ⓒ 2014 WATV

Following the dedication service at the Eunpyeong Church on Feb. 25, the Gongdeok Church and the Mapo Church, too, celebrated the establishment of their new temples on March 4. This year, in Seoul alone, three independent church buildings were dedicated to God Elohim.

▶ The Gongdeok Church’s long-cherished wish for the larger temple was granted through Mother’s holy blessings

The new church building with four stories above the ground is situated between Mapo-gu and Yongsan-gu, and is close to the Hyochang Park and the Sookmyung University.

The main worship hall with 320 seats is neat and cozy. The church also has education rooms, a reception room, baptism rooms, an office, and a kitchen.

ⓒ 2014 WATV

The dedication service for the Church of God in Gongdeok-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul was held at 2:30 in the afternoon on March 4 in full warmth of spring. The pastoral staff and the members from neighboring churches also participated in the dedication service. They celebrated the dedication, and prayed with one mind that the newly-built church would play a central role in the gospel work and fulfill the mission of preaching Mother’s love and glory.

▶ The Mapo Church has a great goal to fill the spacious temple with the gospel workers

ⓒ 2014 WATV

The new temple established in Shinsu-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, has two stories below and five above the ground with a gross floor area of 3,258.93m²(35,078ft²). Since it is located beside the main road, it is easily found and is convenient for transportation. Around the church, there are a big apartment complex, offices, shops and many cultural facilities. In particular, major universities including the Yonsei University stand close and this area has a large floating population. So it is good to communicate with neighbors from various backgrounds as well as the university students.

The exterior of the building, which is decorated with materials in gold and silver gloss, is very refined, modern and beautiful. At the mere sight of the outer appearance, even those who see it for the first time are moved to admiration by its magnificence. Inside the church, there are the main worship hall with 550 seats—a fellowship room, education rooms, baptism rooms, a reception room, audiovisual rooms, multipurpose room and a parking lot.

The dedication service was held along with the Third-day service on March 4, while the members from nearby churches attended as well.

Through the two dedication services, Mother complimented the members who made efforts for the establishment of the new temples and all the Zion members who worked hard for the gospel. And She earnestly said, “God the Father has blessed you with this big and wonderful temple in reward for your long waiting. I hope that you will spread the gospel harder with gratitude to God and display God’s glory all the more through your beautiful and good deeds and neighborly love.”

General Pastor Kim Joo-cheol gave a sermon under the subject, “Preaching without Fear,” and preached about the mindset that God’s children must have in this age. He mentioned the Biblical figures as good examples: Gideon who defeated 135,000 soldiers of his enemy only with 300 soldiers who had faith without fear (Judges 7), the young David who won the victory against the giant Goliath, relying only the name of God (1 Sa 17:32–49), and Peter who caught a large number of fish by letting down his nets according to the words of Jesus Christ. Through these figures, Pastor Kim emphasized the importance of fearless faith that relies only on God. And he added, “Mother has said that this year will be the year of jubilee when the gospel works the best. Relying only on Her words, let us display the glory of Jerusalem boldly whatever hardships, persecutions and hindrances we may encounter.”

All the members energetically said, “Amen,” and resolved to reveal the glory of Jerusalem all over the world with bold and firm faith this year.

ⓒ 2014 WATV