The Church of God in Korea: Difference between revisions
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{{그림|대한민국-새예루살렘-판교성전.jpg|정렬=오른쪽섬네일|너비=320px|타이틀=The New Jerusalem Pangyo Temple in Korea}} | <!-- interlanguage:start -->[[ko:대한민국 하나님의 교회]][[vi:Hội Thánh của Đức Chúa Trời Đại Hàn Dân Quốc]][[es:Iglesia de Dios en Corea]][[pt:Igreja de Deus na Coreia]]<!-- interlanguage:end -->{{그림|대한민국-새예루살렘-판교성전.jpg|정렬=오른쪽섬네일|너비=320px|타이틀=The New Jerusalem Pangyo Temple in Korea}} | ||
The '''Republic of Korea''' (hereinafter referred to as Korea) is the country where the '''Church of God''' was re-established by Second Coming Christ [[Ahnsahnghong]]. The Church of God preached the '''gospel of the new covenant''' throughout the country, starting in Busan, Korea, in the 1960s. In the 1990s, the church’s growth accelerated, and over 400 local churches were established in Korea. Through overseas missions, which began in earnest at the beginning of the 2000s, they have been preaching the truth and love of God to all nations.<ref name="교회역사">{{Cite web |url=https://watv.org/history/ |title=Church of God History |website=WATV.org |publisher= |date= }}</ref> | The '''Republic of Korea''' (hereinafter referred to as Korea) is the country where the '''Church of God''' was re-established by Second Coming Christ [[Ahnsahnghong]]. The Church of God preached the '''gospel of the new covenant''' throughout the country, starting in Busan, Korea, in the 1960s. In the 1990s, the church’s growth accelerated, and over 400 local churches were established in Korea. Through overseas missions, which began in earnest at the beginning of the 2000s, they have been preaching the truth and love of God to all nations.<ref name="교회역사">{{Cite web |url=https://watv.org/history/ |title=Church of God History |website=WATV.org |publisher= |date= }}</ref> | ||
In Korea, there are about 400 local churches throughout the country, five training institutes,<ref>[[Okcheon Go&Come Training Institute|Go&Come Training Institute]], [[Elohim Training Institute]], [[Dongbaek Training Institute]], [[ | In Korea, there are about 400 local churches throughout the country, five training institutes,<ref>[[Okcheon Go&Come Training Institute|Go&Come Training Institute]], [[Elohim Training Institute]], [[Dongbaek Training Institute]], [[Jounyisan Training Institute|Jounyisan Training Institute]], [[WMC Training Institute]]</ref> and the [[Church of God Headquarters|headquarters]]. They take the lead in bringing happiness to their neighbors and society by sharing the love of Christ contained in the [[New Covenant|new covenant]] through volunteer efforts. | ||
==Overview of the Church of God in Korea== | ==Overview of the Church of God in Korea== | ||
{{그림 | 대한민국-옥천고앤컴연수원-하나님의교회-2만명-직분자-기념촬영.jpg |너비= 420px |정렬=오른쪽섬네일 |타이틀= The meeting for nationwide position and title holders held at the Go&Come Training Institute}} | {{그림 | 대한민국-옥천고앤컴연수원-하나님의교회-2만명-직분자-기념촬영.jpg |너비= 420px |정렬=오른쪽섬네일 |타이틀= The meeting for nationwide position and title holders held at the Go&Come Training Institute}} | ||
The Church of God was established in Korea in 1964. In difficult times when the scars of the [https://www.britannica.com/event/Korean-War Korean War] were still present, [[Second Coming Jesus (Second Coming Christ)|Second Coming Christ]] Ahnsahnghong established the church in Busan and preached the truth of the new covenant, the [[Gospel|good news]] of salvation, throughout the country. He laid the foundation of the church by giving hope for the [[Heaven|kingdom of heaven]] to His neighbors and society. | The Church of God was established in Korea in 1964. In difficult times when the scars of the [https://www.britannica.com/event/Korean-War Korean War] were still present, [[Second Coming Jesus (Second Coming Christ)|Second Coming Christ]] Ahnsahnghong established the church in Busan and preached the truth of the new covenant, the [[Gospel|good news]] of salvation, throughout the country. He laid the foundation of the church by giving hope for the [[Kingdom of Heaven|kingdom of heaven]] to His neighbors and society. | ||
Thanks to the love and sacrifice of [[Christ]], more people realized the truth of the new covenant. By 1988, there were around 10,000 members in Korea. Since the late 1990s<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.newspower.co.kr/sub_read.html?uid=11852 |title= | Thanks to the love and sacrifice of [[Christ]], more people realized the truth of the new covenant. By 1988, there were around 10,000 members in Korea. Since the late 1990s<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.newspower.co.kr/sub_read.html?uid=11852 |title= | ||
Decline of South Korean Churches, They Must Resemble America Independent Churches |website=News Power |publisher= |date=June 17, 2008}}</ref> when Christianity had entered the stage of decline in Korea, the Church of God grew drastically. In 1996, it expanded to 107 churches with around 100,000 members. The church made efforts to share hope with many people even during difficult times due to the [https://www.britannica.com/event/Asian-financial-crisis foreign exchange crisis].<ref name="월간조선">{{Cite web |url=http://monthly.chosun.com/client/news/viw.asp?nNewsNumb=201604100049#top |title=[Church Visit] Secret Behind World Mission Society Church of God's Growth |website=Monthly Chosun |publisher= |date=April 2016 }}</ref> | Decline of South Korean Churches, They Must Resemble America Independent Churches |website=News Power |publisher= |date=June 17, 2008}}</ref> when Christianity had entered the stage of decline in Korea, the Church of God grew drastically. In 1996, it expanded to 107 churches with around 100,000 members. The church made efforts to share hope with many people even during difficult times due to the [https://www.britannica.com/event/Asian-financial-crisis foreign exchange crisis].<ref name="월간조선">{{Cite web |url=http://monthly.chosun.com/client/news/viw.asp?nNewsNumb=201604100049#top |title=[Church Visit] Secret Behind World Mission Society Church of God's Growth |website=Monthly Chosun |publisher= |date=April 2016 }}</ref> | ||
In order to preach the gospel of the kingdom to people around the world, the church began overseas missionary work in the late 1990s. Through their efforts, three local churches were established abroad, including in the United States, in 1997. As the new covenant was preached throughout the world, there were requests to send missionaries to their countries and establish churches there. This also included continents such as Europe and North America, the places where it is said that Christianity originated. Within 20 years of overseas missionary work, over 7, | In order to preach the gospel of the kingdom to people around the world, the church began overseas missionary work in the late 1990s. Through their efforts, three local churches were established abroad, including in the United States, in 1997. As the new covenant was preached throughout the world, there were requests to send missionaries to their countries and establish churches there. This also included continents such as Europe and North America, the places where it is said that Christianity originated. Within 20 years of overseas missionary work, over 7,800 local churches have been established in 175 countries and 3.3 million members are now following the truth of the new covenant. Since 2001, members from different countries have been visiting Korea to experience the love of [[God the Father and God the Mother]] through the [[The Church of God Overseas Visiting Group|Overseas Visiting Group]] program. | ||
In Korea, about 400 churches have been established in all six metropolitan cities, including Seoul,<ref name="신동아">{{Cite web |url=https://shindonga.donga.com/List/3/all/13/3114766/1 |title=3.3 Million Church of God Members Talks About the ‘Path of Hope in Our Global Village’ |website=Shindonga |publisher= |date=January 3, 2022 }}</ref> Sejong Special Self-Governing City, and even in small towns in all nine provinces. The headquarters, which plays a leading role in the worldwide gospel, and the [[The New Jerusalem Pangyo Temple|New Jerusalem Pangyo Temple]], which is the representative church, are located in Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do. | In Korea, about 400 churches have been established in all six metropolitan cities, including Seoul,<ref name="신동아">{{Cite web |url=https://shindonga.donga.com/List/3/all/13/3114766/1 |title=3.3 Million Church of God Members Talks About the ‘Path of Hope in Our Global Village’ |website=Shindonga |publisher= |date=January 3, 2022 }}</ref> Sejong Special Self-Governing City, and even in small towns in all nine provinces. The headquarters, which plays a leading role in the worldwide gospel, and the [[The New Jerusalem Pangyo Temple|New Jerusalem Pangyo Temple]], which is the representative church, are located in Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do. | ||
The [[Okcheon Go&Come Training Institute]] in Okcheon, the [[Elohim Training Institute]] in Yeongdong, the [[Dongbaek Training Institute]] in Yongin, [[ | The [[Okcheon Go&Come Training Institute]] in Okcheon, the [[Elohim Training Institute]] in Yeongdong, the [[Dongbaek Training Institute]] in Yongin, [[Jounyisan Training Institute]] in Sejong, and the [[WMC Training Institute|WMC Training Institute]] in Jeju contribute to the education and gatherings of both Korean and overseas members, and also promote good communication and harmony with local communities. The Church of God puts love into practice by carrying out various volunteer services such as helping underprivileged groups, hosting blood drives, providing disaster relief and recovery efforts, leading environmental protection, and helping farmers in their communities. When national disasters took place such as the Daegu subway tragedy, the sinking of the Sewol ferry, and the earthquake in Pohang, the members visited the scenes and organized [[The Church of God Free Meal Service|free meal camps]] to deliver warm meals and comfort to the victims.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://news.watv.org/internal/content.asp?articleid=i20030221812 |title=Daegu Disaster Triggers 24-hour Volunteer System |website=WATV News |publisher= |date=February 21, 2003 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://news.watv.org/internal/content.asp?articleid=i20140421273 |title=Mother’s Love in a Warm Meal Becomes Hope and Comforts |website=WATV News |publisher= |date=September 19, 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://news.watv.org/internal/content.asp?articleid=i20171219214|title=Volunteer for Free Meals and Donation for the Victims of Pohang Earthquake |website=WATV News |publisher= |date=December 19, 2017 }}</ref> | ||
Such activities set an example for society as well as for the church members around the world. The Church of God in Korea practices filial piety, family harmony, respect for the elderly, and love for neighbors, and spread love for humanity throughout the world, regarding all people as one family living in the global village. | Such activities set an example for society as well as for the church members around the world. The Church of God in Korea practices filial piety, family harmony, respect for the elderly, and love for neighbors, and spread love for humanity throughout the world, regarding all people as one family living in the global village. | ||
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{{그림|태안앞바다-기름유출-방제활동-학암포-071220.jpg |정렬=오른쪽섬네일|너비=320px|타이틀=The Church of God members clean up the 2007 oil spill at Hagampo Beach in Taean, Chungnam, Korea}} | {{그림|태안앞바다-기름유출-방제활동-학암포-071220.jpg |정렬=오른쪽섬네일|너비=320px|타이틀=The Church of God members clean up the 2007 oil spill at Hagampo Beach in Taean, Chungnam, Korea}} | ||
The Church of God supported Korean society in various ways to help residents suffering from the pandemic, complying with COVID-19 prevention guidelines. It delivered 30,000 face masks (KF94) to Daegu, which was announced as a special disaster area for infectious diseases, and donated 230 million KRW to the [https://hopebridge.or.kr/eng/ Hope Bridge National Disaster Relief Association] to help neighbors in the welfare dead zone with daily necessities and medical expenses.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.joongang.co.kr/article/23909933#home |title=Church of God Donated 30 Million KRW as 2nd Donation to Hope Bridge to Overcome COVID-19 |website=JoongAng Sunday |publisher= |date=November 2, 2020 }}</ref> [[ASEZ, the University Student Volunteer Group]], and [[ASEZ WAO (Church of God Young Adult Worker Volunteer Group)|ASEZ WAO, the Young Adult Worker Volunteer Group]], supported healthcare workers who were at the forefront of the pandemic through the [[Cheer Up Campaign|Cheer Up]] Project and [[The Heart-to-Heart Project|Heart-to-Heart]] Project. Ever since the young adults expressed their gratitude and support through handwritten letters and snack gifts, they continuously received touching stories from the medical teams and officials of the hospitals, public health centers, and COVID-19 screening clinics.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |url=https://woman.donga.com/3/all/12/2409706/1 |title=Warm Support to Overcome COVID-19, Making Brighter Future in Global Community |website=Woman DongA |publisher= |date=February 1, 2021 }}</ref> Members of the Church of God in Korea also took the lead in relief efforts whenever there were national disasters, including volunteer service for the collapse of the Sampoong Department Store in 1995. Members from all over the country participate in the recovery efforts from natural disasters that occur every year such as torrential rains, typhoons,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.shinailbo.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=1309713 |title=Church of God Participates in Flood Damage Recovery in Special Disaster Areas: Namwon, Gokseong, Cheolwon |website=The Shina Ilbo |publisher= |date=August 14, 2020 }}</ref> and heavy snowfalls,<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |url=http://monthly.chosun.com/client/mdaily/daily_view.asp?idx=11449&Newsnumb=20210111449 |title=Church of God, Volunteers Removing Snow as Nationwide Heavy Snowfall Response |website=NewsRoom Exclusive, Monthly Chosun |publisher= |date=January 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.okinews.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=18279 |title=Considering the Good Things for the Community |website=Okcheon News |publisher= |date=March 20, 2004 }}</ref> and relief activities for disaster victims. They also comforted the victims with a heart full of love and helped them get back to their normal lives. During the 2003 Daegu subway tragedy, the members worked together to run a [[The Church of God Free Meal Service|free meal camp]] for 55 days (24 hours a day) and provided meals for an average of 3,000 people a day to bereaved families, condolers, and officials.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.donga.com/news/Culture/article/all/20160713/79165977/1 |title=[World Mission Society Church of God] They were there where pain was |website=The DongA Ilbo |publisher= |date=July 14, 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url= https://watvmedia.org/ko/media/another-family-free-meal-service-at-daegu|title= Another Family|website=WATV MEDIA CAST |publisher=|date=April 30, 2014 |year= |author= |series= |isbn= }}</ref> In 2007, when there was an [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_South_Korea_oil_spill oil spill] off the coast of Taean, Chungnam Province, they ran to the site and took the lead in cleaning up and supporting fishermen, enduring the odor that pricked their noses.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.knnews.co.kr/news/articleView.php?idxno=1151661 |title=From Taean to Pangmok Port, Pain Was Filled up with Love |website=Gyeongnam News |publisher= |date=July 24, 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://news.watv.org/photo/content.asp?articleid=p20071220926 |title=May Hope Dwell Where Dark Disaster Is Cleared Out |website=WATV News |publisher= |date=December 20, 2007 }}</ref> When the sinking of the Sewol ferry occurred in 2016, members of the Jeonnam Province provided free meal service for 44 days, serving the people there day and night. A hearty meal was provided with freshly cooked rice, delicious side dishes, and nourishing porridges so that the bereaved families could cheer up even a little. The members comforted them by providing meals for 15,000 people, including rescuers, transport workers, and related public officials.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.ajunews.com/view/20171220182006690#PL2 |title=Church of God’s Warmth Embraces Neighbor’s Pain |website=Aju News |publisher= |date=December 20, 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url= https://watvmedia.org/ko/media/the-love-of-mother-spreads-paengmok-harbor|title= Mother’s Love Delivered in Jindo Pangmok Port|website=WATV MEDIA CAST |publisher= |date=July 25, 2014 |year= |author= |series= |isbn= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url= https://watvmedia.org/ko/media/church-of-god-provides-free-meals-with-the-heart-of-mother|title= Together with Family’s Heart |website=WATV MEDIA CAST |publisher= |date=November 14, 2014 |year= |author= |series= |isbn= }}</ref> They also took the time to listen to the bereaved families’ stories so that they could have the space to grieve. A bereaved family member said, “I was happy to receive sincere love. It wasn’t just a meal. The volunteers, with love like that of a mother, gave us hope.”<ref name=":0" /> In 2017, when about 1,800 displaced people had to live in shelters due to a [[사이트 첨부 요망|5.4-magnitude earthquake]] in Pohang, Gyeongbuk Province, about 1,400 members from Pohang, Gyeongju, Yeongcheon, and Gyeongsan provided free meal service for more than 60 days. The church also donated 100 million KRW to Pohang municipality for the health and recovery of the victims.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.dkilbo.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=135967 |title=Church of God Concludes Free Meal Service for Pohang Earthquake Victims |website=Daekyung Ilbo |publisher= |date=February 1, 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url= https://watvmedia.org/en/media/free-meal-service-in-earthquake-damaged-sites-in-pohang|title= Free Meal Service for Pohang Earthquake Victims 'Be Strong with Mother’s Love'|website=WATV MEDIA CAST |publisher= |date=May 31, 2019 |year= |author= |series= |isbn= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url= https://www.kgnews.co.kr/news/article.html?no=501866 |title='We hope you can all get back to your normal routine.' Church of God Donates 100 Million Korean Won for Pohang Earthquake Victims|website=Kyeonggi News |publisher= |date=December 20, 2017 |year= |author= |series= |isbn= }}</ref> A nearby resident who visited the free meal camp said, “Because they kept the meal camp open until late at night, even my husband, who had to come to the shelter late after work, was able to have dinner every day.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://english.watv.org/news/content.asp?idx=49149&page=5&back=all |title=The Church of God Receives Citation from the Korean Minister of Interior and Security, |website=English WATV |publisher= |date=February 7, 2018 }}</ref> They really made it easier for us to stay in the shelter.” In 2019, when there was a massive wildfire in Gangwon Province, they donated 50 million KRW to the Community Chest of Gangwon, Korea, to help the victims recover and stay warm during the winter.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://monthly.chosun.com/client/mdaily/daily_view.asp?idx=8645&Newsnumb=2020018645 |title=Church of God Comforts the Victims of Gangwon Province Fire Before the New Year |website=Newsroom, Monthly Chosun |publisher= |date=January 2020 }}</ref> At the beginning of January 2021, when heavy snowfall struck the whole country and caused a lot of damage, the church carried out urgent snow removal in more than 230 regions to help the residents commute safely.<ref name=":2" /> | The Church of God supported Korean society in various ways to help residents suffering from the pandemic, complying with COVID-19 prevention guidelines. It delivered 30,000 face masks (KF94) to Daegu, which was announced as a special disaster area for infectious diseases, and donated 230 million KRW to the [https://hopebridge.or.kr/eng/ Hope Bridge National Disaster Relief Association] to help neighbors in the welfare dead zone with daily necessities and medical expenses.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.joongang.co.kr/article/23909933#home |title=Church of God Donated 30 Million KRW as 2nd Donation to Hope Bridge to Overcome COVID-19 |website=JoongAng Sunday |publisher= |date=November 2, 2020 }}</ref> [[ASEZ, the University Student Volunteer Group]], and [[ASEZ WAO (Church of God Young Adult Worker Volunteer Group)|ASEZ WAO, the Young Adult Worker Volunteer Group]], supported healthcare workers who were at the forefront of the pandemic through the [[Cheer-Up Campaign|Cheer Up]] Project and [[The Heart-to-Heart Project|Heart-to-Heart]] Project. Ever since the young adults expressed their gratitude and support through handwritten letters and snack gifts, they continuously received touching stories from the medical teams and officials of the hospitals, public health centers, and COVID-19 screening clinics.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |url=https://woman.donga.com/3/all/12/2409706/1 |title=Warm Support to Overcome COVID-19, Making Brighter Future in Global Community |website=Woman DongA |publisher= |date=February 1, 2021 }}</ref> Members of the Church of God in Korea also took the lead in relief efforts whenever there were national disasters, including volunteer service for the collapse of the Sampoong Department Store in 1995. Members from all over the country participate in the recovery efforts from natural disasters that occur every year such as torrential rains, typhoons,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.shinailbo.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=1309713 |title=Church of God Participates in Flood Damage Recovery in Special Disaster Areas: Namwon, Gokseong, Cheolwon |website=The Shina Ilbo |publisher= |date=August 14, 2020 }}</ref> and heavy snowfalls,<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |url=http://monthly.chosun.com/client/mdaily/daily_view.asp?idx=11449&Newsnumb=20210111449 |title=Church of God, Volunteers Removing Snow as Nationwide Heavy Snowfall Response |website=NewsRoom Exclusive, Monthly Chosun |publisher= |date=January 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.okinews.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=18279 |title=Considering the Good Things for the Community |website=Okcheon News |publisher= |date=March 20, 2004 }}</ref> and relief activities for disaster victims. They also comforted the victims with a heart full of love and helped them get back to their normal lives. During the 2003 Daegu subway tragedy, the members worked together to run a [[The Church of God Free Meal Service|free meal camp]] for 55 days (24 hours a day) and provided meals for an average of 3,000 people a day to bereaved families, condolers, and officials.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.donga.com/news/Culture/article/all/20160713/79165977/1 |title=[World Mission Society Church of God] They were there where pain was |website=The DongA Ilbo |publisher= |date=July 14, 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url= https://watvmedia.org/ko/media/another-family-free-meal-service-at-daegu|title= Another Family|website=WATV MEDIA CAST |publisher=|date=April 30, 2014 |year= |author= |series= |isbn= }}</ref> In 2007, when there was an [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_South_Korea_oil_spill oil spill] off the coast of Taean, Chungnam Province, they ran to the site and took the lead in cleaning up and supporting fishermen, enduring the odor that pricked their noses.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.knnews.co.kr/news/articleView.php?idxno=1151661 |title=From Taean to Pangmok Port, Pain Was Filled up with Love |website=Gyeongnam News |publisher= |date=July 24, 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://news.watv.org/photo/content.asp?articleid=p20071220926 |title=May Hope Dwell Where Dark Disaster Is Cleared Out |website=WATV News |publisher= |date=December 20, 2007 }}</ref> When the sinking of the Sewol ferry occurred in 2016, members of the Jeonnam Province provided free meal service for 44 days, serving the people there day and night. A hearty meal was provided with freshly cooked rice, delicious side dishes, and nourishing porridges so that the bereaved families could cheer up even a little. The members comforted them by providing meals for 15,000 people, including rescuers, transport workers, and related public officials.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.ajunews.com/view/20171220182006690#PL2 |title=Church of God’s Warmth Embraces Neighbor’s Pain |website=Aju News |publisher= |date=December 20, 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url= https://watvmedia.org/ko/media/the-love-of-mother-spreads-paengmok-harbor|title= Mother’s Love Delivered in Jindo Pangmok Port|website=WATV MEDIA CAST |publisher= |date=July 25, 2014 |year= |author= |series= |isbn= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url= https://watvmedia.org/ko/media/church-of-god-provides-free-meals-with-the-heart-of-mother|title= Together with Family’s Heart |website=WATV MEDIA CAST |publisher= |date=November 14, 2014 |year= |author= |series= |isbn= }}</ref> They also took the time to listen to the bereaved families’ stories so that they could have the space to grieve. A bereaved family member said, “I was happy to receive sincere love. It wasn’t just a meal. The volunteers, with love like that of a mother, gave us hope.”<ref name=":0" /> In 2017, when about 1,800 displaced people had to live in shelters due to a [[사이트 첨부 요망|5.4-magnitude earthquake]] in Pohang, Gyeongbuk Province, about 1,400 members from Pohang, Gyeongju, Yeongcheon, and Gyeongsan provided free meal service for more than 60 days. The church also donated 100 million KRW to Pohang municipality for the health and recovery of the victims.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.dkilbo.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=135967 |title=Church of God Concludes Free Meal Service for Pohang Earthquake Victims |website=Daekyung Ilbo |publisher= |date=February 1, 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url= https://watvmedia.org/en/media/free-meal-service-in-earthquake-damaged-sites-in-pohang|title= Free Meal Service for Pohang Earthquake Victims 'Be Strong with Mother’s Love'|website=WATV MEDIA CAST |publisher= |date=May 31, 2019 |year= |author= |series= |isbn= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url= https://www.kgnews.co.kr/news/article.html?no=501866 |title='We hope you can all get back to your normal routine.' Church of God Donates 100 Million Korean Won for Pohang Earthquake Victims|website=Kyeonggi News |publisher= |date=December 20, 2017 |year= |author= |series= |isbn= }}</ref> A nearby resident who visited the free meal camp said, “Because they kept the meal camp open until late at night, even my husband, who had to come to the shelter late after work, was able to have dinner every day.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://english.watv.org/news/content.asp?idx=49149&page=5&back=all |title=The Church of God Receives Citation from the Korean Minister of Interior and Security, |website=English WATV |publisher= |date=February 7, 2018 }}</ref> They really made it easier for us to stay in the shelter.” In 2019, when there was a massive wildfire in Gangwon Province, they donated 50 million KRW to the Community Chest of Gangwon, Korea, to help the victims recover and stay warm during the winter.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://monthly.chosun.com/client/mdaily/daily_view.asp?idx=8645&Newsnumb=2020018645 |title=Church of God Comforts the Victims of Gangwon Province Fire Before the New Year |website=Newsroom, Monthly Chosun |publisher= |date=January 2020 }}</ref> At the beginning of January 2021, when heavy snowfall struck the whole country and caused a lot of damage, the church carried out urgent snow removal in more than 230 regions to help the residents commute safely.<ref name=":2" /> | ||
*'''Public Welfare Promotion''' | *'''Public Welfare Promotion''' | ||
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*'''Support to Build Communication and Harmony with Local Communities''' | *'''Support to Build Communication and Harmony with Local Communities''' | ||
The Church of God has prepared various events to build communication and harmony with families, neighbors, and local communities, sharing comfort, encouragement, and inspiration. Various concerts and exhibitions, such as the [[Messiah Orchestra]] Concert,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.kyeonggi.com/642706 |title=Church of God Orchestra, A Successful National Tour |website=Kyeonggi Ilbo |publisher= |date=January 21, 2013 }}</ref> [[“Our Mother” Writing and Photo Exhibition]], and [[ | The Church of God has prepared various events to build communication and harmony with families, neighbors, and local communities, sharing comfort, encouragement, and inspiration. Various concerts and exhibitions, such as the [[Messiah Orchestra]] Concert,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.kyeonggi.com/642706 |title=Church of God Orchestra, A Successful National Tour |website=Kyeonggi Ilbo |publisher= |date=January 21, 2013 }}</ref> [[“Our Mother” Writing and Photo Exhibition]], and [[‘Father’s True Heart’ Exhibition]], have been held nationwide to open a place for family reconciliation,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://woman.donga.com/3/all/12/1676693/1 |title='Our Mother' Writing Photo Exhibition and Father’s True Heart Exhibition, |website=Woman DongA |publisher= |date=March 22, 2019 }}</ref> and to present a gift of rest and joy to local residents. The “Happy Seminar for Workers” was also held in various regions, comforting and encouraging those who are exhausted from their busy lives. Amid the growing concern about the lack of connection between family members and between generations due to the COVID-19 pandemic and about the importance of communication, the Church of God is also making efforts for online communication. The [[Flower Letter Campaign]] to send letters with pictures of flowers to family, friends, and acquaintances via mobile devices has received a great response with more than 700,000 copies being sent. About 30,000 people have participated in the “Bible Webinar for Happy Families” and the “[[Seminars for Workers|Happy Webinar for Workers]].” The Church of God publishes various content through its YouTube channels, and adds warmth and vitality to the daily life of others, and awakens the virtues of love, consideration, and humility. The Church of God [https://watvmedia.org/en/ Media Cast] provides videos on various themes such as Exhibition ON, Happy Room, Children’s Playground, Church of God Tube, and Facts+ in 69 languages, supporting communication across languages and borders.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://sports.donga.com/economy/article/all/20210726/108173004/3 |title=Church of God Connects Love with 'Online Communication' |website=Sports DongA |publisher= |date=July 27, 2021 }}</ref> | ||
===Major Awards=== | ===Major Awards=== | ||
{{그림|대한민국-3대-정부-대통령-포장-및-표창.jpg |정렬=오른쪽섬네일|너비=320px|타이틀=The Church of God’s Korean Presidential Group Citation, Medal of Merit, Presidential Citation}} | {{그림|대한민국-3대-정부-대통령-포장-및-표창.jpg |정렬=오른쪽섬네일|너비=320px|타이틀=The Church of God’s Korean Presidential Group Citation, Medal of Merit, Presidential Citation}} | ||
The Church of God has received [https://watvaward.org/en/award/745 Presidential Group Citation], [https://watvaward.org/en/award/63 Order of Merit], [https://watvaward.org/en/award/19 Presidential Citation] from three governments of Korea in recognition of its contribution to national development, harmony, and public welfare through continuous and devoted service. In addition, it received the Citations from the Prime Minister, the Minister of Public Administration and Security, the Minister of Environment, the Minister of Health and Welfare, and the Minister of Culture and Tourism, the Mayor of Seoul Metropolitan City, mayors of six metropolitan cities, and eight provincial governors.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://watvaward.org/en/award/990 |title=Minister of Public Administration and Security Citation |website=WATV Awards |publisher= |date=December 29, 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://watvaward.org/en/award/854 |title=Minister of Environment Plaque |website=WATV Awards |publisher= |date=July 20, 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://watvaward.org/en/award/1030 |title=Department of Health and Human Services Minister’s Plaque of Commendation |website=WATV Awards |publisher= |date=June 14, 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://watvaward.org/en/award/ | The Church of God has received [https://watvaward.org/en/award/745 Presidential Group Citation], [https://watvaward.org/en/award/63 Order of Merit], [https://watvaward.org/en/award/19 Presidential Citation] from three governments of Korea in recognition of its contribution to national development, harmony, and public welfare through continuous and devoted service. In addition, it received the Citations from the Prime Minister, the Minister of Public Administration and Security, the Minister of Environment, the Minister of Health and Welfare, and the Minister of Culture and Tourism, the Mayor of Seoul Metropolitan City, mayors of six metropolitan cities, and eight provincial governors.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://watvaward.org/en/award/990 |title=Minister of Public Administration and Security Citation |website=WATV Awards |publisher= |date=December 29, 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://watvaward.org/en/award/854 |title=Minister of Environment Plaque |website=WATV Awards |publisher= |date=July 20, 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://watvaward.org/en/award/1030 |title=Department of Health and Human Services Minister’s Plaque of Commendation |website=WATV Awards |publisher= |date=June 14, 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://watvaward.org/en/award/57 |title=Minister of Culture and Tourism Citation |website=WATV Awards |publisher= |date=June 15, 2004 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://watvaward.org/en/award/1325 |title=Seoul Mayor’s Excellence Award |website=WATV Awards |publisher= |date=December 19, 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://watvaward.org/en/award/1009 |title=Busan Metropolitan City Mayor’s Citation |website=WATV Awards |publisher= |date=February 27, 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://watvaward.org/en/award/1006 |title=Gyeonggi-do Governer’s Citation |website=WATV Awards |publisher= |date=December 31, 2017 }}</ref>{{quote |The Church of God has become the mental pillar in the painful site, representing Korea. It is appropriate to give a presidential citation to the church for the message they showed to all Korean people with dedication and enthusiasm. I am thankful for their hard work.|Kim Young-seok, former Vice Minister of Oceans and Fisheries<ref>{{ Cite web |url=https://www.joongang.co.kr/article/17988276#home |title=Church of God Presidential Award |website=The JoongAng |publisher= |date=July 9, 2015 }}</ref> }} | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||