ⓒ 2003 WATV

On December 28, about 1,500 youths gathered at the Gymnasium in Okcheon Training Institute, displaying their explosive passion for the gospel. At the 4th Foreign Language Bible Preaching Contest, youths competed against each other in total 7 languages-English, Japanese, Chinese, Spanish, French, German, Russian- challenging the barriers of language. In the voices of youth participants there were both strong confidence and a little nervousness.

Soon, the two types of test-composing a survey and interview-started. When the interview started, the participants sweat to show their ability as much as possible before the examiners in a short time. Both the competitors who spoke fluently with developed language skills and the shy and nervous participants who hardly spoke showed their great passion to complete the mission by the hands of youths.

ⓒ 2003 WATV

In particular, the foreign brothers and sisters from India and America, who were visiting the institute, introduced themselves to the Korean members, saying, "It is amazing these many members preach the gospel in English, gathering in one place." They gave all thanks and glory to God who gave them an opportunity to participate in today's meeting. The foreign brothers and sisters touched the hearts of Korean members when they said, "God bless you," and "I love you" in Korean.

The Youth Division under the General Assembly hosted the contest for the fourth time, following the prophecies, "You will be my witness in Samaria and to the ends of the earth"(Act.1:8), "Your troops will be willing on your day of battle. Arrayed in holy majesty, from the womb of the dawn you will receive the dew of your youth"(Ps.110:4).

Pastor Jeong Won-bo at the Youth Division said, "Many job-seeking foreigners are coming to Korea and lots of Korean students are going abroad for their studies. Thus, in this generation our youths should be ready to preach God's word boldly whoever they meet in the streets. I hope the youths develope their language ability and accomplish globalization of the gospel."

ⓒ 2003 WATV

On that day, Mother awoke the youths by the word: "The honest faith and sacrifice to save one soul is what God wants rather than just preaching in English. Though we have to be good at foreign languages, the most important thing is love that comes from the bottom of our hearts."

Mother emphasized Father's sacrifice to save souls and taught the youths to have the same attitude of mind as Father's, always thinking how to lead people to salvation. And She said if the youths have such attitude and try hard to preach the gospel, they will bear many spiritual fruits whether they are inside or outside the country .

"I want you to preach one word with sincerity, not ten words without sincerity."
Through Mother's word, the youths gained new power and expressed their confidence, saying, "We will overcome the language barriers with our passion and faith." The youths promised that in the year 2004 they would devote themselves to the gospel work wholeheartedly. The faith of youths, pledging to follow the path of Christ, was making a beautiful year-end.

ⓒ 2003 WATV