The Mother Exhibition, the Father Exhibition, and the Media Exhibition Were Well-Received by People From All Walks of Life

In 2023, “re-opening” emerged as a global theme. With the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, various activities that had been dormant for a while resumed, bringing vitality to society.

Exhibitions organized by the Church of God, which had conveyed warm emotions domestically and internationally for several months to several years before the pandemic, also reopened their doors. In September 2022, the “Our Mother” Writing & Photo Exhibition (hereinafter the Mother Exhibition) and the “Father’s True Heart” Exhibition (hereinafter the Father Exhibition) were reopened in Changwon and Seoul, respectively. Thanks to support from various fields, these exhibitions expanded their venues in 2023. The “Media’s Views” Exhibition, which introduces the development history of the Church of God and its faith based on the Bible (hereinafter the Media Exhibition), also played a significant role in communicating with local communities.

Welcoming the new year of 2024, let us take a closer look at the records and evaluations left by the exhibitions organized by the Church of God, which attracted more than 170,000 visitors over the past year.

“Mother Exhibition” and “Father Exhibition” Delivering Emotional Impacts Beyond Generation and Culture

The societal and economic crises caused by COVID-19 and the sudden shift to a non-face-to-face society became an opportunity for reflection on family. The challenging economic situations in families and deepening generational conflicts have sadly led to the collapse of family in some cases.

While the significance of family is diminishing, the Mother Exhibition and Father Exhibition are gaining more attention as mediators reviving the values of filial piety and family love. This year marks the 11th anniversary of the Mother Exhibition, which welcomed visitors in Changwon, Uijeongbu, Daegu, Jeonju, and Seoul last year. The follow-up exhibition, the Father Exhibition, received warm welcomes in Gwangju, Changwon, Seongnam, and Wonju. During the pandemic, the exhibitions reached audiences through the YouTube channel “Exhibition ON,” and citizens eager for cultural activities visited both exhibitions, with a total of over 140,000 attendees in 2023 alone. The exhibitions gained a reputation as must-see exhibitions, attracting visits from various fields, including education, academia, law, mass media, government, and culture. The exhibition catalogs were prepared in more than ten languages, making it accessible to foreigners as well.

Families, neighbors, and acquaintances who took the time to visit the exhibitions were captivated by a variety of literary works and photos centered around fathers and mothers. Examining carefully the diverse artifacts, such as a father’s work clothes stained with sweat and a mother’s hand-stained sewing kit, viewers immersed themselves in deep reflections. The more than 100 items, each with its own story, led viewers on a nostalgic journey. The younger generation approached one step closer to the lives of their parents, while those in middle age reflected on the past and received heartfelt comfort. Amid the unstoppable wave of “K-Culture,” even foreigners visiting the exhibition halls were moved by the strength of Korean fathers who drove the development of modern and contemporary Korea and their silent love underlying it. On the other hand, they deeply empathized with the love of mothers that remains unchanged as time passes.

Paul Duclos, the Peruvian Ambassador to Korea, who visited the Father Exhibition held at the New Jerusalem Imae Temple, expressed deep appreciation, saying, “It’s truly a valuable exhibition. The theme and content of this exhibition are not limited to Korea but apply to all countries worldwide.” Praise for the exhibitions’ social impact continued. A commentator mentioned, “In an era where the crisis of family is discussed, the exhibitions awaken the value of family. It vividly shows what role churches should play in our society.” An education official who visited the Mother Exhibition at Hoseong Church in Jeonju expressed admiration, saying, “Having worked in the education field for over 40 years, I’ve often pondered on how to help the growing future generation internalize filial piety. I believe the Mother Exhibition will be of great help.”

In August, the Mother Exhibition took place in Huancayo, Central Peru, on the other side of the globe. This marked the thirteenth overseas hosting of the Mother Exhibition, following the Exhibitions in locations such as New York, U.S. and Santiago, Chile. The exhibition, capturing the simple but radiant love of Peruvian mothers in over 140 works, has garnered enthusiastic responses from various groups, including university students, military personnel, and journalists, receiving warm support from the local community. Zosimo Cardenas Muje, the Governor of Junin, Peru, said, “This exhibition allowed us to recognize the value of family, especially of mothers. I hope that this kind of activity will continue to restore essential values in our lives.”

Media Exhibition Presents a New Milestone in the Church Community

The Media Exhibition, which premiered in Changwon in February, has garnered significant attention, surpassing 30,000 cumulative visitors in just 11 months since its opening. It is receiving acclaim for providing insights into the correct direction that religion should take in the 21st century, marked by the clear decline of Christianity worldwide. The exhibition is also located in Seoul, Suwon, and Seongnam.

The exhibition allows visitors to observe the 60-year journey of the Church of God through the lens of the media. The exhibition delves into the history of the church’s exponential growth, with over 7,500 locations worldwide emerging in just a few decades. The exhibition covers various facets, including extensive social contributions and awards received. The content is organized into four main themes: “World,” “Salt and Light,” “Family and Happiness,” and “According to the Bible.” The curated exhibition titled “In Search of the Roots of the Church of God” underlines the steady roots of faith that have underpinned this rapid growth. It sheds light on the authenticity of the Church of God, which preserves the truth of the new covenant established by Jesus Christ two thousand years ago.

The diverse audience, many of whom discovered information about the church’s volunteer activities and awards through various media, express a sense of confirmation and hope after visiting the exhibition. They remark on having witnessed the true essence of the Church of God and seeing hope in religion. A journalist said that he newly found the role of genuine faith and religion. The representative from a civic organization noted the impact of the church’s volunteer activities, attributing it to the sincere practice based on the Bible. A university professor appreciated the church’s approach, emphasizing a pure faith rooted in history and tradition, rather than blindly emphasizing faith alone.

Through the Media Exhibition, the church members strengthened their conviction and pride in the truth. Deacon Min Jong-won from San Diego, CA, U.S., who visited the exhibition during his stay in Korea, expressed, “After seeing the media coverage about the Church of God, I felt pride in the fact that God’s glory is manifesting in many more places than I knew.” Overseas pastoral staff who visited Korea as part of Overseas Visiting Group last year also expressed interest in the exhibitions and requested local events in their countries, which shows a growing interest in the exhibitions both within and outside the church. Pastor John Casas from Washington, D.C., U.S. said, “The Father Exhibition not only highlights the sacrifices of fathers, but also provides insights into the desirable qualities of a father figure. In the United States, where family breakdown issues are prevalent, this exhibition can play an important role.” Amidst the praise and active communication with neighbors, the exhibitions are scheduled to continue to meet citizens from various regions around the world throughout the year.