School Year Opening Worship for Students 2024

On February 25, ahead of the new school year, the “School Year Opening Worship for Students 2024” was held at the Okcheon Go&Come Training Institute. This ceremony aimed to instill confidence and dreams in students and offer support for their school life, marking the second event of its kind, following last year’s initiative. Approximately 12,000 people attended, including around 7,000 middle and high school students, their parents, pastoral staff, and student group guidance teachers.

Before the main event, various side events were organized at the main building of the training institute. Students looked around these events to gather information about student-related programs and activities, and they wrote down their resolutions for school life and the future on memo pads, posting them on bulletin boards. The photo zone buzzed with laughter as students took commemorative photos.

During the first part of the worship service, Heavenly Mother prayed that students would grow into individuals who, in God’s blessings, would beautifully transform the world. She applauded and encouraged students who fulfilled their duties as students, demonstrating mature faith and good deeds as role models during the semester or vacation. Mother delivered the love of Father who said, “Students are the future,” and encouraged them, saying, “Let’s start the new year with courageous faith, thanking God for calling you as His children during this beautiful period of time like a budding flower” (1 Th 2:4).

General Pastor Kim Joo-cheol echoed Father’s words, urging young adults and students to have faith, saying, “Faith has the power to dispel fear. Let’s lead the world with faith in God’s presence, pride in the truth, and confidence” (Jn 16:33; Dt 31:6).

Following that, an awards ceremony was held to commend students who excelled in various fields such as education and volunteer services over the past year. A total of 15 students and 21 domestic and overseas churches and groups received awards in categories such as the ISBA (International Student Bible Academy) Academic Excellence Award and the ASEZ STAR (Church of God Students Volunteer Service Group) Volunteer Excellence Award. Additionally, certificates were also presented to the top 10 performers at the “2nd Student Bible Preaching Contest” held during the vacation period by each Church Association.

Yang Ji-won, who received the ISBA Academic Excellence Award, expressed her gratitude, saying, “I’ve diligently studied the Bible to strengthen my faith while striving to glorify God through good deeds. As a result, I’ve received this award. In my senior year, I will endeavor to bloom my own flower bud beautifully.”

Following the awards ceremony, a stage for students commenced. The first segment was the “ISBA Guide.” The ISBA system is a Bible education program designed to help students cultivate upright character and nurture their dreams during their adolescent years. Students engage in activities related to their interests such as religion, academics, volunteer work, and cultural arts, putting into practice the teachings of the Bible. As ASEZ STAR, they enthusiastically carry out activities beyond the school environment, such as street cleanup, environmental campaigns, and welfare facility visits, actively contributing to environmental protection and community service beyond the school grounds. A student tasked with presenting the ISBA introduction emphasized the importance of discovering and pursuing dreams, saying, “The future changes, depending on what dreams we nurture in our hearts.” They conveyed a clear message of running together towards their dreams.

In the following segments, the students illuminated the achievements of students of the Church of God in 2023 through various formats such as presentations in the concept of school broadcasting, panel discussions, and skits. The experiences shared by peer students served as valuable advice for the students who have many concerns about school life. Particularly, in the special video titled “Dreams of ISBA,” examples of overseas church students, who were leading commendable school lives centered on faith and good deeds, resonated deeply with the students, leaving a lasting impression on both the school and society. Lee Hae-bin said, “Listening to the stories of students from around the world, I gained strength. They reminded me that I am not alone in walking the path of faith. In the new semester, I’m determined to work even harder on my studies and school volunteer services as well.”

Throughout the event, Mother, who was present with the students, commented, “It is truly inspiring and wonderful. It seems like Father’s wish for students to have big dreams and faith has come true. I hope that the future ahead of each of you will be even more hopeful and promising,” applauding the students once again.

A parent Joo Suk-ja, who attended the event with her child, said, “The student years involve many new beginnings, so courage is even more necessary. As a mother, I will understand my children’s heart all the more and support and encourage them in their beginnings.” Park Chae-bin, who is going to be the second year of high school this year, expressed her anticipation for the new school year, saying, “I gained confidence and energy from the opening worship service. I want to make my school life even better than last year with greater faith, using what I learned today about school life such as faith in God and good deeds as a stepping stone.”

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