ⓒ 2017 WATV

It is hard to find a visitor to Sertung, Nepal, as it is located at a remote place in the Himalayas. Its residents learn the Bible through many types of translated publications. Busy office workers in Manhattan, U.S., squeeze in some time for a Bible seminar and learn the providence of God in salvation. The church members in Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost tip of South America, watch videos to witness the gospel work in Korea at the other side of the world, and strengthen their faith.

Preaching and educational materials become more important as the mission to preach to seven billion people is being carried out rapidly and churches are being established not only in cities but also in the backwoods across the globe. Accordingly, the Church of God holds contests for publications, videos, and presentations to discover talents and produce contents.

New Jerusalem Cultural Content Awards Ceremony 2017 was held at New Jerusalem Pangyo Temple in Korea on December 10. It is an integrated awards ceremony of the 18th Melchizedek Literary Awards, the 3rd Elohim Video Festival Awards, and the 3rd Bible Seminar Presentation Awards. It was attended by over 1,300 people—awards winners, finalists, and the members who have contributed to the gospel work in various fields such as literary club members, scientific advisors, writers, editors, photo and video reporters, translators, and student journalists.

ⓒ 2017 WATV

The attendants engrave upon their minds a sense of mission through the service.

The first part of the ceremony was the worship service that began with Mother’s prayer of blessing. Mother gave thanks for giving God’s children opportunities to work for the gospel and display God’s glory around the world, and asked all to exhibit their talents given by God and have a key part in saving souls. “The truth is being spread speedily thanks to publications, videos, and materials. It is as if you yourselves go to every corner of the world and preach the gospel. Your efforts become gospel fruits on this earth and enormous rewards in heaven. Take pride as the members of God’s household, who are approved by God. Carry out the mission and receive the blessing of eternal life, without exception,” Mother encouraged (Rev 22:12; Gal 6:7–8; Eph 2:19–20; 3:6–7).

General Pastor Kim Joo-cheol defined the greatest work as “preaching that God in the flesh did with sacrifice and devotion for our salvation” and took Biblical figures as examples. Elisha was a farmer, Peter was a fisherman, and Matthew was a tax collector, but they performed the greatest work as they were called by God and obeyed God’s word.

“Those who have done the greatest work will be glorified and become the royal priesthood. We may have difficulties, but let’s overcome them with understanding about the value of blessings and leave great results by using God-given talents wisely,” said Pastor Kim Joo-cheol, emphasizing that making gospel tools are also part of the greatest mission (1Ki 19:19–21; Mt 4:18–22; Ac 9:1–5; Mt 28:18–20).

After the service, the awards ceremony began. The awardees went up onto the platform with their full hearts, and Mother congratulated each and every one of them, presenting award certificates. Attendants gave them rounds of applause and cheers. Their expectations for the next contests were shown through their festive smiles.

Several works were displayed at the place of ceremony: A Girl’s Wallet, an animated award-winning essay, In Father’s Absence, an award-winning short film, and a collection of presentations. Award winning-works from the first video festival were shown at an event hall. The attendees, who could understand once again the contents’ power and influence through various genres, determined to contribute to the greatest work through contents that arouses Zion family members’ gospel fervor and enlightens seven billion people about the value of the truth.