11, 2024

ASEZ Global Sharing and Volunteering for Winter 2024

In January 2024, 556 ASEZ members set out on their winter vacation from Korea to the world. From January 17 to February 8, various activities such as volunteer services and awareness-raising campaigns simultaneously unfolded across 46 countries, including the U.S., Brazil, Bolivia, Namibia, Thailand, and the U.K. These initiatives aimed to lead positive change within local communities, fostering hope for the future of the earth and humanity. A notable focus of the ASEZ members’ efforts was environmental activity, particularly in combating climate change. They diligently engaged in thorough cleanup in various high-traffic areas around campuses, government offices, and tourist destinations, effectively raising awareness about environmental responsibility. At Blue Lagoon Beach in Durban, South Africa, and Ilha de Luanda in Angola,…

Feb 8, 2024

‘Our Mother’ Exhibition Draws Big Attention, Even in Peru

The “Our Mother” Writing and Photo Exhibition, affectionately known as the “Mother Exhibition,” has resonated deeply with modern audiences, offering a poignant reflection amidst life’s challenges. Originally inaugurated at the Church in Faucett in 2018, the exhibition drew around 5,000 visitors over two months, sparking meaningful discussions. After a hiatus of five years, it reopened its doors to the public, this time at the Church in Huancayo, Junin, Peru, in August of the previous year. The exhibition is structured around five thematic zones, mirroring its Korean counterpart: Zone A “Mom,” Zone B “She,” Zone C “Mom Again,” Zone D “Still Okay,” and Zone E “Stories of Mothers in the Bible.” These zones showcase a curated collection of 140 literary pieces,…

Peru

Feb 7, 2024

Helping Neighbors for the Lunar New Year in 2024

Hoping for warm and joyous celebrations among neighbors, the Church of God shared love with their neighbors. From January 31 to February 7, ahead of the Lunar New Year, members from the Church of God nationwide visited more than 230 local administrative welfare centers, town offices, and other governmental facilities to donate 5,000 sets of groceries and necessities: tuna, ham, cooking oil, soy sauce detergent, shampoo, toothbrushes, soap, etc. Each box bore the message, “Wishing you a warm Lunar New Year,” and was delivered to elderly individuals living alone, single-parent families, multicultural families, and households with grandchildren being raised by their grandparents. Local government officials expressed their gratitude to the members for their generosity. Yu Hoe-geun, the Head of Administrative…

Korea

Feb 7, 2024

New Jerusalem Cultural Content Awards Ceremony 2024

The invisible human mind or heart is conveyed to others through words, facial expressions, and actions. Even if one is far away and cannot directly convey their heart, it’s okay. This is because it can be sent through mediums such as writing, pictures, or videos. The heart of God desiring the salvation of all humanity, the hearts of brothers and sisters longing for heaven, the hearts loving each other . . . A ceremony honoring the members who convey beautiful hearts through various content was held. On January 28, the “New Jerusalem Cultural Content Awards Ceremony 2024” took place at the New Jerusalem Pangyo Church. This event, which integrated the 23rd Melchizedek Literary Award, the 9th Elohim Video Festival, and…

Jan 28, 2024