ⓒ 2004 WATV

This year, the Korean Peninsula suffered from the hottest summer she'd had in ten years. While most people were going to a sea or a valley to avoid the heat of the town, the youths of the Church of God had a meaningful event at the Elohim Training Institute. The 2004 Youth Leadership Training was held to strengthen the faith of youth leaders, ensure their conviction of their salvation, and prepare them as the future workers for the gospel.


Put on the Full Armor of the Word

From August 1 to 3, the youths from the Metropolitan area had training, and from August 4 to 6, the youths from provincial areas had their training. Receiving the Holy Spirit like a waterfall, they prepared the shield of faith and the helmet of salvation. The youths said with one mouth that this was the best vacation in their lives.

The youth leadership training events had been held two times a year both in summer and in winter. This time, the event was different than usual: Without any other performances-like Biblical dramas and new song presentations-the youths concentrated their attention only on intense Bible study for three days.

ⓒ 2004 WATV

There were ten youths per a teacher. The class length and break time were left at the discretion of the teacher in charge. The teachers and the youths leaders spent all their time studying the truths. They studied in the morning, afternoon, and even in the evening. They did not stop studying the truths except for meals and a little sleep.

Every day, the youths listened to Mother's Word, demonstrated their preaching, studied the Bible deeply, and watched sermon videos showing the importance of life. Through this training, the youths realized the change of the times. They said, "We were somewhat surprised at the well organized education program."


Be Fishers of Men

At this event, Mother emphasized the mission of the fishers of men, and told the youths to put on the full armor of God's Word as world gospel workers, as soldiers of Melchizedek, and to rise up like fire according to the prophecy of the Bible. Through this leadership training, Mother hoped all the youths would be awakened and faithfully perform the mission of saving precious souls.

Mother said, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world running aimlessly, but learn the faith, sacrifice and service spirit of the prophets like David, Joshua, Jacob and Daniel and of the martyrs of the Early Church, that you may reveal the glory of God as sound and faithful members of society and may obey God's Will completely. And do all this with wisdom, praying always to God."

ⓒ 2004 WATV

Chief Pastor Joo Cheol Kim repeatedly emphasized the qualities required for the youths who'd been called by God, and added, "Do not neglect the duty of those called by God. Have firm confidence in the Church, truth and God. Be God's witnesses; preach Christ who's come in the flesh and let the world know the only one safe refuge blessed with eternal life."


Go to the world with the sword of the word

The youths said, "We looked back on our idle days during this leadership training. It became a turning point in our life. Though many youths were spending their vacation at the summer resort, enjoying the worldly pleasures, we set the right values based on the Bible and learned how to live a godly life as the children of God. It was a valuable time for us to grow more as fishers of men."

They also said, "We give thanks to God for allowing us to come here. We will concentrate all our efforts on leading many to righteousness on the foundation of this training as the children of God who are made wise and good by God."

ⓒ 2004 WATV

Teachers who were in charge of the youths' education for six days esteemed the youths' abilities highly, saying, "The youths valued this God-given opportunity and diligently studied God's Word. They were indeed God's children who were punctual to the time and took the lead in everything. They were good enough for leading the world mission."

Teachers also expressed their impression, saying that they themselves were deeply moved to realize that God Himself changed the youths. Even a short period of time, the youths' faith and attitude of mind were advanced considerably.

In all circumstances-burning sun, droning cicadas, thunder and lightning- the youths concentrated on the studying of the God's Word for three days and two nights. Due to the fact that they kept their passion and faith to the end, the youth leaders are prepared to run farther, higher, faster to Samaria and to the ends of the earth.

"Your troops will be willing on your day of battle. Arrayed in holy majesty, from the womb of the dawn you will receive the dew of your youth (Ps 110:3)" This prophecy is being fulfilled by the youths. They will preach the gospel of the kingdom and reveal the glory of God and then put an end on the last page of the prophecy.

ⓒ 2004 WATV