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 guidance teachers, and domestic and overseas pastoral staff members, attended the event held at the Okcheon Go&Come Training Institute on March 3. As a brief cold snap stopped, the training institute buzzed with the vibrant energy of young adults gathered from across the country.

“Please grant our young adults the courage like that of the rising morning sun. Please let them soar like an eagle.”

The first part of the event, which was the worship service, began with Mother’s prayer who generously gave strength and courage to the students. Mother praised the students for their zeal for their studies, gospel work, and volunteer services all over the world. She prayed for them to light the torch of truth and lead the world. Furthermore, Mother asked them to have a courageous faith, saying, “Have the bold faith as that of Joshua. Everything is possible when you do it because God Almighty is with you.” She also encouraged them to make every effort to achieve their dreams in God by living a righteous life, focusing on prayer and God’s word (Jos 1:2–9; Isa 41:10–11).

General Pastor Kim Joo-cheol emphasized the sense of responsibility as the virtue that university students should have as the dew of the dawn prophesied in the Bible. “The difference between a host and a guest is whether they act responsibly or not. Believing in God’s help, work with the mindset of an owner in every thing, so that you will become the protagonists of the prophecy who shine the light of the gospel, the light of God’s glory, to the world” (Dt 31:6–7).

At the second part of the event, which was the award ceremony, a total of 67 students, including those with excellent IUBA grades, received awards from Mother on the stage. Many overseas universities such as Eduardo Mondlane University, Mozambique, and Texas State University, U.S., also produced many awardees, showing the world’s enthusiasm for IUBA activities.

At the third part of the event, which was the Result Report, various programs continued, including a celebratory performance by the Messiah Youth Orchestra consisting of young adults and the choir; and the campus mission wrap up for 2023. The video reflecting on the past 10 years of university students along with a special video showcasing examples of university students who, despite busy academic schedules, diligently studied God’s word and grew spiritually, dedicating themselves to the campus mission, touched attendees, instilling in them a great passion for the campus mission.

The activity report of the Overseas Culture Experience Team, who enthusiastically flew to all over the world and delivered the love of God Elohim, presented a broad vision to the participants. Throughout a busy year filled with over 270 volunteer activities, their awareness-raising campaigns, meetings, forums, and more, Church of God University Student Volunteer Group [ASEZ] garnered support from various sectors. Their activity report revitalized the sense of mission among university students, portraying them as the salt and light that can change the world. The event concluded with the resolution to shine the light of truth on 20,000 campuses around the world with a sense of ownership.

Jeong Min-kyeong (a fourth grader at Sangmyung University) said, “The IUBA education and ASEZ volunteer services fill my college life with truly valuable time. I will enrich my final year on campus by dedicating myself to my mission of spreading Mother’s love to the harsh world.” Gong Dah-hee (a freshman at Dongyang Mirae University) said, “It’s been incredible to witness seniors working hard in both their academics and the gospel; I’m truly inspired. As I join the fire department, I aspire to become a protagonist who saves lives, both physically and spiritually.” Park Jeong-seo, a parent from Hwaseong, remarked, “I was uncertain about what advice to give my daughter, as we belong to different generations. However, the words Mother shared today contained everything I wanted to say to my daughter as a father. I think it will be a great help to university students to realize their dreams.”

As they approach the beginning of a new chapter, university students are filled with excitement, embarking on their journey toward a bright future, guided by God’s word.

카카오톡 공유하기