Until I Came to Understand True Love

After the rush of the week, the Sabbath arrives like a breath of peace. In Zion, where we sing praises and study the words of God together, my weary heart finds rest and comfort. Before worship, the temple fills with laughter as we clean and prepare meals side by side. Our neighbors, seeing us so cheerful, often wonder how we can be so full of joy—and indeed, we are. The happiness and blessings I now cherish were things I had never known before coming to the truth.

I first came to know the Church of God through my younger brother. Having attended a Protestant church for more than ten years, I was not particularly interested in the truths of the Bible he tried to share with me. But soon, something about him began to change. He helped around the house more than before, spoke with a softer tone, and acted with newfound warmth and thoughtfulness. I could not help but wonder if this was really the same younger brother I had always known. Curious what could have brought about such transformation, I followed him to the church. The members of Zion greeted me with sincere smiles that immediately eased my initial awkwardness. Their kindness was not momentary or formal—it was genuine, flowing from hearts united in God’s love. They cared for one another as true family, as the children of God. Only then did I understand the reason behind my brother’s change. Moved by that goodness, I too found myself returning to Zion day after day.

As I continued studying the Bible, I was deeply moved by the truths it revealed. Among them, the teaching about God the Mother touched my heart the most. I had never even imagined that a spiritual Mother exists, yet the moment I heard it, her presence felt both natural and undeniably real. With that unwavering conviction, I began my journey of faith in the Church of God.

Walking with Heavenly Mother filled my life with pure joy. Praying to both Heavenly Father and Mother felt as though my blessings were doubled. Like a child who never wants to leave their mother’s arms, I found myself constantly seeking Heavenly Mother. Even when I was far away, I could feel Her gentle care surrounding me, warming my heart. Spending time with brothers and sisters who reflect Her love became one of the greatest joys I discovered in Zion.

By the grace of God, I had the opportunity to visit Korea. To be in the land of our Mother was a joy beyond words. Korea was far more advanced than I had imagined from photos and videos. It amazed me to see how a country once devastated by war had risen so brilliantly in just a few decades. Even more stirring was witnessing the history of the Church of God—the countless brothers and sisters gathered and churches established in every city. Realizing that I was standing at the heart of this God-guided history filled me with deep gratitude.

However, being in Korea also filled me with a profound sense of sorrow. I began to perceive Heavenly Mother’s sacrifices in ways I could not in Mozambique. I had imagined that She would only receive honor, but seeing Her in person, I realized how mistaken I was. She tirelessly tends to every visitor in Korea while caring for children around the world, never resting, yet never showing weariness. Her warm smile and boundless patience humbled me completely. A life so marked by sacrifice can only be described as a life of pure, unconditional love.

Before we returned home, Heavenly Mother gave us a single request: to spread love in a world where it is growing cold. I held her words close to my heart and promised to share the love I had received from Her with as many people as possible. As I put this vow into action, I have realized how much patience is required. In the past, if someone did not listen to the God’s word, I would turn away quickly. If my heart had truly been full of love, I would, like Mother, have shown compassion and never let go of that soul. Just as our Heavenly Parents patiently waited for me to understand Their love fully, I too will not give up until my spiritual brothers and sisters return to Their embrace. Even though my days are busy—sharing the truth with those who have yet to hear it and reconnecting with friends I had shared with only briefly—I cannot afford to rest. I will work diligently to spread the gospel so that many in Mozambique may come to know God’s love and rejoice in the companionship of their heavenly siblings.