From Yokjido Island to Hansando Island: Proclaiming the Victory in the Gospel

After receiving the Holy Spirit of the autumn festivals, we felt a strong desire to complete the gospel mission as soon as possible. That earnestness led to the formation of a domestic short-term mission team. Zion family members from Daegu, Changwon, and Tongyeong united to build the city of truth even in small towns and island regions, and to shine the light of life on every soul.

To put into action the words of Heavenly Mother, who emphasized unity, the pastoral staff planned the short-term mission and, together with the members, prayed earnestly for a month beforehand. With willing hearts, members from each Zion came together, and from one week before departure, they diligently practiced truth presentation every day, preparing their hearts by sharing the Word daily—revving the engine for the mission ahead. Those who couldn’t join due to personal circumstances supported us through prayer, keeping us united in spirit.

The mission was planned in four phases, each taking place in a different location for one day. Our first destination was Yokjido Island, accessible only by boat from Tongyeong, South Gyeongsang Province. The following week, we traveled inland to Changnyeong County, situated between Daegu and Changwon. A week later, we visited Uiryeong County, southwest of Changnyeong. Finally, we raised the banner of the gospel on Hansando, the island infused with the spirit of Admiral Yi Sun-sin. The mix of inland and island destinations made our hearts race with anticipation from the very beginning. The night before each trip felt more exciting than any school excursion—double-checking our bags again and again, unable to sleep out of joyful expectation to meet our lost heavenly family members.

On the first day, Heavenly Mother blessed us abundantly by phone, rejoicing over Her children from various cities uniting as one. Encouraged by Her love, the South Gyeongsang Province mission team boldly set sail. We only had one day for each location. Despite never having met before, we immediately warmed up to one another with cheerful greetings. United by the shared desire to please God with fruitful gospel work, we joined voices and shouted our team cheer together. It felt as though we had always been together. With love, speed, and boldness, we moved through each town proclaiming the gospel of the new covenant.

As we climbed winding mountain paths and steep hills, we thought of our Heavenly Father. While preaching the word of salvation, we began to understand our Heavenly Mother’s heart. Every step was filled with longing. The closer it came to leaving, the more we longed to meet the last waiting soul. Whenever someone looked tired, we encouraged each other with a gentle pat and positive words. We truly felt the warmth of our heavenly family.

Though the ages and gospel environments of our members varied, our one heart to save souls allowed us to work as one. Those who seemed closed at first softened and listened to the Word—and were born again as God’s children. We learned that unity means having one sincere heart, one goal, and working together like a single body. We also realized that God the Father and Mother greatly bless such efforts.

Though it was a short time, fifty-five people received the truth, and nine former members who had drifted from Zion returned. Many more expressed interest in studying the Bible further. The new members are steadily growing in faith by feeding on the word of life. It was eye-opening to see how many souls still haven’t heard the gospel. Through this united mission, we came to understand more deeply the sacrifice and love of our Heavenly Parents, who lead each soul to salvation. We are sincerely grateful to God for allowing us to find such precious brothers and sisters.

Our mission team members said it was a joyful time because we were never alone—we were together. Though we hoped to give joy to our Heavenly Mother through the fruits of the gospel, in the end, it was we who received joy, love through unity, and a burning passion for evangelism as a gift from God. We believe that this opportunity wasn’t given just for a one-time trip, but to remind us to always stay united, not just when there’s a special occasion.

The inspiration and lessons we gained from the united short-term mission are still alive in our hearts. As we return to our respective churches, we carry the same spirit—sharing the fire of passion with others and seeing the power of unity unfold. Building on this momentum, we plan to hold more united missions in the coming year. We won’t be immature children who burden our Parents with worry. Instead, until the day we enter the kingdom of heaven, we will strive to become mature children of God—always loving, considerate, united, and continually sharing the joyful news of gospel victories.