The young adult stage in human development is the most vibrant and unconstrained. However, today’s young adults are tired; they are struggling to find jobs and are spending each day in the warlike job world.

The Church of God inaugurated the International Worker Bible Academy [IWBA] to help young adult members keep their faith with right values, play a part in the world evangelism, and spend a meaningful time in their youth. IWBA is an educational system for employed young adults to study the Bible. Previously, the International University Student Bible Academy [IUBA], the same system for university/college students, had begun in July last year.

ⓒ 2015 WATV

On November 29, the 2015 IWBA Entrance Ceremony was held at the Okcheon Go&Come Training Institute. Around 4,000 members including workers from across the nation, teachers in charge of young adult members, pastoral staff, and IUBA students who had a regular meeting on the same day were present at the ceremony.

In the prayers, Mother blessed the young adults who were about to step forward to the new beginning that they would surprise the world with the gospel work. Saying, “When all of you become one and emit the light of God, the least of you will become a thou-sand, the smallest a mighty nation,” Mother pointed out unity as the secret of successful gospel work that was being achieved recently around the world. “Gospel spreads even to remote places in the world, and thousands of people are led in a day. Such amazing work is occurring according to the prophecies of the Bible. Let’s firmly believe the kingdom of heaven that is coming is not an illusion but a reality, and practice God’s teachings courageously so that we can accomplish the mission of world evangelism,” Mother said.

General Pastor Kim Joo-cheol emphasized that the decision made in the young adult stage is important in order for us not to leave regrets in our only one life, and welcomed all the IWBA freshmen who decided to dedicate themselves to the work of God. When he urged, “Though sufferings and difficulties may follow, let’s regard them as medals. At the site of prophecies, let’s do our best in saving souls in unity,” the young adults responded, “Amen,” in unison.

After the worship service, the entrance ceremony began. During the freshman orientation, they learned why IWBA was established and how education would be managed and scheduled. The IWBA programs consist of regular meetings, collective education, and correspondence study which would suit the employed young adults. Moreover, it will provide not only the Bible studies but also various subjects such as building up character and ethics, leadership training, and acquisition of foreign languages. The new academy year began on December 1 and will end at the end of November next year. There are two semesters in a year, each for six months.

ⓒ 2015 WATV

After the orientation, the freshmen watched a video about some young adult workers who became exemplary in their workplace by doing good deeds and bore positive gospel results. They also listened to a lecture about the importance of creating a vision for one’s life. Lastly, they had group discussions where they shared their difficulties and experiences in work life and tried to find a solution for how to do the gospel work better in the workplace. It was impressive to see some rookies writing down the tips on how to handle things that experienced workers were giving them.

“I could learn what kind of mindset I should have as a worker and believer in God. I’d like to deliver the warmth of Zion to my coworkers by doing good deeds more than anything,” said Sister Kim Yun-a (from Seoul) who was going to have the first day of her new job on the following day. “While working in the heavy industry, I’ve become somewhat tough despite myself. I applied for IWBA to become worthy child of God by having a good character. I’ll exert myself to make a success,” said Brother Park Dong-jin (from Mokpo) who worked in a vessel manufacturer, expressing his determination.

“In many cases, young adult members do not know how to keep their faith and do the will of God in the workplace where they spend most of their time in a day. When these brothers and sisters, who have the same concerns, become likeminded, sharpen the sword of God’s word, and contribute to the gospel work, they can use their youth in a more meaningful way,” said one of the IWBA staff members.

The young adults like the dew of the dawn pour their determination and passion for the gospel into studying the word of God. What history will they write in the hopeful new year of 2016? Their every move is drawing our attention.