Gijang-gun is well-known for its uncontaminated sea and abundant seafood. The Gijang Church, which has been taking on the role of a cradle in saving souls in Busan, has just had a new temple.
ⓒ 2016 WATV
The church was located in Ilgwang-myeon, Gijang-gun, where the population is steadily increasing due to the development of a new town. It is a three-story building with a basement; it has an excellent three-dimensional outer appearance and many subsidiary facilities as well as the worship hall with two floors.
On February 13, over a thousand members attended the dedication service held along with the Sabbath evening service. It was raining as if it was quickening the coming of spring. The faces of the members coming to church with colorful umbrellas at their hands looked much brighter than ever.
Mother celebrated the dedication and earnestly prayed that the new temple would be filled with good fruit of the gospel. General Pastor Kim Joo-cheol preached, wishing that the Gijang Church would carry out the mission to preach to seven billion people, and that the members would contain Mother’s heart for its accomplishment. He emphasized that in order to fully obey what Jesus Christ had asked us—“Feed and take care of my sheep” (Jn 21:15–17), all our members must have the heart of Mother who takes care of Her children with love, mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and perseverance. “If we speak in the tongues of angels, but have not love, we’re only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. As people of God who is love, let us make efforts for the gospel with Mother’s heart until we enter the kingdom of heaven” (1 Co 13:1–13; Col 3:12–14; 1 Ti 6:11–12; Tit 3:1–2; Heb 10:22–25), he added.
ⓒ 2016 WATV
Lastly, Mother complimented the members who worked hard until the new temple was established and encouraged them, saying, “Do not lose your pride as God’s children. Though you may have difficulties, cheer up, hoping for the kingdom of heaven.”
The Gijang Church in Busan is drawing keen attention from the local society through their active volunteer services such as a party for neighbors and free hair-styling service. In 2014 when the city of Busan, including Gijang-gun, was greatly dam-aged by the record-breaking heavy rain, the church members constantly carried out the recovery work together with nearby church members. In recognition of their contribution, the Church of God was recommended by Gijang-gun Volunteer Service Center and was awarded a commendation by the Ministry of Public Safety and Security the next year.
The church members expressed their will, “We’ll make constant efforts for the gospel and volunteer service as well, so that all our neighbors in Gijang-gun can be happy, feeling Mother’s love.”
ⓒ 2016 WATV