60th Anniversary of the Founding of the Church of God Held in Peru

Leading All Humanity to the Door of Hope in Accordance With the Teachings of Christ

Peru

July 28, 2024 5,786 views

The months of July and August 2024, marked by the receiving of the Medal of Honor of the Congress of the Republic of Peru and the Messiah Orchestra’s tour concert, are expected to be remembered as a particularly blessed period for church members in Peru.

On July 28, the Church of God celebrated its 60th anniversary at Villa el Salvador Sports Complex in Lima, Peru, drawing over 5,000 members from across the country. The event commemorated six decades since the church was established by Christ Ahnsahnghong. It served as an occasion to express gratitude for God’s grace in extending the true light of the new covenant from Korea to Peru and to reaffirm the commitment to completing the evangelism of all 8 billion people.

During the first part of the celebrating worship service, General Pastor Kim Joo-cheol noted that the Church of God, founded in 1964, is now experiencing significant growth, in line with the prophecy, “Your beginnings will seem humble, so prosperous will your future be” (Job 8:7). He urged, “Confident that God’s gospel will not fail, let us, filled with the Holy Spirit, complete the evangelism of Peru, South America, and ultimately the whole world.”

The second part of the event was a vibrant celebration aimed at fostering pride and faith among the members. Highlights included performances by a united choir, a children’s choir, a collaborative fan dance featuring Peruvian and Korean members, traditional Peruvian music, and a performance by the Messiah Orchestra and a choral group. A local cheerleading squad, composed of church members, recreated the fervor and excitement of the Church of God’s Aurah Supporters from the Daegu Universiade 2003. The 240 participants delivered a synchronized routine, underscoring their devotion to completing the gospel with united zeal.

On July 26, the “Global Hope Supporters Launching Ceremony” was held at the Eduardo Dibós Stadium in Lima for South America, drawing over 5,000 attendees, including South American pastoral staff members and church members from across Peru. In his opening address, General Pastor Kim Joo-cheol emphasized the urgent need for solidarity and action amid a world plagued by climate crises, wars, and social issues. “In an age where love has diminished and selfishness prevails, solidarity and action beyond borders are urgently needed. Inspired by the love of God the Father and Mother, the Church of God will assume the role of ‘Hope Supporters,’ aiming to unify all 8 billion people and spread hope across communities, societies, nations, and the world,” he said.

Subsequently, the event featured a report on the Church of God’s social contribution activities, sector-specific declarations of hope, and the reading of resolutions. Experts from various fields, including professors, doctors, lawyers, and former ministers, took the stage as representatives and committed to practicing God’s love and teachings throughout all sectors of society as “Hope Supporters.”

Attendees of the two events remarked, “We have witnessed the remarkable growth of the gospel, which has strengthened our hope of heaven,” and “We are proud to be members of the Church of God. Following the example of God Elohim, we will spread love widely.” They expressed a unified commitment to spreading hope across the globe through evangelism and acts of kindness, extending their efforts beyond South America.