The Church of God Honored With the Presidential Award From the Republic of Korea

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The Presidential Group Citation, the Presidential Medal of Merit, and the Presidential Citation from three administrations in the Republic of Korea
The Presidential Group Citation, the Presidential Medal of Merit, and the Presidential Citation from three administrations in the Republic of Korea

The World Mission Society Church of God was awarded the Presidential Award from three governments in the Republic of Korea. On May 29, 2015, they received the Presidential Group Citation for taking the lead in protecting marine ecosystems and providing disaster relief. On August 9, 2004, they received the Medal of Merit for enhancing Korea's national status and promoting global harmony through large-scale volunteer services for the 2003 Daegu Summer Universiade. On February 2, 2003, they received the Presidential Award for contributing to the success of the 2002 FESPIC Games.

The Presidential Group Citation Award From the Korean Government in 2015

Award Overview

The Presidential Group Citation and banner awarded to the Church of God
The Presidential Group Citation and banner awarded to the Church of God

The World Mission Society Church of God received the Presidential Group Citation on May 29, 2015.[1] The church was recognized for its contributions to protecting marine ecosystems and disaster relief activities. On June 8, General Pastor Kim Joo-cheol served as the representative of the Church of God and received the group citation[2] from Kim Young-seok, Vice Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, at the 20th Ocean Day Awards Ceremony held at the Sejong Government Complex in Sejong City.

Vice Minister Kim, who frequently visited Jindo after the sinking of the Sewol Ferry and watched the church members provide free meals, said, “The Church of God has given us spiritual support in this field of pain. It is appropriate for us to award you with a presidential citation for the message you showed to all the people with devotion and enthusiasm, and I would like to thank you for your hard work.”[3]

The Presidential Group Citation is one of the most prestigious awards a group can receive in Korea.[4][5] It is presented to organizations that have accomplished many great achievements in the field for five or more years. To receive the award, recipients had to undergo a rigorous evaluation.[6] The media reported the news and shared how it was unusual for a religious organization to receive this award.[7]

In 2015, the government's award policy was reinforced, which meant that candidates, including the Church of God, had to go through a strict review process. This included a public verification through the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries website, and the verification by category by the National Police Agency, the Fair Trade Commission, and the Ministry of Labor. Afterward, it was submitted to the State Council with the recommendation of the Ministry of the Interior after the official evaluation committee finished the review. In the end, the Church of God was confirmed to be the awardee through the approval of the President.[3]

Church Contributions

The Church of God General Pastor Kim Joo-cheol receives the Presidential Group Citation.
The Church of God General Pastor Kim Joo-cheol receives the Presidential Group Citation.

The Church of God has been contributing to the restoration of marine disaster zones, preservation of marine ecosystems, and prevention of marine accidents for many years. At the time of the oil spill accident off the coast of Taean, South Chungcheong Province on December 7, 2007, more than 150 members of the church from the South Chungcheong Province participated in the spill cleanup.[8][9] At the site of the sinking of the MV Sewol ferry in 2014, a free meal service was provided for 44 days starting from April 21, comforting the families of the missing, and providing meals to officials and volunteers at the site.[10][11] The members of each region also work together to clean up the ports, coast, and beaches during the holidays.[12][13][14] 

Volunteer work for the oil spill accident in Taean, Korea
Volunteer work for the oil spill accident in Taean, Korea
Free meal service for the oil spill accident in Yeosu, Korea
Free meal service for the oil spill accident in Yeosu, Korea
Free meal service for the MV Sewol ferry sinking in Korea
Free meal service for the MV Sewol ferry sinking in Korea




The Medal of Merit in 2004

Award Overview

The Medal of Sports Merit presented to the Church of God
The Medal of Sports Merit presented to the Church of God

On August 9, 2004, the Korean government presented the Church of God with the Medal of Sports Merit. This was for the church’s active support in the 22nd Summer Universiade, which was held in Daegu, Korea, from August 21 to 31, 2003. Through the members’ efforts, they contributed to the development of national sports, enhanced the value of national prestige, and contributed to building global harmony among people.

The award ceremony was held on August 30 at the Inter-Burgo Hotel in Daegu, and the Head of the Department of Administration of the Head Office of the Church of God received the award as the representative.[15][16] Among the 341 sportsmen, public officials, and civilians who contributed to the operations of the Universiade, 90 people who belonged to the Organizing Committee, Daegu City, and North Gyeongsang Province received awards and medals.[15]

Church Contributions

The Church of God set up the Church of God Supporters Headquarters,[17] and about 90,000 members helped with the overall management of the Universiade. This included activities such as cheering for the teams, providing translation services, and creating cultural experiences for guests.[18] They also provided uniforms such as judo uniforms to the players in difficult situations and made friendships that transcend national, ethnic, cultural, and linguistic boundaries.[19][20][21] The supporters’ enthusiastic cheering and support for the athletes from 176 countries caught the attention of the media.

The Executive President of the Daegu Universiade, Park Sang-ha, said, “The role of the Church of God supporters was outstanding. They opened a new era in the history of sports, and are changing its culture.”[22]

For details, refer to: Aura Supporters' Major Activities: Daegu Universiade 2003
 
A flash performance by the Church of God Aura Supporters during the Daegu Summer Universiade. The message “WE♥U” (We Love You), made by 2,000 members, is shining.
A flash performance by the Church of God Aura Supporters during the Daegu Summer Universiade. The message “WE♥U” (We Love You), made by 2,000 members, is shining.
Aura Supporters welcome the Moroccan athletes arriving in Korea for the Daegu Universiade.
Aura Supporters welcome the Moroccan athletes arriving in Korea for the Daegu Universiade.
Aura Supporters cheer for athletes in track and field events
Aura Supporters cheer for athletes in track and field events




The Presidential Citation in 2003

Award Overview

Presidential Citation presented to the Church of God
Presidential Citation presented to the Church of God

On February 21, 2003, the Church of God General Pastor Kim Joo-cheol received the Presidential Citation.[23] The Church of God was awarded for its contributions to the community by playing a major role in the successful hosting of the 8th Far East and South Pacific Games for the Disabled [FESPIC Games] held in Busan, Korea, from October 26 to November 1, 2002.

The award ceremony was held at the Gwacheon Civic Center near the Gwacheon Government Complex on February 24, 2003. On that day, as two other pastors in Busan also received citations from the Minister of Health and Welfare, the Church of God was acknowledged for its love for the disabled and for the contribution to the success of the FESPIC Games.[24]

The award ceremony was hosted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. The purpose of the award is to acknowledge organizations and individuals for their efforts for the success of the FESPIC Games.[25] During the award ceremony, the Ministry of Health and Welfare emphasized the review process of recommending awardees which began in December 2002. After an intensive two-month evaluation based on the official record received by the organizer of the event and the Mayor of Busan, the winners were announced.[24]

Church Contributions

More than 17,000 members from the Church of God participated in the FESPIC Games held in Busan, Korea, by volunteering to support the success of the games and cheering for the athletes from 43 countries. From the welcome ceremony to the farewells, the members supported the athletes in many ways.[26]

Prior to this event, they also volunteered at the 14th Asian Games held in Busan, Korea. During that time, the head of the Iran Women’s Table Tennis Association expressed her gratitude and said, “I’ve never seen such kindness and hospitality until I came to Korea. You are contributing to world peace beyond sports. You are the best!”[27]

For details, refer to: Aura Supporters’ Major Activities: 2002 Busan Asian Games and FESPIC Games.
 
Supporters of the 14th Asian Games and the FESPIC Games Busan
Supporters of the 14th Asian Games and the FESPIC Games Busan
Supporters for the 16th Asian Athletics Championships Incheon
Supporters for the 16th Asian Athletics Championships Incheon
Supporting the 2015 Summer Universiade Gwangju
Supporting the 2015 Summer Universiade Gwangju




More Awards From the Government of Korea

Type Award Date Related Activities
Award from the Minister of Health and Welfare June 14, 2018 (Awarded on the 25th)[28] Blood Drives to Give Life Through the Love of the Passover
Award from the Minister of the Interior and Safety December 29, 2017 (Awarded on February 7, 2018)[29] Free meal service at Pohang earthquake[30]
Award from the Minister of Environment (Green Environment Grand Award 2016) July 20, 2016[31] Worldwide Environmental Cleanup Campaign
Award from the Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Jan. 14, 2015[32] Free meal service at MV Sewol ferry sinking
Award from the Minister of Public Safety and Security June 4, 2015[33] Flood recovery in Busan[34]
Award from the Minister of Culture and Tourism Jan. 15, 2004[35][36][37][38] Volunteer for the 22nd Summer Universiade Daegu
Award from the Minister of the Interior Dec. 3, 2003 (Awarded on the 16th)[39] Free meal service at Daegu subway arson tragedy
Support for the 22nd Summer Universiade Daegu

Recovery efforts for typhoon Maemi[40]

Award from the Director of Food and Drug Safety May 14, 2003[41] Free meal service at Daegu subway arson tragedy

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Presidential Citation". WATV Awards. May 29, 2015.
  2. ↑ "Recognized for Marine Conservation and Disaster Relief Efforts". Shindonga. June 25, 2015.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "The Church of God Receives Korea Presidential Citation". English WATV. June 8, 2015.
  4. ↑ "Overview of the Merit System". South Korean Citation and Awards.
  5. ↑ "Types of Citation". South Korean Citation and Awards.
  6. ↑ "Government Regulations for Citation". Korean Law Information Center.
  7. ↑ "World Mission Society Church of God Receives President's Citation". Gyeongin Daily. June 25, 2015.
  8. ↑ "May Hope Dwell Where Dark Disaster Is Cleared Out". WATV News. December 20, 2007.
  9. ↑ "Church of God Joins Oil Cleanup in Taean Sea". ChungCheong SinMun. December 22, 2007.
  10. ↑ "From Taean to Pangmok Port, Pain Was Filed up with Love". Gyeongnam News. June 24, 2015.
  11. ↑ "[Sinking of Sewol Ferry] Church of God Serves Free Meals at the Sewol Ferry Disaster Site". The Kyeongin Ilbo. August 21, 2014.
  12. ↑ ""Come to Geoje and Heal Yourselves," . . . Geoje Church of God Supports for Deokpo Beach Environment Improvement". Geoje Times. June 27, 2014.
  13. ↑ "World Mission Society Church of God Conducts Jungja Beach Cleanup". The Ulsan Maeil. July 20, 2009.
  14. ↑ "Love Your Neighbor by Cleaning Up the Ocean". WATV News. October 11, 2007.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 "90 People Honored with Medal of Merit and Honor Contributing for Daegu Universiade Games". Maeil News. August 24, 2004.
  16. ↑ "Korean President's Medal of Merit and Honor". WATV Awards. August 9, 2004.
  17. ↑ "We, too, Are Aurah Supporters". English WATV. August 21, 2003.
  18. ↑ "Church of God "Global Supporters" Cheering Up for Overcoming Global Disasters and Human Happiness". Sports DongA. July 27, 2021.
  19. ↑ "[U-Games] (Different Facets) North Korea Athletes Heading Back to Pyeongyang on April 1st". HanKyung News. April 4, 2006.
  20. ↑ "Afghanistan Presents a Plaque of Appreciation to Church of God". WATV News. September 3, 2003.
  21. ↑ "Church of God Presents Uniforms to Mongolian Athletes". WATV News. August 15, 2003.
  22. ↑ "Church of God Exceeds Religion and Becomes the 'Epitome of Harmony'". The Incheon Ilbo. June 17, 2016.
  23. ↑ "President's Citation". WATV Awards. February 21, 2003.
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 "The Presidential Citation Award is presented to Rev. Kim Joo-cheol in recognition of outstanding contribution to the success of the Busan FESPIC Games". English WATV. February 24, 2003.
  25. ↑ "Busan Asia-Pacific Para Games Merit Medal – Packaging and Government Citation". Ministry of Health and Welfare.
  26. ↑ "The 8th Busan FESPIC Games White Paper Introduces Church of God Supporters Activities". English WATV. May 19, 2003.
  27. ↑ "'Thank you Korea' Echoed in the Airport". WATV News. October 15, 2002.
  28. ↑ "Church of God Receives Ministry of Health and Welfare's Commendation Certificate". Sisa News. June 26, 2018.
  29. ↑ "Church of God Receives Ministerial Citation for Pohang Earthquake Volunteer Service". The Hankook Ilbo. February 7, 2018.
  30. ↑ "World Mission Society Church of God Concludes Two Months of Free Meal Service for Pohang Earthquake Victims". Kyeonggi Ilbo. February 1, 2018.
  31. ↑ "Church of God Receives Minister of the Environment Award". Eco Law. July 21, 2016.
  32. ↑ "'Warm Hands' of Church Members Contribute to Sewol Ferry Recovery". Kiho Ilbo. January 22, 2015.
  33. ↑ "The Church of God Receives Citation from Minister of Public Safety and Security of Korea". English WATV. June 4, 2015.
  34. ↑ "Busan Church of God Members Volunteer for Region of Heavy Rain Damage Restoration". Kookje News. September 11, 2014.
  35. ↑ "Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism Commendation Certificate". WATV Awards. June 15, 2004.
  36. ↑ "Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism Commendation Certificate". WATV Awards. June 15, 2014.
  37. ↑ "Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism Commendation Certificate". WATV Awards. June 15, 2014.
  38. ↑ "Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism Commendation Certificate". WATV Awards. June 15, 2014.
  39. ↑ "Church of God Receives Award from the Ministry of Government Administration and Home Affairs". WATV News. December 16, 2003.
  40. ↑ "Let's Recover the Economy Knocked Down by Typhoons". WATV News. September 18, 2003.
  41. ↑ "Church of God Receives Food and Drug Administration Commendation Certificate". WATV News. May 14, 2003.
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