The Church of God in Africa: Difference between revisions

Since the early 2000s, the Church of God has been established in Cape Town, Republic of South Africa, and has expanded to various countries across Africa. The characteristic of the '''African mission''' is unity and harmony. Despite diverse customs and cultures, the members unite through biblical teachings and the “[[Teachings of Mother]],” demonstrating consideration, compromise, and humility, as they spread the gospel beyond borders.

Moved by the multifaceted and passionate volunteer service, athletes from Congo, Kenya, Uganda, Angola, Sudan, and other countries formed sisterhood ties with the Church of God Supporters’ Headquarters. In 2006, during the [https://www.mofa.go.kr/www/wpge/m_23299/contents.do Korea-Africa Forum], Presidents Thomas Boni Yayi of Benin and John Kofi Agyekum Kufuor of Ghana visited Korea, met with Church of God officials, and expressed their gratitude to the church for hosting their national teams.<ref>[https://monthly.chosun.com/client/news/viw.asp?nNewsNumb=200903100002 <nowiki>[Exploring Unconventional Religious Groups] World Mission Society Church of God: People Serving 'God the Mother'</nowiki>], ''Monthly Chosun'', March 2009</ref><br>{{앨범

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|그림2={{그림|하나님의 교회-대구 하계유니버시아드대회 오라서포터즈 플래시 퍼포먼스.jpg|타이틀=The Church of God Aura Supporters’ performance at the Daegu Universiade 2003.}}

|그림3={{그림|대구유니버시아드-앙골라 대표팀 응원.jpg|타이틀=The Church of God Aura Supporters cheer for the Angola national team at the Daegu Universiade 2003.}}

Through the [[The Church of God Overseas Visiting Group|Overseas Visiting Group]] program, visiting Korea, the “Mother’s country,” serves as a valuable opportunity to realize and learn about God’s love. Tumiso Buyeye, a member from South Africa who participated in the program, shared her reflections, saying, “I deeply realized that a mother’s love is the key to peace. If everyone is united by a mother’s love, it will not only strengthen the unity among members with different circumstances and lifestyles but also lead to the harmony of the entire nation.”<ref>[https://www.kyeonggi.com/2094373 World Mission Society Church of God Welcomes Overseas Members to Korea for Cultural Experience], ''Kyeonggi Ilbo'', May 2, 2019</ref> Nkululeko Zwane, another member from South Africa, expressed his determination, saying, “Although we are such insignificant beings, [[God]] has embraced us with great love. I, too, want to practice true love with a humble heart.”<ref>[https://monthly.chosun.com/client/mdaily/daily_view.asp?idx=5867&Newsnumb=2019015867 ‘To the High Mountains of the Himalayas, Spreading the Gospel Light’ - Church of God Bringing a Message of Hope and Happiness to the Global Village this New Year], ''Montly Chosun Newsroom Exclusive'', January 8, 2019</ref>

===Leading a Voluntary Service Culture===

The Church of God in Africa practices the “Teachings of Mother,” which include giving love and cultivating the mindset of an owner, with a focus on promoting the happiness of neighbors and the development of local communities. Members engage in various voluntary services wherever help is needed, such as supporting water and medical facilities, improving academic environments, and protecting ecosystems.

|그림1={{그림|남아프리카공화국 케이프타운 하나님의 교회-사이클투어 서포터즈.jpg|타이틀=Members of the Church of God in Cape Town, South Africa, volunteer as supporters for the cycle tour.}}

|그림2={{그림|남아프리카공화국 케이프타운 하나님의 교회-양로원 위문.jpg|타이틀=Members of the Church of God in Cape Town, visited the Mamelodi Old Age Home and spent joyful time with the elderly.}}

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Members of the Church of God around the world are at the forefront of environmental cleanup efforts, demonstrating care and commitment to their communities. In Africa, these initiatives span countries such as Zambia, Benin, Namibia, and South Africa, promoting cleaner environments and healthier living conditions.<ref>[https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/news/church-dedicates-time-to-clean-up-langa-2030667 Church dedicates time to clean up Langa,] ''IOL'', June 6, 2016</ref><ref>[https://news.watv.org/over/content.asp?articleid=o20121223200 A Refreshing Breeze Blows Through Zambia], ''WATV News'', December 23, 2012</ref><ref>[https://news.watv.org/over/content.asp?articleid=o20121223443 Busy Steps Reviving the Global Environment], ''WATV News'', December 23, 2012</ref> Local government officials have expressed heartfelt gratitude, stating, “We were moved by the sight of members engaging with neighbors through volunteer work that reflects God’s love.” They also noted that these campaigns not only help prevent diseases linked to unsanitary conditions but also enhance the mental well-being of citizens.<ref>[https://news.watv.org/over/content.asp?articleid=o20121223362 Environmental Guardians Raising Awareness in Local Communities], ''WATV News'', December 23, 2012</ref><ref>[https://news.watv.org/over/content.asp?articleid=o20121221455 A Green Wave Sweeps Across the African Continent], ''WATV News'', December 21, 2012</ref>