Korea
Sertung is a rugged place nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, making it a challenging terrain even for avid hikers. Yet, amidst its harsh landscape, there exists a Church of God and a Zion family devoted to God Elohim. This is because someone traversed the difficult paths time and time again to share the message of the new covenant gospel.
On January 2, as the New Year dawned, 19 pastoral staff members dedicated to spreading the gospel in various regions of Nepal, and 3 pastoral staff originally from Nepal but now working to evangelize neighboring India, embarked on a journey to Korea. Despite their travel weariness, the very next day, they eagerly visited the “Our Mother” Writing and Photo Exhibition (Mother Exhibition) and “Father’s True Heart” Exhibition (Father Exhibition).
At 9:30 a.m., the pastoral staff members arrived at the Gwanak Church in Seoul, where the Mother Exhibition was being held, brimming with excitement. They received translated books and entered the exhibition hall in an orderly manner. As they walked through the exhibits, they became acutely aware of the sacrifices made by the previous generation of parents that lay hidden behind Korea’s development. Despite their handkerchiefs and tissues becoming damp with each step, they remained captivated by the translated copies of the works.
“The photo of Korean mothers diving into the sea to harvest seafood was impressive. It’s hard to imagine how scary and suffocating it must be under the dark water. Where does the fearless love of mothers, who aren’t even afraid of death, come from? We could feel the love and sacrifice of Heavenly Mother toward us.” Missonary Subas KC from Tulsipur, Nepal
One pastoral staff member was delighted to see the Yeomnang (a small pouch worn around the waist), recalling how his own mother also carried one in her clothes and occasionally took out pocket money for him.
Filled with deep emotion, the pastoral staffs moved to the New Jerusalem Imae Temple and viewed the Father Exhibition, reflecting on their childhood memories of paternal love. Unlike the Mother Exhibition, where sniffles were heard from the beginning, in the Father Exhibition, everyone busily wiped away their tears in silence. Some reminisced over hoes and picks, while others over military uniforms . . . Each had their own “tear button,” but the meaning was the same.
The pastoral staff who visited both exhibitions in one day were asked about their impressions.
“No matter how tough it gets, mothers always try to give their children as much as they can. I felt that the love of mothers for their children is the same everywhere.” Missionary Sudeep Pathak from Sundar Haraicha, Nepal
“Koran fathers, who have braved dangers and supported their families in challenging situations, even in places as hot as Saudi Arabia or Vietnam, are really similar to Nepalese fathers. Although their occupations may differ, it seems like the sacrifices of fathers are the same in every country.” Missonary Umesh Thokar from Nilkantha, Nepal
The pastoral staff who visited the exhibition all agreed on one thing. Parents’ love around the world may show itself in different ways, but it’s immeasurable. They were reminded that this love comes from Heavenly Parents, inspiring them to commit even more to spreading the gospel.
“At the final display of the Father Exhibition, there is an explanation about our Father’s sacrifice of crucifixion. Our Heavenly Father came again to this earth, where He endured immense suffering, to restore the new covenant, enduring difficult times. I will become a prophet who delivers His love to all nations.” Missonary Suresh Bayalkoti from Ralletpur Sunakothi, Nepal
“When I went to visit my spiritual family members in the countryside, I thought a lot about Heavenly Parents. I couldn’t drive there, so I had to walk for 4-5 hours to see them. Because Heavenly Father and Mother had shown me the way, I was able to walk that path and I was grateful for that. I want to be a prophet who follows Father and Mother, no matter what situation.” Missonary Amod Kumar Bhandari from Kirtipur, Nepal
The pastoral staff, filled with the boundless love of Heavenly Parents, are eager to share it with their brothers and sisters in Nepal and India. We cannot wait to see the gospel story they’ll spread in different places.