A Youth Pastor’s Testimony
Ansan Church in Korea
Ansan Church once had the potential to be filled with 100 young adult members. However, after a series of complex incidents, during the hardest times only 3 young adult members remained. The new Youth Pastor, Cho Chan-hee, has brought many young adults back together centering on Cheonshim Won’s vigil prayer and their devotional life. Currently, 30 young adults have come together, and they are on the path to achieving their goal of 60 members.
Part 2 (Click here to read Part 1)
Young adults transformed by Cheonshim Won devotions
Member 2: I joined the online Sunday service because I couldn’t attend in person. Later, with the encouragement of Youth Pastor Cho Chan-hee, I was able to muster up the courage and attend the Special Hyojeong Workshop in the Heavenly Cheonbo training center.
After completing the workshop, I’ve been active as a member of the Hyojeong Mobilization Team until today. It gave me the opportunity to put into practice the teachings I’ve learned and to gain a deeper understanding of True Parents’ heart.
Later, during the 2023 Top Gun Kick Off Ceremony, through Youth Pastor Cho’s suggestion, I attended a night vigil in person. It was during that vigil that I truly felt the importance of laying my heart bare before Heavenly Parent. Now, I’ve reached a point where I can ask directly to Heavenly Parent and receive answers.
Pastor Cho: We continued Cheonshim Won devotions with a sincere heart. Ansan Church participates in Cheonshim Won’s online vigil night prayer every day. On Fridays, they attend the main venue in person whenever possible. With the devotion in the Spirit and the Truth, significant changes have begun to unfold within the church. The young adults have started attending the 21-day and 40-day workshops. As I engaged in activities alongside the young adults, while we offered prayers at Cheonshim Won, many remarkable works began to take place.
The young adult who once attempted suicide has now transformed into a leader and is preparing for the Blessing. And those who were inactive in the church have returned, becoming praise leaders, dedicating themselves full-time, and resolving to become public leaders. What began with only 5 to 7 participants at youth services has now grown to over 30, pushing toward 50 and aiming for 60.
In line with True Mother’s teachings for the environment we established the Ansan Peace Designer. Our activities in 2022 and 2023 were recognized, earning us an award from Ansan City. As of 2024, we have been designated as an exemplary organization, receiving financial support from the city for our ongoing activities.
The responsibility to realize our dreams of unification falls on the shoulders of the young adults. We are making the effort to follow the footsteps of Hyo Jin Nim, who went to Berlin at some personal risk.
I have also become an advisor of the National Unification Advisory Council (NUAC). Recently, we successfully hosted a unification seminar with over 50 participants from our young generation, alongside 73 new members.
This is how we held the Three Generation Victory Service, attended by over 100 future generation members. This Three Generation Sunday Service marked the beginning of a commitment for even more young adults to walk hand in hand with the substantial Holy Spirit, the only begotten daughter, the embodiment of True Mother.
Miracles through Cheonshim Won devotion
Member 3: On-site, I recognized both my physical and spiritual shortcomings and came to understand that I had very little influence. However, knowing I needed to overcome those limitations, I prayed for Heaven’s help to be with me at every moment, regardless of what I was doing. Following Pastor Cho, I immersed myself with activities for three months. I finally witnessed a small miracle.
When I returned in May after attending a workshop, the young adult praise services that had been on hold for seven years resumed at the young adult church. Although there were only a few, second-generation that were once inactive started to come to church again. The gatherings and activities of the young adult members became more vibrant, and both the youth and young adults, who began to feel even a glimpse of a True Mother’s heart, committed to attending the Cheonshim Won vigil night prayer every Friday.
I believe that none of this could have been achieved through human effort alone; It was made possible through Heaven’s cooperation, our dedication to True Mother, and our heartfelt prayers. Watching the young adults and our community in Ansan come back to life, one by one, I felt that I received far more strength in return than what I had invested.
Member 2: I sincerely kept praying to Heavenly Parent, saying, “Please, let me be able to participate in the praise service.” My business trip schedule overlapped with the service, putting me in a difficult situation. However, in the end, Heaven accepted our devotion—my business trip was postponed!
As I participated in the praise service, reflecting deeply on the lyrics of each song, I found myself contemplating more and more the message that Heaven wanted to convey. As I witnessed so many members experiencing revival, tears filled my eyes.
Our steps guided by Heaven
Pastor Cho: The young members created the praise service. What’s truly remarkable is that most of them were members who had been inactive in the church for a long time. In the process of pushing beyond our limits, we faced many challenges, including illness, but by thinking of our brothers and sisters who were in greater need than ourselves, we were able to overcome together, helped by our prayers at Cheonshim Won.
The praise service, Sunday services, volunteer work, and Korea reunification movement—these are things that one person alone could not accomplish. However, with one person, then another joining, we became “us,” and that is how it became possible.
It was the most challenging place, a place that many believed was impossible to succeed in, which motivated all of us to make it happen. There were countless moments when I wanted to give up, and at times, I faced pain and trials. However, I was able to be grateful towards Heaven. Through the steps I’ve taken so far, I have finally come to understand the true meaning of True Mother’s words, “Become one with True Mother’s heart!”
Together with the sincere devotion at Cheonshim Won and becoming one with True Mother’s Heart, the first, second, and third generations united as one. With all three generations moving forward together, even though we were lacking, Heavenly Parent walked alongside us.
Young adults’ resolve
Member 3: Lately, I have been feeling alive for the first time. In a life where I once wished tomorrow would never come, I now drift off to sleep looking forward to the next day. I want to cherish each day with joy knowing how precious the life given by True Parents is and share the love I’ve received with people around the world. Furthermore, next year, as I resolved before True Mother, I plan on joining the 5th batch of CLA, dedicating myself entirely for Heaven.
Member 2: Even though, including myself, we still lack in many ways, I am confident that the young adults of Ansan Church, coming together one by one, will contribute to the church’s further development. In the future, I will do my best in my field, take part in the providence led by Heavenly Parent and True Mother, the Only Begotten Daughter. I will strive to become the pure water that True Mother envisions. Thank you.
Member 1: I want to find my purpose and engage in the Hyojeong Mobilization activities and volunteer work. I aspire to embody True Parents’ love and become a person who can offer help and approach others with a sincere heart.
Pastor Cho: My father works as a public leader in Heavenly Japan. The poor blessed families of Japan… When I think about them, honestly, I can’t help but shed tears. It’s heartbreaking when I think of the poor children around the world, I can’t help but cry. However, although we are all facing the most difficult times, we will surely be victorious, and if we move forward with True Mother’s unwavering love, we will definitely be victorious.
Let me conclude by sharing a verse from John 16:33: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” This passage speaks to us deeply. Yes, we may face trials and hardships in this world. Yet, like the unwavering devotion offered at Cheonshim Won and the heart of True Mother, if we pour ourselves into our efforts, with the first, second, and third generations uniting together, we will surely bring victory.