ⓒ 2004 WATV

On June 7 and 13, the First Quarter 2004 Awarding Ceremony for Gospel Fruit Bearer was held at the Elohim Training Institute. It was to thank those who led many to righteousness from 2004 March to May by practicing God's love and sacrifice. In this ceremony participated pastors and preachers, their wives, small and big group leaders, and the glorious prize awardees who led many to God with outstanding efforts and self sacrifice.

On June 7, over 7,500 members took part in the ceremony, which was for women part. The weather was cloudy and sometimes drizzled, so that the participants could cool down the heat of early summer. And on June 13, about 4,500 members attended the ceremony for men, youths and students. All the stand and even the woods were filled with the members; their enthusiasm for the gospel could be estimated.

ⓒ 2004 WATV

The awardees were given glorious prizes from God; and the rest shared their joy together, applauding them. They determined that they, too, would do their best to win the prizes at the next quarter term. Many placards red, "To the world, through the gospel, to the kingdom!" "We will come again to win the prize!" "We are blessed so much!" "Here am I. Send me!" These messages showed the members' fervor for the gospel preaching.

This ceremony was held on the outdoor stage; the "30 Marching Band" and the "80 Bearers of the World Colors" led the prize winners to the center of the stage. As parading, the awardees expressed their excitement, "It's exciting as if I were receiving the prize in heaven," and some showed their determination, "I hope this prize will be stored in heaven. I will do my best to please God more."

ⓒ 2004 WATV

The awardees from 29 Korean associations and 6 overseas associations paraded, bringing red, yellow, blue and green balloons representing their fruit. After the parade, they were awarded by individual and group. Especially, Churches in Incheon, Korea, Nepal and Peru were given the prizes chosen as excellent Churches. After awarding, they released their balloons at Mother's signature, hoping that their fruit would be stored in heavenly barn.

A youth awardee said, "I am not worthy of this great prize. I will endeavor more to save one soul and will stand here again so that I may please God." And a youth leader who was given an Excellent Youth Group Prize said, "We only tried to follow Mother's teaching, 'Serve one another and be united with a humble mind.' This brought such a great result. We will try to receive more greater prizes by obeying Mother's word."

ⓒ 2004 WATV

Mother emphasized the unity through humility and gentleness as the key to bearing abundant fruit. She said, "Follow the example of Christ who came as a humble man. Run the race of the gospel, looking ahead to your reward like Moses and Peter and Paul. The reward you are given on the earth is an eternal reward which is effective in heaven. Be applauded than to applaud. Help one another bear fruit together through unity."

"Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done" (Rev. 22: 12).

ⓒ 2004 WATV

During the first quarter term, the members could guide many lost lambs safely to God's arms by the Holy Spirit which was poured through the spring time feasts including the Pentecost. They resolved to bear fruit during the second quarter term as much as the 1st term. On their faces bloomed smiles as bright as the sunshine of June.