Global News

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

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