The Church of God in Europe

The Church of God’s mission in Europe commenced in Germany in the late 1990s and subsequently expanded across the continent, reaching the United Kingdom, Spain, France, Finland, Romania, Greece, and Ukraine. Even in Europe, where Christianity is rapidly declining despite deep-rooted traditions, the Church of God is experiencing rapid growth.

The Church of God in Europe, comprising members of various age groups including university students and young adults, engages actively in a life of faith and volunteer activities. Through acts of sharing and service, members aim to express the love and joy of God the Mother. The Church has received several notable awards in recognition of its volunteer work, including The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in the United Kingdom, The Green World Award, and The Green Apple Award.

The Church of God in Rotterdam, Netherlands

The Church of God in London, U.K.

The Church of God in Manchester, U.K.

Overview of the Church of God in Europe

European members visit Korea as part of the 75th Overseas Visiting Group

European members experience Korean culture in Hanok Village, Gwangju, Gyeonggi, Korea.

The history of the European continent is deeply intertwined with Christianity, which has shaped the lives and culture of Europeans for centuries. One notable figure in this legacy is Martin Luther, the German reformer who translated and disseminated the Bible in Latin to make it accessible to the public and initiated the Reformation. However, in contemporary times, Christianity in Europe faces challenges, including a significant decline in the number of believers. It has become increasingly common for church buildings to be sold or repurposed for commercial use.

The Church of God began its mission in Europe in 1997, alongside missions in North America and Asia. Starting in the 2000s, missionaries and both short-and long-term mission teams were sent to various countries, accelerating the spread of the gospel. The Church of God has since been established in major cities such as London, England; Paris, France; Lisbon, Portugal; and Amsterdam, Netherlands. Furthermore, the number of members in Northern and Eastern European countries—such as Norway, Sweden, the Czech Republic, and Hungary—who believe in God Elohim and uphold the truth of the new covenant, is experiencing rapid growth.

In a self-centered world, the Church of God in Europe strives to practice the teachings of the Bible, which emphasize virtues such as respect, consideration, and selflessness, sharing Christ’s love with neighbors. Members strengthen their faith through sermons at each service and Truth Books translated into various languages, such as The Mystery of God and the Spring of the Water of Life and Visitors From the Angelic World. They also foster unity and communication by learning and sharing ways to practice God’s love through periodicals distributed by the Headquarters, including Elohist and Happy Home Preparing the Sabbath. Following God’s teachings, they care for their families and neighbors, consistently extending Christ’s love to those in need.

“Statistics show that 42% of married couples in the U.K. get divorced. As a pastoral staff member, I will make efforts to help those struggling with family relationships resolve conflicts and achieve domestic peace through God’s teachings, which say, ‘Love is patient, it is not rude, it is not easily angered, but is kind,’ ” said Missionary Alexander Holmes from London, U.K., during the “Global Conference on Happy Families” held at the New Jerusalem Pangyo Temple.

European members visit Korea as part of an Overseas Visiting Group to strengthen their faith and engage in in-depth Bible studies. Their journey—from what is often called the birthplace of Christianity to Korea, now considered the holy land of the new covenant gospel—draws public attention. During their stay, they not only study the Bible but also experience Korean culture and etiquette, gaining a deeper understanding of God’s love. Kai Herting from Germany shared, “I came to Korea to experience God’s love firsthand. The Church of God answered my many questions clearly through the words of the Bible, and I was convinced that this is the truth.” Ali Taş from Turkey, who visited in 2015, remarked, “Had I not come to Korea, I would not have experienced such heartwarming love of Mother. It was truly an amazing and special experience.” European members express that they have quenched their thirst for the truth and rediscovered joy in life through the Church of God. They are committed to sharing this joy with others by practicing Christian virtues and spreading the gospel of the new covenant.

Present Status

European members of the Church of God seek various ways to practice serving, consideration, and love by following the example of God the Mother.

Community Service

The Church of God in Manchester, UK, carries out flood recovery efforts at Oxford Binsey Lane.

The Church of God in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, conducts the 831st Worldwide Blood Drive to Give Life Through the Love of the Passover.

ASEZ WAO in Berlin, Germany, carries out cleanup efforts at Steglitz City Park

They extend helping hands in diverse areas, including emergency relief, environmental protection, and assistance for neighbors in need, to promote community development and harmony. By visiting nursing homes and children’s hospice facilities, they share warm, familial love with those who are isolated. Regular blood drives are also organized to support patients experiencing challenges due to blood shortages. In times of disaster, such as the flooding in Oxford, U.K., members promptly offered aid for recovery efforts. Additionally, they actively participate in environmental protection activities locally and globally, working to establish a cleaner and healthier environment for families and communities.

A resident who participated in a cleanup activity in Vienna, Austria, with their child expressed joy, saying, “In times when people often focus only on themselves, it’s rewarding to engage in community service. It was a valuable lesson for my child.” Members of ASEZ WAO, the Young Adult Worker Volunteer Group, and ASEZ, the University Student Volunteer Group, also collaborate with local governments to organize environmental protection activities and campaigns, actively raising public awareness about pressing environmental issues.

During the COVID-19 outbreak, members delivered handwritten letters, snacks, and quarantine kits to medical staff and officials working on the front lines of the pandemic response, along with messages of support such as “Cheer up!” and “You are our heroes!”

Young Adult Activities

ASEZ WAO’s “Heart to Heart” campaign at Sharstone Ambulance Station, Manchester, U.K.

The young adults of the Church of God in Europe continue their volunteer service for humanity with sincere faith, boundless passion, and unwavering determination, working in collaboration with various organizations. Through ASEZ and ASEZ WAO activities, they take the lead in building a sustainable society by advancing environmental conservation, promoting crime prevention, and addressing social inequality. Leaders from different countries actively participate in and voice their support for these impactful young adult initiatives.

Messages From People Around the World to ASEZ

• Ambassador of Denmark to Korea, H.E. Thomas Lehmann:
  “You are the ones who should be talking about the Earth. What you are doing today is very important.”
• Jean-Marie Robine, Research Professor at INSERM, the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research:
  “I am very happy to meet all of you who are participating in the important task of implementing the UN’s SDGs. There are still many countries that need to develop, so ASEZ’s role in achieving the SDGs is crucial.”

• Viktor Andrushchenko, Rector of NPDU in Ukraine:
  “I know that you can find solutions to eradicate crime. I am confident that you will create crime prevention methodologies and a roadmap that can be applied not only in Ukraine but across the world.”

Major Awards of the Church of God in Europe

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service from the U.K.

The Church of God General Pastor Kim Joo-cheol of (left), with Warren Smith, Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, and others, at the Queen’s Voluntary Service Award Ceremony.

ASEZ and ASEZ WAO, winners of the Green World Award and the Green Apple Award.

International recognition continues to honor the members of the Church of God who follow God’s teachings to make a meaningful impact on society. In June 2016, the Church of God in the U.K. was awarded The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, accompanied by the title of Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE).

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is bestowed exclusively on organizations that have earned the trust and respect of their communities through years of dedicated service, following a rigorous evaluation process and official approval by the Queen. As the Head of the Commonwealth—a coalition of over 50 member countries—the Queen bestows an accolade recognized and esteemed across these nations. This is the first time a church has received this award, which is seen as a testament to the Church of God’s high level of social contribution.

Examiner Paul Denby, the host of the ceremony, congratulated the Church of God, saying, “They have changed the lives of people not only in their own city but also in much broader regions. They have encouraged young people to engage in helping society and have fostered a sense of community. They are more than deserving of this prestigious award for the effort, time, and dedication they have committed.”

In the second half of 2013, the Church of God received 14 consecutive awards from 10 local authorities in Greater Manchester, including Manchester, Salford, Bolton, Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford, and Wigan. At the time, Wigan Mayor Billy Rotherham remarked, “During my time as mayor, I have never given an award to a church. The voluntary work carried out by the Church of God was something we truly needed. Young people should take this kind of activity as an example.” Tameside Mayor Joe Kitchen awarded honors to 40 church members one by one, stating, “Citizens are praising the Church of God members, saying, ‘The young people of Tameside should be doing this, but the members of the Church of God set a great example.’ ”

The activities of young adults raising environmental awareness through cleanups, campaigns, forums, and other initiatives are drawing global attention. The Church of God, ASEZ, and ASEZ WAO have been honored with The Green World Award and The Green Apple Award by the environmental organization, Green Organization, for their ongoing efforts in environmental cleanup. Members expressed, “We will expand our dedication and participation for the health and happiness of the global family, and continue to put more effort into protecting the Earth’s environment.”

External links

• The Church of God in Europe
• World Mission Society Church of God UK

See also

• The Church of God in Asia
• The Church of God in North America
• The Church of God in South America
• The Church of God in Africa
• The Church of God in Oceania

References

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  Church of God Official Website

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  Christ Ahnsahnghong Official Website

  AHNSAHNGHONG.COM
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  WATV Media Cast

  WATV MEDIA CAST
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  Church of God Official YouTube

  Official YouTube
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  Come to Heavenly Mother

  MOTHER.WATV.ORG
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  Media Reports Worldwide

  WATV PRESS
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  Special Awards Details

  WATV AWARD
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  Global Bible Seminars

  WATV SEMINAR