The Church of God in South America: Difference between revisions

The first overseas mission in South America began in Peru, and the first church was established in 1998. In the early days, it was difficult for the Korean missionaries to communicate with the people there due to the language barrier. They were only able to greet the members in Spanish, saying, “Dios lo bendiga mucho.” Despite various difficulties such as the weather, widespread diseases, and the language barrier, the missionaries cultivated the land and established a church, only relying on the words of the Bible, “You will be My witnesses in Samaria and to the ends of the earth."<ref name="신동아">{{Cite web |url= https://shindonga.donga.com/3/all/13/1752139/1|title= World Mission Society Church of God Opens the Age of 3 Million Saints on 55th Anniversary|website= |publisher= Shin DongA |date= June 7, 2019|year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url= https://english.watv.org/news/content.asp?idx=894&page=32&back=all|title= Children Who Are Faithful in a Very Little Thing|website=English WATV |publisher=  |date=June 1, 2006 |year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url= https://english.watv.org/news/content.asp?idx=572&page=39&back=all

|title= The Latter Rain of the Holy Spirit Wets a Barren Land|website=English WATV |publisher=  |date=November 1, 2003 |year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref><br>In South America, there are 12 countries, including Peru, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Ecuador. In total, there are 33 Latin American countries which includes Central America that connects North and South Americas.<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://www.mofa.go.kr/eng/wpge/m_4905/contents.do|title= Latin America and the Caribbean|website= |publisher= Ministry of Foreign Affairs |date= |year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref> Due to the European influence, Catholicism is deeply rooted in society, such as the economy, politics, and culture. Despite this, the love of [[God the Mother]] and the truth of the [[Passover|Passover of the new covenant]] resonates strongly in the hearts of the members. The members who established their faith in the Church of God spread the gospel of the new covenant across national borders, including Bolivia and Argentina.<ref>{{Cite web |url=  https://english.watv.org/news/content.asp?idx=570&page=39&back=all|title= We Are Going to Heaven (Vamos al Cielo)|website=English WATV |publisher=  |date=January 1, 2004 |year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref> As a result, the Church of God has been established in major cities in each country, and also in various other places such as [https://www.britannica.com/place/Ushuaia-Argentina Ushuaia] in Argentina, the southernmost city near Antarctica, [https://www.doopedia.co.kr/doopedia/master/master.do?_method=view&MAS_IDX=101013000825045 the Galapagos Islands] in Ecuador, and Taruma in Brazil, located in [https://www.britannica.com/place/Amazon-River the Amazon] rainforest. One tribal chief in the Amazon rainforest expressed his sentiment, saying, “No one has ever come here to preach God’s word. The Church of God was the first.”

In Central and South Americas, where the Mayan, Aztec, Inca, and Andean civilizations bloomed, various cultures and customs coexist even in this present time. The local Church of God members, regardless of race, ethnicity, language, or culture, share affection with one another like a family and respect each other through the medium of God’s love. The selfless nature of the members comes from a faith that puts into practice the examples of [[Jesus Christ]] such as humility and consideration, and the [[Teachings of Mother]]. Nancy Espitia (Bogota, Colombia), who visited Korea as a member of the 74th [[Church of God Overseas Visiting Group|Overseas Visiting Group]], said, “I'm trying to put into practice the love of God through a smile and good deeds by following the Teachings of Mother such as giving love and having a beautiful mind.”<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.sisa-news.com/news/article.html?no=118561|title= 74th Overseas Visiting Group Visit Korea|website= |publisher= Sisa News |date= May 28, 2019|year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref> The gospel is spreading rapidly as the pastoral staff and members serve one another with one mind, and are working together in unity with passion which South America is known for.

The church members in South America care for their neighbors as themselves, as Christ requested, and are devoted to helping those in need. They find the areas that need support in their communities, discuss the concerns with [[Church of God Headquarters|Headquarters]], and carry out volunteer services in a swift and systematic manner. The members willingly take the lead in promoting well-being so that no one is left behind and everyone lives a happy life. They promote this by supporting child welfare facilities and visiting nursing homes for senior citizens and government offices. The members have also held [[Worldwide Blood Drive to Give Life Through the Love of the Passover|blood drives]] which have positively influenced their communities who are unfamiliar with the practice and have spread the importance of blood donation throughout various countries in South America.<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://watvmedia.org/ko/media/god-the-mother-of-the-world|title= The World Takes Note of God the Mother|website= |publisher= MEDIA CAST |date=May 16, 2019 |year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref><br>Disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, fires, and floods shake the foundation of people’s lives in a moment. With the earnest desire to deliver Mother’s love, the church members carry out disaster relief activities such as providing meals and health care services to victims to help them return to their daily lives.<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://watvmedia.org/ko/media/free-meal-service-for-the-displaced-people-by-fire-in-viya-el-salvador|title= Free food service to help the victims by the fire in Villa El Salvador|website= |publisher= MEDIA CAST |date=March 20, 2017 |year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url= https://news.watv.org/over/content.asp?articleid=o20121230125&page=1&cat=%B3%B2%BE%C6%B8%DE%B8%AE%C4%AB|title= For the One Who Need Mother’s Love|website= |publisher= WATV News |date=December 30, 2012 |year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url= https://news.watv.org/over/content.asp?articleid=o20121213744|title=We wish to help the victims by embracing with warm Mother’s love|website= |publisher= WATV News |date=December 13, 2012 |year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref> In 2017, when there was an 8.1-magnitude earthquake in Mexico, the members provided supplies and services to support the victims.<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://news.watv.org/over/content.asp?articleid=o20170913283&page=1&cat=%B3%B2%BE%C6%B8%DE%B8%AE%C4%AB|title= Earthquake Relief Activity in Mexico|website= |publisher= WATV News |date=September 13, 2017 |year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref> When the El Niño flood hit the coast of Peru and a state of emergency was issued to half the country, the members made various efforts to help the flood victims. They traveled to where the victims were impacted and carried out recovery and relief efforts and held blood donation campaigns and concerts.<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://weekly.donga.com/3/search/11/1247154/1|title= Setting an Example for the World with Humanitarian Work|website= |publisher= Weekly DongA |date= March 13, 2018|year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref> When the Church of God provided free meal services to the fire victims in Villa El Salvador, Lima, Peru, one of the victims said to the members, “You have made me realize that we are not alone. While receiving help that I never expected, I felt that the world is helping each other. Thank you for not neglecting us.”<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://watvmedia.org/ko/media/free-meal-service-for-the-displaced-people-by-fire-in-viya-el-salvador|title= Free food service to help the victims by the fire in Villa El Salvador|website= |publisher= MEDIA CAST |date=March 20, 2017 |year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref><br>ASEZ and [[ASEZ WAO (하나님의교회 세계복음선교협회 직장인청년봉사단) |ASEZ WAO]] members in South America regularly carry out environmental protection activities.<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://watvmedia.org/ko/media/beach-cleanup-activities-in-agua-dulce-peru|title= [Peru Beach Cleansing Activity] Let’s Overcome El Niño Climate Change Crisis with Environmental Cleanup|website= |publisher= MEDIA CAST |date=August 1, 2017 |year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url= https://www.lujanhoy.com.ar/2020/01/21/jornada-de-concientizacion-y-limpieza-en-la-ribera-del-rio-lujan/|title= Jornada de concientización y limpieza en la ribera del río Luján|website= |publisher= Lujan Hoy |date= January 21, 2020|year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url= https://www.lanacion.com.py/pais/2019/04/08/jovenes-fomentan-limpieza-de-calles-con-campana-ambiental/|title=Jóvenes fomentan limpieza de calles con campaña ambiental |website= |publisher= LA NACION |date= April 8, 2019|year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url= https://lahora.com.ec/esmeraldas/noticia/1102216784/universitarios-coreanos-participaron-en-minga-de-limpieza-en-atacames|title= Universitarios coreanos participaron en minga de limpieza en Atacames|website= |publisher= La Hora |date= January 22, 2019|year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url= https://hoy.com.do/realizan-trabajo-de-de-limpieza-y-acondicionamiento-del-area-verde/ |title= Realizan trabajo de de limpieza y acondicionamiento del área verde|website= |publisher= Hoy |date= February 4, 2018|year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref> They host global forums<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |url=  https://watvmedia.org/en/media/peru-forum|title= Let’s Make the World Beautiful ASEZ Global Forum in Peru|website= |publisher= MEDIA CAST |date=July 16, 2019 |year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=  https://asez.org/global-forum-un-sdgs/|title= 2018 ASEZ Global Forum on the Implementation of UN SDGs|website= ASEZ.org|publisher=  |date=October 17, 2018 |year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref> and [https://asezwao.org/conferences conferences]<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.munihuacho.gob.pe/portal/index.php/noticias/item/6838-jovenes-voluntarios-realizaran-campana-ambiental-con-la-municipalidad-provincial-de-huaura|title= JÓVENES VOLUNTARIOS REALIZARÁN CAMPAÑA AMBIENTAL CON LA MUNICIPALIDAD PROVINCIAL DE HUAURA|website= |publisher= Municipalidad Provincial de Huaura |date= January 21, 2020|year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url= https://asez.org/uruguay_partnership_eng/|title=Talk with the Minister of the Interior of Uruguay for Creating an Environment Conducive to Sustainable City |website= |publisher= ASEZ.org |date=August 2, 2019 |year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url= https://asez.org/partnership_argentina/ |title= Multilateral Partnership for Sustainable Argentina|website= |publisher=ASEZ.org |date=January 31, 2019 |year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://asez.org/meeting_peru_eng/ |title= ASEZ Holds a Conference to Build a Partnership with Minister of Justice and Human Rights and Vice Minister of Justice and Human Rights|website= |publisher= ASEZ.org |date=January 28, 2019 |year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=  https://asez.org/novo_mou/|title= Novo Airao City signed an MOU with ASEZ for constant cooperation|website= |publisher= ASEZ.org |date=January 28, 2019 |year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref> with experts and influential figures from various fields to discuss practical ways to help solve the climate change crisis and raise awareness among local residents.<br>Since the COVID-19 outbreak, the churches have complied with government guidelines and are making efforts to stop the spread of the virus by providing personal protective equipment [PPE].<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://watv.org/donation-and-service-relays/|title= Donation and Service Relays to Combat COVID-19|website= |publisher= WATV.org |date=July 8, 2020 |year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=  https://norteonline.com.ar/san-isidro-campana-de-corazon-a-corazon-de-asez-wao-entrega-de-kits-de-apoyo-al-personal-medico-que-lucha-contra-la-covid-19/|title=San Isidro: Campaña "De corazón a Corazón" de ASEZ WAO Entrega de kits de apoyo al personal médico que lucha contra la COVID-19 |website= |publisher= NorteOnline |date= December 18, 2020|year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url= https://www.lavozdelnorte.cl/2020/09/iglesia-de-dios-sociedad-misionera-mundial-entrega-apoyo-al-regimiento-n21-coquimbo/|title= Iglesia de Dios Sociedad Misionera Mundial entrega apoyo al Regimiento N°21 Coquimbo|website= |publisher= La Voz del Norte |date= September 2, 2020|year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref> In Caracas, Venezuela, which has been experiencing economic hardship and social and political turmoil for many years, residents suffered from having no water for two months due to the aftermath of the pandemic. Even in the hot weather, the church members walked 5 km to deliver water to those in need.<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://www.1gan.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=197538|title=Church of God Help All Countries of the World |website= |publisher= Ilgan |date= July 2, 2020|year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref>

Government officials from different countries participate in various events held by the Church of God and support the efforts of the members to deliver courage and hope to humankind.<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://watvmedia.org/ko/media/blood-drive-for-the-flood-victims-in-peru|title= Blood Donation Campaign with Peru's First Lady|website= |publisher= MEDIA CAST |date=July 4, 2017 |year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref><ref name=":0" /> Duberlí Rodriguez Tineo, former President of Peru's Supreme Court, sent a message of encouragement to the church. It said, “I consider this activity that the young university students are doing to save the earth from A to Z as very important. I’d like to congratulate the young university students that are doing voluntary work in different places to save our planet earth.”<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://watvmedia.org/en/media/asez-massage|title=World Citizen’s Messages to ASEZ |website= |publisher= MEDIA CAST |date=February 17, 2020 |year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref> In Brazil, the President invited ASEZ members to the Presidential Palace for National Volunteer Day and expressed his gratitude and appreciation for their dedication.<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://www.ajunews.com/view/20180903171700394|title= Brazil's President Invites Church of God University Student Volunteer Group ASEZ to Presidential Palace|website= |publisher= Aju News |date= September 3, 2018|year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://asez.org/presidential-palace-of-brazil/ |title= ASEZ, the World Mission Society Church of God University Student Volunteer Group, Was Invited to the Presidential Palace of Brazil|website= |publisher=ASEZ.org |date=August 28, 2018 |year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref><br>The local media has also expressed interest and reported on the activities of the Church of God.<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://watvpress.org/en/press/list/continent/sa|title= South America|website= |publisher= WATVPRESS |date= |year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref> The Peruvian public broadcaster, [https://www.atv.pe/ ATV] , reported through a visit to Korea and an interview with the Church of God, “As the basis of their faith, the members have more love for others than they receive. Love, and God above all, is the background that made all of these social activities, such as helping neighbors and preaching the word, possible.”<br>In Peru and Chile, [http://ourmother.kr/www/ “Our Mother” Writing and Photo Exhibition] was held to shine the value of Mother’s love and to inspire others.<ref>{{Cite web |url=  https://weekly.donga.com/3/all/11/1464886/1|title= 'Hometown of Heart' A Touching Exhibition Full of Mother's Love|website= |publisher=Weekly DongA |date= September 18, 2018|year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref> The Head of Chile Government Affairs Bureau who visited the exhibition, said, “It is a very valuable exhibition that makes you think deeply about the existence and role of mothers.”<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://jmagazine.joins.com/monthly/view/318952 |title= [Special Feature ● Luther's 500 Years of Religious Reformation - Church of God and Truth in the Bible] 2.7 Million World Mission Society Church of God Saints' 'Grand Chorus'|website= |publisher= Monthly JoongAng |date= November 17, 2017|year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref> The “Our Mother” Writing and Photo Exhibition was first held in 2013 [[Church of God in Gangnam, Seoul, Korea|at the Church of God in Gangnam, Seoul]], Korea, and more than 750,000 people visited it. The exhibition was then expanded to many countries around the world.<br>For their volunteer services that helped many different regions and countries, the Churches of God in South America received many awards from local governments and public institutions. This includes a citation from the Speaker of the Chilean Parliament, a medal from the Chairman of Piura of Peru<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://watvaward.org/world/index.asp?over/6/5270/0/1|title= María Cecilia Torres Carrión, CEO of the Piura Regional Government|website= WATV Award|publisher=  |date=October 5, 2017 |year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref>, a citation from the Mayor of Huaraz, Peru<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://watvaward.org/world/search_result.asp?over/6/5332/0/10|title= Vladimir Antonio Meza Villarreal, Mayor of the Provincial Municipality of Huaraz|website= WATV Award|publisher=  |date=January 18, 2014 |year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref>, an award certificate from Sergipe Parliament House, Brazil<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://watvaward.org/world/content.asp?over/2/3783/1/10|title= State of Sergipe Legislative Assembly|website= WATV Award|publisher=  |date=July 22, 2014 |year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref>, a resolution from the Mayor of Esmeraldas, Ecuador<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://watvaward.org/world/content.asp?over/6/5219/3/10 |title= Lenin Lara Rivadeneira, Mayor of Esmeraldas|website= WATV Award|publisher=  |date=March 15, 2019 |year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref>, and a citation from the Mayor of Pilar, Argentina<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://watvaward.org/world/content.asp?over/6/5251/1/10|title= Nicolás Ducoté, Municipal Mayor of Pilar|website=WATV Award |publisher=  |date=August 10, 2018 |year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref>.