The 24th Melchizedek Literary Award Ceremony

On January 25, the 24th Melchizedek Literary Award Ceremony was held in the seminar room of the New Jerusalem Pangyo Temple. The Melchizedek Literary Award is a literary contest that discovers writer-prophets who convey the gospel of the new covenant and the love of God Elohim to the world through writings inspired by the Holy Spirit. Since its inception in 2001, more than 23,000 works have been submitted. About 460 people attended the ceremony, including domestic award recipients, finalists, literary club members, local reporters for news and photography, and student reporters who have contributed in various fields.

The event began with an animation based on an award-winning essay that reflected on the values of family love and gratitude. Following the screening, the first-part worship service was held. Heavenly Mother prayed that the writings of God’s children, written with earnest hearts to save many souls, would be delivered throughout the world. She also commended all those who had contributed to document evangelism, saying, “I send My respect for the perseverance and sincerity with which you did not give up writing until the end.” Mother reminded the attendees of the power of literature, which comforts individuals, records the wounds of the times, and brings change to the world. She encouraged them, saying, “With sentences composed with deeper thought and meaning, let us write valuable works that make people happy, praise God, and deliver the message of salvation.”

General Pastor Kim Joo-cheol emphasized the importance of love while inspiring a sense of mission in the writer-prophets who proclaim God’s will. He explained that Christ’s teaching, “Love one another as I have loved you,” and His example of putting those words into practice should become the foundation of creative work. He said, “When we unite with the brothers and sisters beside us as God has loved us and show compassion for dying souls, writings are born that bring happiness to all people,” and encouraged the attendees to faithfully fulfill their mission (Jn 13:34; 1 Jn 4:7–21).

The second-part award ceremony followed. During the two-month submission period beginning May 15, 2025, a total of 931 works from 21 countries were received. After two rounds of screening across ten categories—including essays, novels, children’s stories, columns, design, illustration, and video—25 domestic winners and 10 overseas winners were selected. Mother presented certificates to the winners and personally encouraged each of them. Whenever the winners were announced, applause and cheers filled the hall.

In the third-part educational session, training was provided for local reporters in news and photography, literary club members, and others, regarding their roles and related knowledge. The attendees renewed their determination to refine their skills and contribute to producing publications that deliver the news of salvation beyond borders and cultures.

Interviews With the Winners of the 24th Melchizedek Literary Award Ceremony

Although I entered the department of creative writing, there was a time when I wondered whether I truly had the talent for it. Around that time, I heard about the Melchizedek Literary Award contest. As I prepared for it, I suddenly realized something: I truly loved writing.
Receiving this award strengthened my conviction that God had given me the talent to be used as a writer-prophet. I often see people who are struggling in their faith find answers through Zion’s special videos or musicals. In the same way, I hope to write pieces that can offer help and encouragement to someone. Silver Prize (Play Category)
Lee Eun-seo from 2nd Guro Church, Seoul

As a biotechnology major, I often encounter many elements in my studies that testify to the existence of God. I wanted to share the providence of God that I discovered in unexpected places, but it was difficult to fully explain it through speech alone. Writing became the way I chose to express those thoughts. When I carefully write down what I have discovered, the message becomes clearer and easier to understand. From now on, I hope to continue discovering the love of God hidden in all creation and express it through my writing. Silver Prize (Column Category)
Seo Chae-young from Janggi Church, Gimpo

I once visited Patagonia in Argentina. At that time, there was no church there, so I held worship alone at a guesthouse. The people staying there saw me worshiping and became curious, so they started talking with me. I happened to have a Spanish edition of Elohist with me, so I gave it to them and suggested they read it. I have heard that members in the Amazon came to understand the truth through the church’s monthly magazine.
Although I knew the power of writing to convey the truth, writing for me had mostly been a personal habit like keeping a diary. Now, I hope to write works that serve as signposts guiding others toward the path of salvation. Encouragement Prize (Essay Category)
Kim Jong-bin from Gimje Church

Since I studied webtoon creation at school until last year, I decided to participate in this contest. While working on my piece, I kept asking myself, “Which scene would convey grace?” and “What elements could move people’s hearts?” It was more challenging than the drawings I usually create, and I revised the work many times. The tulips depicted in the illustration represent my hope and determination. Tulips symbolize a confession of love. In the future, I hope to create works that help God’s love reach the members more clearly and deeply. Silver Prize (Illustration Category)
Son Yoo-jin from Gyeongsan Church