The Church of God in North America: Difference between revisions

North America was one of the first places where the [[World Mission Society Church of God|Church of God]] began its overseas mission. In 1997, the gospel was preached in Los Angeles, CA, and spread to New York, Connecticut, Colorado, and Illinois in the 2000s.<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://watv.org/north-america|title= North America |website= |publisher= WATV.org |date= |year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref> The number of members increased rapidly as many were moved by the truths of the [[Bible]] such as the [[New Covenant Passover|new covenant Passover]], the seven feasts in three times, [[Ahnsahnghong|God the Father]] and [[God the Mother]]. Churches have been established in every state, including Alaska near the North Pole and Hawaii in the Pacific. There are also small worship locations such as house churches and office churches throughout the country. More than 90% of the members of the Church of God in the United States are citizens of the country and represent various racial groups.<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://jmagazine.joins.com/monthly/view/318952|title= [Special Report - Luther's 500th Anniversary of Reformation - Church of God and the Truth of the Bible] World Mission Society Church of God, 2.7 Million Members' Grand Chorus |website= |publisher= Monthly JoongAng |date=November 17, 2017 |year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref> In the United States, where racial issues are still present, the members practice virtues such as love, consideration, and humility. Following the [[Teachings of Mother]], they understand that love is the greatest virtue and set a good example for society by showing love to one another.<br>American members played a pivotal role in establishing churches in many countries in South America such as Colombia and Venezuela.<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://english.watv.org/news/content.asp?idx=903&page=4&searchString=jerusalem&menu=O|title= The Preaching Festival Began in Jerusalem and Spread All Over the USA|website=English WATV |publisher=  |date=|year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref> In Canada, which borders the United States, the gospel mission is being carried out and churches have been established in Edmonton, Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal. It was not expected to see many people from North America come to a church that started in Korea.<br>Starting with the first [[Church of God Overseas Visiting Group|Overseas Visiting Group]] in 2001, the members in North America have been constantly visiting Korea, the “land of prophecy,” where the truth of the [[New Covenant|new covenant]] has been restored. During the trip, they study the Bible, experience Heavenly Mother’s love, and deepen their faith in God. Those who participated in the visiting group have said, “'I realized God’s love that I only knew as knowledge in the Bible. I will put that love into practice in my life and deliver God’s grace and blessings to my family, neighbors, and acquaintances.”<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://watv.org/74th-overseas-visiting-group/|title= The 74th Overseas Visiting Group|website= WATV.org|publisher=  |date=|year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref> The members in North America are continuing the [[gospel]] work without rest to deliver the love, the truth of the new covenant, throughout the continent. They strive to testify about God the Father and God the Mother who give true freedom, the gift of eternal life.

The Churches of God throughout North America help communities by holding various volunteer services with Mother’s love and a heart toward a family. They organize cleanups and campaigns to educate citizens on the importance of protecting the environment,<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://watv.org/environmental/|title= Environmental Preservation|website= |publisher= WATV.org |date= |year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url= https://news3lv.com/news/local/volunteers-clean-up-las-vegas-local-parks|title= Volunteers clean up Las Vegas local parks|website= |publisher= 3News |date=May 10, 2021 |year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url= https://www.news4jax.com/positively-jax/2021/01/21/jacksonville-church-volunteers-cleaning-up-city-parks-this-weekend/|title= Jacksonville church volunteers clean up city parks|website= |publisher= News 4 Jax |date=January 21, 2021 |year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url= https://www.kgun9.com/news/local-news/140-volunteers-cleanup-rillito-river-at-the-alvernon-bridge|title= 140 volunteers cleanup Rillito River at the Alvernon Bridge|website= |publisher=KGUN9 |date=January 12, 2020 |year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref> and host the [[Worldwide Blood Drive to Give Life Through the Love of the Passover]] to support the blood supply shortage and save lives.<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://watv.org/blood-donation-relay/|title= ‘Worldwide Blood Drive to Give Life Through the Love of the Passover’ Was Held Over 1,000 Times|website= |publisher= WATV.org |date=June 20, 2021 |year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url= https://www.deseret.com/2018/8/5/20650596/world-mission-society-church-of-god-responds-to-utah-blood-shortage#alicia-howard-left-center-helps-liza-collard-as-sage-tolotti-center-works-and-lewis-todd-elevates-his-arm-after-giving-blood-in-an-american-red-cross-bus-in-the-parking-lot-of-the-world-mission-society-church-of-god-in-salt-lake-city-on-sunday-aug-5-2018-the-church-hosted-a-blood-drive-to-combat-a-blood-shortage-in-utah-hospitals|title= World Mission Society Church of God responds to Utah blood shortage|website= |publisher= Deseret News |date=August 6, 2018|year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url= https://cbs12.com/news/local/lake-worth-church-takes-part-in-mega-blood-drive|title= Lake Worth church takes part in mega blood drive|website= |publisher= CBS 12 NEWS |date= April 16, 2018|year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.fontanaheraldnews.com/news/donating-blood-is-very-important-church-members-say/article_caa5212c-0dc9-11e7-bee6-67da01dc1f93.html|title= Donating blood is very important, church members say|website= |publisher= Fontana Herald News |date=March 20, 2017 |year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref> When unexpected disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods occurred, the members rushed to those affected areas and devoted themselves to recovery and relief efforts to support the victims.<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://watv.org/emergency-relief/|title= Emergency Relief|website= |publisher= WATV.org |date= |year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url= https://english.watv.org/social/content.asp?idx=49130&page=2|title= Hurricane Harvey Relief Efforts by the Houston Church in TX|website= English WATV|publisher=  |date=August 30, 2017|year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url= https://signalscv.com/2019/07/scv-church-sends-help-to-earthquake-victims-in-ridgecrest/|title= SCV church sends help to earthquake victims in Ridgecrest|website= |publisher=The Signal |date=July 7, 2019|year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.courierpapers.com/article_b7085f78-6758-11e3-a7d5-001a4bcf887a.html|title= Warming the Hearts of Washington Victims with Mother's Love Disaster Relief Drive and Volunteer Cleanup|website= |publisher=Courier Newspapers |date=December 17, 2013|year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref> For example, when Hurricane Irene hit the state of New Jersey, they went out to help the victims the very next day. Frank and the Alosevic family, Hurricane Irene victims who received help from church volunteers, sent a letter of appreciation to the church. It said, “I gave up hope, but you guys brought it back. I saw what I never imagined existed anymore, people of all walks of life working together in a brotherly and sisterly fashion. Let your loved ones know you are changing other people’s lives for the better.”<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://www.donga.com/news/Culture/article/all/20170925/86514869/1|title=[Church of God] "An 'angel' visited when we thought we've lost everything" |website= |publisher= Donga.com |date= September 26, 2017|year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref>

In addition, church members have helped their neighbors in need by donating socks to the homeless and hosting blanket drives to support a children’s hospital. The church has also led volunteer activities to support education by donating books and school supplies to local schools, building playgrounds, and hosting other initiatives to support the youth. They continue to share Mother's love with their neighbors through large and small volunteer services such as helping the elderly at nursing homes, shoveling snow after snowstorms, and visiting police and fire stations to show their appreciation for their service.<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://watv.org/volunteer/|title= Volunteer Services|website= |publisher= WATV.org |date= |year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref> The Church of God in Edmonton, Canada, visited senior citizens, who spent the end of the year away from their families, in nursing homes and shared love and laughter by putting on various performances.

They also carry out activities to help solve critical societal problems to create a better future. In the United States, which has the highest number of COVID-19 infections, the Church of God delivered face masks and support kits to the medical staff to help during the pandemic.<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://www.kgdm.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=702350|title= Church of God Shares Hope in U.S. Areas to Overcome COVID-19|website= |publisher= Gyeonggi Ilbo |date=June 21, 2020|year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref> During this time, when communication between families started to decrease, the members held the “Family Appreciation Day” event to help family members reconnect with one another.<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://watv.org/family-appreciation-day-chicago/|title=Family Appreciation Day of the Chicago Church in IL|website= |publisher= WATV.org |date=March 17, 2019|year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref> They also held the ASEZ ''“''Future Leaders Forum” in partnership with police officials to discuss crime prevention measures that can be put into practice<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://watv.org/asez-future-leader-forum/|title= ASEZ Future Leader Forum in Virginia|website= |publisher= WATV.org |date=April 28, 2019|year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref> and the “Cooperation for World Peace” concert to encourage citizens to implement the Sustainable Development Goals [SDGs] in their daily lives.<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://watv.org/concerts-peru-us-malaysia-singapore/|title= Concerts in Peru, U.S., Malaysia, and Singapore|website= |publisher= WATV.org |date=August 11, 2019|year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url= https://asez.org/asez_peace-concert_eng/|title= ASEZ Concert at the Lincoln Center Alice Tully Hall|website= |publisher= ASEZ.org  |date=August 11, 2019|year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref>

The Church of God in North America is being praised in the media as a role model for its efforts to serve communities with love in a society where individualism prevails.<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://www.newshankuk.com/news/content.asp?fs=1&ss=3&news_idx=201707302209401385|title="Devotion of Church of God Causes a Big Change in U.S. Communities"... "With Mother's Love," Washington D.C.|website= |publisher= NewsHankuk |date=July 30, 2017 |year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref> In recognition of their commitment to helping their neighbors in need, raising civic awareness, and having a positive impact on the community, the Church of God received the President’s Gold Volunteer Service Award (the highest honor for a group) 48 times from the U.S. Presidents Biden, Trump, and Obama administrations.<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://watvaward.org/world/index.asp|title= AWARDS TO THE CHURCH OF GOD WORLDWIDE|website= |publisher= WATV Award |date= |year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |url= https://watvaward.org/world/content.asp?inter/1/1561/0/10|title= The President's Volunteer Service Award, Gold, Joe Biden, 2021,|website= |publisher= WATV Award |date= |year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url= https://watvaward.org/world/content.asp?inter/1/1520/0/10|title= The President's Volunteer Service Award, Gold, Donald Trump, 2019|website= |publisher= WATV Award |date= |year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url= https://watvaward.org/world/index.asp?over/2/4234/0/10|title= The President's Volunteer Service Award, Gold, Barack Obama, 2015|website= |publisher= WATV Award |date= |year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref> U.S. President Joe Biden praised the members’ efforts in the Award Certificate and letter. He said, “On behalf of the American people, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to you for your volunteer leadership, and I encourage you to continue to answer the call to serve. The country is counting on you.” Local governments also issued proclamations and resolutions to express their gratitude and respect for the humanitarian work of the Church of God.<ref>{{Cite web |url=  https://watvaward.org/world/index.asp?over/2/4518/0/1|title= California Legislature Assembly, Certificate of Recognition|website= |publisher= WATV Award |date= |year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://watvaward.org/world/content.asp?inter/1/1483/0/10 |title= Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition|website= |publisher= WATV Award |date= |year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url= https://watvaward.org/world/index.asp?over/2/4517/0/1|title= Certificate of Appreciation, Great American Cleanup, 2017|website= |publisher= WATV Award |date= |year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url= https://watvaward.org/world/index.asp?over/2/4516/0/1|title= U.S. House of Representatives Certificate of Congressional Recognition|website= |publisher= WATV Award |date= |year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=  https://watvaward.org/world/index.asp?over/2/4541/0/1|title= United States Department of the Inferior, Appreciation Letter|website= |publisher= WATV Award |date= |year= |author= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref>