ⓒ 2017 WATV

The fervor for preaching to seven billion people, which started in the beginning of last year in earnest, is growing even more in the New Year. Keeping in step with it, the churches to embrace an increasing number of brothers and sisters have been built one after another, and dedication services for five churches in Yeongnam, Korea, were held for three days from January 30, 2017: the Yeonje Church in Busan (Jan. 30), the Naedong Church in Gimhae (Jan. 31), the Saha Church in Busan (Jan. 31), the Gyeongju Church (Feb. 2), and the Gimcheon Church (Feb. 2).

Mother prayed for all the heavenly children around the world to receive blessings and wellness in the New Year and praised the local members for their hard work: “The churches have been built in succession as all of you have been preaching the gospel diligently.” “Many things are tough due to prolonged financial difficulties, but let’s always cheer up, having hope for glorious heaven,” Mother encouraged. “What is impossible with man’s power is possible with God’s mighty power. Let’s have faith as Christians and make efforts for the gospel so that we can plant hope for heaven in the hearts of all our neighbors across the world,” Mother said.

ⓒ 2017 WATV

부산사하교회 성도들이 헌당기념예배를 마친 후 기념촬영에 임하고 있다.

General Pastor Kim Joo-cheol began the sermon with his impression: “I’m looking forward to how many Zions God will establish throughout the world to achieve the mission to preach to seven billion people.” What he highlighted during every church’s dedication service in common was the mission of the saints and the role of the church. He defined preaching as “not just delivering some knowledge of the Bible, but sharing God’s blessings,” and explained with an emphasis that “those who fulfill the great mission are us, the children of God, and the place where it is fulfilled is Zion.” “Let’s be confident as the envoys who deliver blessings to mankind on behalf of God. Let’s preach the good news courageously,” he added. Pastor Kim Joo-cheol wished all the churches would become the halls of the truth that breathe faith, love, and hope into people (Dt 28:1–9; Eze 3:17; 2 Co 5:20; Mk 16:15–16).

The Church of God has held dedication services for more than 40 churches in Korea alone for the last two years. The number of the Churches of God is rapidly growing around the world. It is well known as an organization contributing to communities with customized volunteer services such as street cleanups, emergency relief efforts, helping farmers, supporting local and international events, and blood drives. As it has been recognized with the President’s Volunteer Service Award in the U.S. and the Queen’s Award in the U.K., residents around the churches welcome the Church of God that is helpful to their communities and enhancing national prestige.

“We will devote ourselves to the gospel work and volunteer services so that all seven billion people can realize the love and the truth of God and live with faith and hope,” the members expressed their determination after finishing the dedication services.

The Yeonje Church in Busan
The first dedication service of the year was held at the Yeonje Church that has nine floors above ground and three underground. It is located at the administrative center of Busan where the city hall, the metropolitan police agency, the regional tax office, and the regional ministry of employment and labor are situated. “Our Mother” Writing & Photo Exhibition held in this area from last November till January this year was successful; more than 14,000 visitors, including local government officials, merchants, office workers, and students, came to see it. “Since the Church of God came, the surroundings look brighter and the markets have become livened up,” the traders in Geoje Market near the church expressed their delight.

ⓒ 2017 WATV

부산연제교회 전경, 부산연제교회 성도들이 헌당기념예배 후 기념촬영에 임하고 있다.

The Saha Church in Busan
The green garden receives the guests even in winter. The main building with seven floors in total and a large sanctuary with 1,200 seats has enough space to serve as the worship hall. The annex with a book café and audiovisual rooms is used for communication with residents. The members hope that the Saha Church in Busan can be the school of the truth and the resting place for the souls, where many neighbors can study the Bible and be comforted.

ⓒ 2017 WATV

부산사하교회 전경, 부산사하교회 헌당기념예배

The Naedong Church in Gimhae
It is located close to the tour-ist attractions in Gimhae such as Yeonji Park and Gimhae National Museum. Not a few people visit the church when they come out to look around these places. “Quite many people are in despair, having lost their jobs, or finding it difficult to seek jobs these days,” the members explained as to their efforts to deliver love and hope to people around them. They regularly participate in the Happy Spore Adoption Project (an activity where residents and groups voluntarily take care of certain areas such as local attractions and streets) to practice neighborly love.

ⓒ 2017 WATV

김해내동교회 헌당기념예배, 성도들이 헌당기념예배후 기념촬영에 임하고 있다.

The Gyeongju Church
Gyeongju was the capital city of the ancient kingdom of Silla in Korea for a millennium. The church building made of reddish brown bricks in Hwangseong-dong, Gyeongju, is well harmonized with its quiet and peaceful surroundings. The warm and bright interior of the church makes visitors feel comfortable. Since last September, when a magnitude 5.8 earthquake and continuous aftershocks shook Gyeongju, the number of tourists has decreased and the city atmosphere has died down. “We’d like to help our city to restore hope and energy by briskly preaching the new covenant that promises God’s salvation,” the members expressed their will.

ⓒ 2017 WATV

경주교회 전경, 경주교회 헌당기념예배

The Gimcheon Church
The building with four floors above the ground is located in Namsan-dong, Gimcheon. Its glassed-in curved front looks cool and clean. The church is as bright and broad as the brothers and sisters’ mind. Grapes and plums are specialties of Gimcheon as it is sunny and has clean water. It is a center of culture, administration, and transportation of southwestern area of North Gyeongsang Province. The population is growing and the city development is being led rapidly: The innovation district was created, public institutions such as the National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service and the Quality Assurance Office of the Public Procurement Service were built, and the Korea Train Express Station has been constructed. There is much attention toward how the Gimcheon Church will develop in the growing city.

ⓒ 2017 WATV

김천교회 전경, 김천교회 헌당기념예배