The Church of God in Asia: Difference between revisions

From Church of God Knowledge Encyclopedia
Jump to navigation Jump to search
m (Text replacement - "Category:Overseas Churches" to "Category:Churches Around the World")
No edit summary
Line 1: Line 1:
[[file:몽골-하나님의-교회-성도들.jpg |thumb|380px|Members of the Church of God in Mongolia]]
{{그림 |몽골-하나님의-교회-성도들.jpg |너비= 380px |정렬=오른쪽섬네일 |타이틀=Members of the Church of God in Mongolia }}


The [[World Mission Society Church of God|Church of God]] has been established in most countries in '''Asia'''. The goal to establish churches in Asia began in 1997 and was accomplished 20 years later. The Church of God has been established in Hindu, Muslim, and Buddhist countries, beyond the barriers of ideology, culture, and religion.
The [[World Mission Society Church of God|Church of God]] has been established in most countries in '''Asia'''. The goal to establish churches in Asia began in 1997 and was accomplished 20 years later. The Church of God has been established in Hindu, Muslim, and Buddhist countries, beyond the barriers of ideology, culture, and religion.
Line 6: Line 6:


==Overview of the Church of God in Asia==
==Overview of the Church of God in Asia==
[[file:필리핀-라스피냐스-하나님의교회.jpg |320px |thumb|View of the Church of God in Las Pinas, Philippines]]
{{그림 |필리핀-라스피냐스-하나님의교회.jpg |너비= 330px |정렬=오른쪽섬네일 |타이틀=View of the Church of God in Las Pinas, Philippines}}


Asia was one of the first continents where the Church of God began its overseas mission in its early stages. Churches were established in Pakistan in 1997, Nepal in 1999, and gradually spread across the continent.
Asia was one of the first continents where the Church of God began its overseas mission in its early stages. Churches were established in Pakistan in 1997, Nepal in 1999, and gradually spread across the continent.

Revision as of 16:21, 22 March 2024

Members of the Church of God in Mongolia
Members of the Church of God in Mongolia

The Church of God has been established in most countries in Asia. The goal to establish churches in Asia began in 1997 and was accomplished 20 years later. The Church of God has been established in Hindu, Muslim, and Buddhist countries, beyond the barriers of ideology, culture, and religion.

The members preach the truth of the new covenant, regardless of country, religion, region, or class. They set an example[1] in society by sharing God’s love with their families and neighbors. They are continuously carrying out humanitarian activities in cooperation with governments, institutions, and citizens from all walks of life.[2][3]

Overview of the Church of God in Asia

View of the Church of God in Las Pinas, Philippines
View of the Church of God in Las Pinas, Philippines

Asia was one of the first continents where the Church of God began its overseas mission in its early stages. Churches were established in Pakistan in 1997, Nepal in 1999, and gradually spread across the continent.

At least 60% of the world’s population lives in Asia, and it is the birthplace of the four major religions: Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Buddhism. More countries and languages coexist in Asia in comparison with any other continent.[4] Languages, cultures, and religions differ, depending on the country and ethnicity. Sometimes, even within a country, there are differences by region. In addition to using ethnic languages such as Urdu (Pakistan), Bengali (Bangladesh), and Tamil (Southern India), English is also an official language. However, the English dialect used in Asia differs from the English language used in other countries, which can impact communication between visitors and the locals.

In this diverse environment, the early missionaries laid the groundwork for the gospel through faith, patience, and love, thinking about those who were waiting to receive God‘s love. The members who received the truth preached the good news of the new covenant to their families, neighbors, and acquaintances who lived far away.

As various publications and videos about the teachings of the Bible and God’s love were produced and distributed in each language, the members’ faith grew and the gospel spread even more quickly. Churches have been established in the Philippines, Thailand, Taiwan, Mongolia, Japan, Singapore, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and Myanmar. There are also churches in Middle East countries such as Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. A church has also been established in Sertung, Nepal, a remote village in the Himalayas.[5]

Supporting the Happiness of Families and Harmony With Neighbors

The Church of God understands that the family is the basic unit of society and that happiness must be at the center of it. Reflecting on God the Mother‘s words, “Make heaven at home with good deeds and good words,” the Church of God in Asia holds events for families to spread happiness and build harmony among them.[6][7][8][9][10] As India is a patriarchal society, married male members take the lead in building a harmonious family by preparing meals and managing major responsibilities for the home.[11]
The members directly experience the love of God the Mother by participating in church initiatives such as the Overseas Visiting Group program and international conferences hosted by the Head Office. Upon their return, members put God’s words into practice by sharing Mother’s love in church, their homes, schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods.[12] A member in Nepal said that he would share the blessings he received from God with everyone, saying, “It was only thanks to the love of God the Father and God the Mother that even the villagers in the Himalayas could receive the truth.”[13]

Community Service

The 2,283rd Worldwide Environmental Cleanup on Desa Bakti Street, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The 2,283rd Worldwide Environmental Cleanup on Desa Bakti Street, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
ASEZ WAO's Mother's Forest Project in Minden Road, Tanglin, Singapore
ASEZ WAO's Mother's Forest Project in Minden Road, Tanglin, Singapore

With a heart full of love, they enjoy extending a helping hand to their neighbors in need. In 2015, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake hit Nepal which took 8,900 lives and affected 5.4 million people. As the Nepali government went into a panic, about 15,000 local members carried out recovery and relief efforts and delivered goods that were worth 100 million KRW [approx. 79,000 USD].[14] They provided food to remote villages in the Himalayas 14 times by helicopter and rebuilt two schools damaged by the earthquake through the “Mother’s School” project to bring hope to them.[15][16][17][18] Hisila Yami, former Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, requested for the Church of God to continue volunteer services in Nepal. She said, “I’m very grateful to the Church of God. I heard that you do volunteer work in many places, helping the people of Nepal who are in great distress.”

For details, refer to: Church of God Nepal Earthquake Damage Restoration Work

Even when severe natural disasters such as floods,[19] tsunamis, and typhoons[20][21] occurred in Thailand, Indonesia, Japan, and the Philippines, the members helped to support the victims. For example, the church in Cambodia provided nine water pumps after hearing the news of the region where people used muddy water and rainwater for drinking due to the lack of water supply facilities. The donation ceremony was attended by local officials and residents. The Minister of Religion also attended and presented a Certificate of Appreciation to the church.[22]
In September 2021, the church members in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, planted 500 trees on the ecological park, at the request of the Bayangol District Office. A monument related to the volunteering was erected in the park.[23] In October, members in Pune, India, donated five kinds of trees to an orphanage and held a painting contest with the theme “My Dream” to encourage the children.

The Church of God in Asia also carries out activities to build unity beyond national boundaries. In 2019, an orchestra composed of members from Malaysia, Singapore, and South Korea held a concert in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, and the southwestern district of Singapore to encourage citizens who had become weary from their daily lives.[24] At the 10th Southeast Asia Taekwondo Championships held in Cambodia, the members cheered enthusiastically across national borders. Officials complimented the members’ efforts and said they enhanced the quality of the competition.[25]
In addition, the Church of God has been carrying out various volunteer services such as blood drives, educational support, and environmental cleanups. They have also signed partnership agreements with governments and organizations such as the Ministry of Education in Nepal, Valenzuela City Hall in the Philippines, Wang Thong Lang District Office in Bangkok, Thailand, and the National Blood Center of Mongolia.[26][27][28]

Young Adult Activities

ASEZ’s Mother’s Street Campaign around the Kathmandu City Hall in Nepal
ASEZ’s Mother’s Street Campaign around the Kathmandu City Hall in Nepal

ASEZ and ASEZ WAO members in Asia make efforts to inform each country of international issues affecting mankind through environmental cleanups,[29][30][31] forums,[32][33][34] seminars,[3] and campaigns[35] to take action to resolve them.[36] The young adults continue their efforts to help solve the problems of the global village together, saying, “We hope that our small actions will change the hearts of citizens one by one.”[37] The Vice President of the Philippines, Leni Robredo, said, “It’s very touching to see them unite to end poverty and help bring prosperity and wellness to mankind.”[38]
Recently, the young adults conducted the “Heart to Heart” Project and the “Cheer Up” Campaign for the medical staff and officials who were working hard to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. They expressed their gratitude and support by delivering handwritten letters and snack kits to various places such as the Philippine General Hospital in Metro Manila, the San Pablo Police Station, the Penang General Hospital in Malaysia, Chulalongkorn University Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand, and the COVID-19 Countermeasure Headquarters in Kyoto City Hall in Japan.

In recognition of the activities of the young adults, many awards were presented to them such as the Certificate of Appreciation from the Department of Environment and National Resources in the Philippines;[39] the Certificate of Recognition from the Mayor of Ahmednagar Municipal Corporation;[40] the Certificate of Appreciation from the Mayor of Mumbai, India;[41] the Certificate of Appreciation from the Ministry of Health in Sarawak, Malaysia;[42] the Certificate of Recognition from the Mayor of Las Piñas, Philippines;[43] and the Certificate of Recognition from Dehu Road Police Station in India.[44]

Responses to COVID-19

Donated 10,000 masks to Mongolian Ministry of Health, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Donated 10,000 masks to Mongolian Ministry of Health, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

After the COVID-19 outbreak, the Church of God in Asia actively supported coronavirus prevention and living expenses, taking into account the circumstances of each country. It provided urgent personal protective equipment [PPE] such as face masks and hand sanitizers to city halls, public health centers, police stations, and schools. They also delivered groceries and daily necessities to people suffering from the hardships of the pandemic. Chhit Sokhon, Minister of Cults and Religions in Cambodia, presented a Certificate of Appreciation to the Church of God and said, “The education system has also been greatly affected by COVID-19, and I’m deeply grateful for the support of coronavirus prevention equipment during this time. These activities are really necessary.”[45][46] D. Nyamkhuu, Director of the National Center for Communicable Diseases of the Ministry of Health in Mongolia, expressed his deep gratitude for the church’s cooperation to end COVID-19. He said, “The members of the Church of God, who are taking the lead in volunteer services during these difficult times around the world, have provided facial masks that are most needed.”[47]

External links

See also

References

  1. ↑ "World Mission Society Church of God Spread Mother's Love Here and There with Domestic Cleanup Activity and Overseas Stock Farm Support". Kyeonggi Ilbo. February 23, 2017.
  2. ↑ "2021 2nd Quarter ASEZ WAO Activities in the Philippines". Where's RR. July 9, 2021.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "2019 ASEZ and ASEZ WAO Summer International Volunteer Service and Cultural". WATV.org. July 31, 2019.
  4. ↑ "Religion of Asia". Britannica.
  5. ↑ "Church of God in the World, Media Cast". MEDIA CAST.
  6. ↑ "Malaysia Nursing Home Visit". MEDIA CAST. November 25, 2016.
  7. ↑ "The Mandaluyong Church in the Philippines Holds a Consolatory Party for Families". English WATV. May 12, 2019.
  8. ↑ "A Warm End of the Year with Neighbors". WATV News. December 30, 2012.
  9. ↑ "People Sharing Family Affection". WATV News. December 27, 2012.
  10. ↑ "With a Heart Serving the Parents". WATV News. December 24, 2012.
  11. ↑ "55th Anniversary of World Mission Society Church of God, Opening the Era of 3 Million Saints". Monthly Shindonga. June 7, 2019.
  12. ↑ "Church of God '67th Overseas Visiting Group' Visit Korea". Incheon Ilbo. June 17, 2016.
  13. ↑ "Global Leadership Conference for the Women Pastoral Staff". WATV.org. April 27, 2019.
  14. ↑ "General Pastor Joo-Cheol Kim of the World Mission Society Church of God". Monthly Shindonga. June 7, 2019.
  15. ↑ "Completion Ceremony of Nepal Shree Primary School Building". WATV News. March 2, 2016.
  16. ↑ "Completion Ceremony for Shree Bhawani Primary School Building in Nepal". ASEZ.org.
  17. ↑ "Mother's School in Nepal". MEDIA CAST.
  18. ↑ "Mother's School 2 Completion – Nepal". MEDIA CAST. May 31, 2019.
  19. ↑ "'Mother's Heart' World Mission Society Church of God". Incheon Ilbo. September 21, 2015.
  20. ↑ "Japan Association Helps Typhoon Prapiroon Victims". WATV News. August 30, 2018.
  21. ↑ "Help Embracing Wounds from Typhoon". WATV News. December 24, 2012.
  22. ↑ "9 Water Pumps Donated to Cambodia Kandal State". WATV News. December 31, 2012.
  23. ↑ "'Crisis Into Opportunity,' Showing the Way of Hope for Global Village". Monthly Shindonga. January 3, 2022.
  24. ↑ "Concerts in Peru, U.S., Malaysia, and Singapore". WATV.org. August 11, 2019.
  25. ↑ "'We Love You' Echoes in Cambodia". MEDIA CAST. April 7, 2011.
  26. ↑ "Activity Partnership". WATV.org.
  27. ↑ "MOU Conclusion". ASEZ.org.
  28. ↑ "MOUs". ASEZWAO.org.
  29. ↑ "Climate change among reasons behind dengue outbreak". ABS-CBN. August 11, 2019.
  30. ↑ "Mother's Street in Nepal, Media Cast". MEDIA CAST. June 17, 2021.
  31. ↑ "Clean the Earth, Make the World Beautiful". MEDIA CAST. May 31, 2019.
  32. ↑ "ASEZ Holds Global Forum 2017". ASIA TODAY. December 19, 2017.
  33. ↑ "2017 ASEZ Global Forum for the Implementation of the UN SDGs". ASEZ.org. January 30, 2018.
  34. ↑ "World Mission Society Church of God ASEZ Crime Prevention Conference in the Philippines". MEDIA CAST. July 13, 2019.
  35. ↑ "Cleanliness campaign". The Shillong Times. August 15, 2019.
  36. ↑ "Part 2. Awareness Raising [ASEZ WAO Introduction Video]". MEDIA CAST. March 9, 2021.
  37. ↑ ""No More GPGP" Resounds All Over the Philippines". ASEZWAO.org. January 20, 2020.
  38. ↑ "Twenty, Soaring Over the World". MEDIA CAST. May 27, 2021.
  39. ↑ "Certificate of Appreciation, The Department of Environment and Natural Resources". WATV Award. January 27, 2019.
  40. ↑ "Certificate of Recognition, Ahmednagar Municipal Corporation". WATV Award. August 9, 2021.
  41. ↑ "Certificate of Appreciation, India, Mayor of Mumbai". WATV Award. January 12, 2020.
  42. ↑ "Jabatan Kesihatan Negeri Sarawak, Malaysia, Hospital Miri". WATV Award. November 30, 2020.
  43. ↑ "Certificate of Recognition, Philippines, City of Government of Las Piñas". WATV Award. October 30, 2018.
  44. ↑ "Certificate of Citation, India, Dehu Road Police Station". WATV Award. July 29, 2021.
  45. ↑ "Certificate of Appreciation, Minister of Cambodia's Cults and Religious Affairs". WATV Award. November 12, 2013.
  46. ↑ "Overcoming COVID19 and Warm Support Making Global Village's Future Bright". Monthly Woman DongA. February 1, 2021.
  47. ↑ "Sharing COVID19 Preventive Supplies, Protecting the Health of the World's Neighbors". Ilgan Gyeonggi. July 9, 2020.
Retrieved from "https://en.churchofgod.wiki/index.php?title=The_Church_of_God_in_Asia&oldid=4171"