On May 21, when the refreshing rain of the Holy Spirit was moistening the earth, the Ascension Day Service to commemorate Jesus’ ascension into heaven was held in all the Churches of God throughout the world, including the New Jerusalem Temple.

Ascension Day originated from the fol-lowing event: On the 40th day after the Isra-elites crossed the Red Sea after the Exodus, they camped in front of Mount Sinai, and Moses went up to God (Ex 19:1-7). This prophetic event was fulfilled by Jesus as He ascended into heaven on the Mount of Olives on the 40th day after His resurrection (Ac 1:3-9).

ⓒ 2009 WATV

Mother gave thanks to Heavenly Father for giving His children the hope for ascen-sion, and prayed that Her children would vigorously carry out the Holy Spirit Move-ment to spread the good news of salvation to all cities in every country of the world by earnestly asking for the power of the Holy Spirit during the feast from the Ascension Day to the Pentecost. She also prayed for them to receive the power of the Holy Spirit to share the hope for heaven with all human beings so that the day of ascension promised to them would come quickly.

General Pastor Joo-Cheol Kim reminded the members of the will of Jesus who pro-claimed world evangelism, saying, “You will be my witnesses in Samaria and to the ends of the earth” (Ac 1:8). Then he explained that the amazing work of world evangelism, which was accomplished in the days of the early Church, started from prayer asking for the Holy Spirit, offered from the Ascension Day. In addition, he urged, “Now the completion of the world mission is close at hand. So, let’s ask for the gifts of the Holy Spirit so that we can faithfully carry out our God-given mission, rather than set our minds on worthless things, and proclaim our Saviors in Zion, the Spirit and the Bride, to all nations of the world” (Mt 28:16-20; Rev 22:17; Isa 33:17-21).

During the Prayer Week of the Pentecost which started from this day, the members earnestly asked for the promised Holy Spirit, wishing for the fulfillment of the hope for ascension.