Worldwide Academic Year Opening Worship 2025

On March 2, the “Worldwide Academic Year Opening Worship 2025” was held for university students who were returning to campus after a long vacation. Despite the light spring rain, the Okcheon Go&Come Training Institute was filled with 9,300 attendees, including undergraduate and graduate students, their parents, as well as young adult and student teachers and the pastoral staff. For returning students, the service was a guidepost for the year ahead; and for current students, it was a fresh start. For parents of new students, it was a stepping stone for their beloved child’s dreams. Though the meaning of the event differed for each person, they all shared the same heartfelt hope—to move forward toward a bright and blessed future with God’s blessings.

The first part of the worship service began with Heavenly Mother’s prayer, offering blessings and encouragement for the university students’ future. She prayed that they would soar like eagles and achieve their dreams with strength and determination. She also expressed gratitude, saying, “This is a time in your life when you have many aspirations, yet you continue to embrace an altruistic heart and put God’s love into practice both on and off campus. Thank you.” She encouraged them to maintain this spirit even after the semester begins, growing into individuals who make a positive impact on society.

General Pastor Kim Joo-cheol emphasized the importance of youth, a time that cannot be reclaimed, and shared biblical guidance with students who are busy with academics, career preparation, and self-development. “Only those who fully practice the words of the Bible—especially through worship—can be clothed with the amazing power of the Creator of all things,” he said. He encouraged students to follow God’s teachings, filling their future with blessings and success.

During the second part of the event, the awards ceremony was held to recognize outstanding university students. A total of 55 students received awards for their excellence in the Church of God International University Student Bible Academy (IUBA) studies and the University Student Volunteer Group (ASEZ) activities.

Part 3, IUBA Highlights, showed the activities of the university student members who have gained meaningful experiences through volunteer services and good deeds over the past year. ASEZ carried out about 380 volunteer activities such as street cleanups and tree planting, and formed partnerships for environmental protection at various international events. The testimonies of university students who devoted themselves to both their studies and campus mission work inspired attendees, filling them with excitement for the new semester. A special video presentation, “Miracle: The Moment God Helps,” powerfully illustrated that even when the odds seem impossible, God’s help makes all things achievable, instilling confidence in the students.

To conclude, student representatives stepped forward to announce their 2025 vision, “As university students who believe in God Elohim, we will deliver God’s love contained in the truth to the whole world.” Mother applauded them warmly and offered Her blessings for their future.

Choi In-seon, a graduate from Hanyang University, said, “The diverse programs I experienced over the past four years—through IUBA education and ASEZ volunteer work—helped me envision my role in society and develop the necessary skills for it. As I step into my career, I want to practice what I’ve learned by embracing and supporting others.” Meanwhile, Park Soo-bin, a freshman at Yeungnam University, expressed, “Watching my senior classmates actively participate in various activities as the key figures of prophecy inspired me to dream. Now, as I enter university, I no longer fear the new environment because I believe that ‘nothing is impossible with God.’ ” Jang Su-yeong, who attended with her child from Sejong, said, “I used to worry about whether my child would adjust well to society, but seeing them participate in church programs year after year—setting concrete goals and putting them into action—has reassured me. Through this opening service, I am even more excited for the future my child will build with a bigger dream.”

Just like the earth soaking up the nourishing spring rain, these university students strengthened their hearts and took bold steps toward the new semester, ready to create a brilliant legacy in 2025, just as they did in 2024.

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