1st IWBA Global Future Leaders Forum

The 1st IWBA Global Future Leaders Forum was held from June 12 to 18. Organized to nurture future leaders in various fields under God’s good teachings and strengthen international solidarity, the forum brought together about 80 members of the 84th Overseas Visiting Group, who arrived in Korea on June 11 from countries including the United States, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, Hungary, and Australia. Major programs were held at the New Jerusalem Pangyo Temple and the Okcheon Go&Come Training Institute, among other venues. Young adult working members in Korea also built friendships across borders and strengthened their global competence.

Learning the Qualities of a Leader Through Mother’s Love

Mother blessed the young adults to become great prophets who, as the protagonists of prophecy, share far and wide the love they have received from God and the hope of heaven. Accompanying the visiting group, She carefully looked after them, making sure they were comfortable with their meals and accommodations. She also listened attentively to their stories, setting an example of love. Until the final day of the schedule, Mother reminded them of Father’s sacrifice and devotion and encouraged each member by calling them by name, instilling courage and confidence in them.

During the worship services held throughout the forum, General Pastor Kim Joo-cheol emphasized “change” as a key element in becoming global leaders. He explained that they must continually strive to change themselves in a way that reflects the teachings of love embodied in the new covenant (Jn 10:25–27; Ro 12:2; 2 Pe 1:4–9). He also urged them, saying, “Let us take pride as God’s people who have been set apart by keeping the Passover. Let us follow God’s command, ‘Awaken the world on My behalf,’ make the world a better place, and lead mankind to salvation” (Mk 9:23; Eze 3:17).

The young adults took Mother’s love and teachings deeply to heart. Logan Stovall from Newport News, VA, U.S., said, “I realized many things by going beyond simply knowing about Mother’s love and actually seeing and experiencing it for myself. I want to become a leader who follows Mother’s example by embracing and caring for others.”

Growing Together Through Exchanges Across Borders

The forum featured a variety of programs designed to help young adult working members from Korea and abroad interact and broaden their perspectives, including the 2026 IWBA Entrance Ceremony, the Global Future Leader Vision Summit, and roundtable sessions. Participants shared their experiences of making a positive impact both inside and outside the workplace through missionary work, volunteer service, sharing their talents, and other activities. Examples included “Happy Seminars” held in workplaces to bring comfort and renewed energy to coworkers, as well as environmental campaigns that encouraged voluntary participation among colleagues.

Transcending differences in nationality, culture, and professional background, the young adults developed a shared sense of purpose and strengthened their resolve to make the world brighter and better according to God’s will. Bae Ji-hyeon from Frankfurt, Germany, who has been working abroad for eight months, said, “I attended the forum while on vacation, and it was truly a meaningful experience. The message about making the workplace a warm place like Zion especially stayed with me.” She added, “Even in Europe, I often see people becoming disconnected from one another. I want to practice Mother’s love beginning in my workplace and help create a culture where people understand and care for one another.”

Meanwhile, the visiting group toured the Church of God History Museum, the “Our Mother” Writing and Photo Exhibition, and the “Media’s Views” Exhibition. They also visited the National Museum of Korea and the Seoul Sky Observatory, broadening their understanding of Bible truth, Korean history, and Korean society. In addition, they visited churches in Seoul, Suwon, and the Daejeon area, where they built close bonds with members in Korea and created lasting memories. Julia Szilagyi from Budapest, Hungary, said, “Seeing brothers and sisters in Korea faithfully carry out both their responsibilities at work and God’s work, following the example of Heavenly Father and Heavenly Mother, was a great source of motivation for me. When I return home, I want to fulfill the mission entrusted to me with the same passion.”

Having grown further under Mother’s prayers, the young adults resolved to build on the experiences they gained at the forum, serving as the light and salt of the world wherever they are and helping pave the way for a peaceful future.

Interviews With Participants in the 1st IWBA Global Future Leaders Forum

Throughout my stay in Korea for the forum, I was deeply moved by the realization that I was receiving Mother’s love. Spending time with brothers and sisters from different countries also made me feel that we are all one family. We all have shortcomings, but instead of pointing them out, the brothers and sisters embraced and encouraged one another. I want to share the love I have received with many people and pass on the happiness I have felt, helping make the world a better place.
The workplace is a place where people from many different backgrounds spend much of their day together. This can easily give rise to conflict, but it is also a place where practicing love can have a powerful impact. One verse I heard during a sermon especially stayed with me: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord” (Col 3:23). Even in the smallest task, if I act according to God’s will and do it as though I were doing it for God, I believe I can bring warm change to those around me. I believe God has called me to grow into a leader who fills the world with love. Miron Eisenbarth from Berlin, Germany

What impressed me most during this forum was Mother’s prayers. Every prayer Mother offered centered entirely on Her children: “Please protect the children, help them realize the value of salvation, and pour out the Holy Spirit upon them.” I became convinced that I, too, should love my brothers and sisters as Mother does and pray earnestly for them as She does.
Being a leader is not simply about holding a title. It means knowing what needs to be done and how to put it into practice. Mother showed us the example in every respect. Having come to Korea, met Mother in person, and received Her teachings, I feel a strong sense of responsibility. I will strive to follow the example of love and sacrifice She has shown us, both in Zion and in the workplace. Kailee Macgill from Denver, Colorado, U.S.

At the National Museum of Korea, I was deeply impressed by the history of King Sejong, who created Hangul out of a desire to help his people live more independently. Rather than simply ruling over them as king, he cared for his people and worked to meet their needs. I came to realize that this spirit of devotion to the people is one of the qualities we, too, should possess as leaders.
Heavenly Father likewise devoted Himself to preaching the gospel to save us, without regard for His own well-being. Mother continues to serve us even now. I realized that the same love and humility must take root in me as well. Many people in the world aspire to rise to the highest positions or attain positions of prestige and admiration, but that is not the kind of gospel leader I want to become. I pray that, like Father and Mother, I may humble myself, serve others, and become a worker who spreads God’s love and salvation throughout the world. Marquis Smith from New Windsor, New York, U.S.

To become a good leader, change is necessary. We must become more humble, strive to improve ourselves in every way, including our character, and be willing to endure the effort and hardship that such growth requires.
To me, a good leader is someone who inspires others. During the forum, I was grateful to be surrounded by many brothers and sisters who inspired me, and above all, Mother showed us an example of love from beginning to end. I was also impressed by the presentations on how God’s people in the United States and Korea put the love they have received from God into practice in their workplaces. I hope that all of us, myself included, will put into practice what we learned in Korea and grow into gospel leaders who lead many souls to salvation. Edward Bridges from London, United Kingdom

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