From June 27 to 29, 2014, there was a youth congress held by the Korean Union Conference (KUC) youth ministries department. Under the theme of “ON AIR 2014: Adventism, Innovation, Revival,” more than 2,000 young people and ministers in charge of youth ministries from across the nation gathered together to talk about Adventist identity and to share each other’s vision for accomplishing Adventist mission. It had been thirty-two years since Korean young Adventists had converged from all parts of South Korea for such a youth congress.
During a worship service on Sabbath, Pastor Kim DaeSung, KUC president, traced the history of the Seventh-day Adventist church and explained what the three angels’ messages means for us. “Our church is not just one of the numerous Christian denominations in the world. We are God’s remnant church chosen by Him and who are supposed to close this earth’s history,” he said.
Pastor Kim JungGon, professor at the Korean Adventist Training Center, gave a series of lectures on such titles as “The Declaration of Independence,” “The Living Cross,” and “Neo Diaspora,” challenging young people to be good soldiers of Jesus Christ. “The life of Jesus was wholly focused on the mission from God. We should also fix our eyes on our mission in this world. Let us escape from lives without purpose, look beyond limitations, and declare independence from this world full of evil.”
Bienvenido V. Tejano, the Philippines Ambassador to Papua New Guinea and a special guest of the congress, shared a part of his life story with God. “As an ambassador has a right to call the president directly, we all have a right to visit God directly. If we believe in God with all our hearts, He will never abandon us. I hope Korean young Adventists will be God’s loyal subjects who obey Jesus’ supreme order.”
Attention from the World Church
This nationwide congress not only stirred up the Korean Adventist youth but drew attention from the world church. In his video message of congratulations, Gilbert Cangy, director of youth ministries for the world church, said, “I believe it will be the largest gathering of young people in Korea since 1982. It is important that we know who we are as Seventh-day Adventists and what our unique contributions are to the world today. I have been to Korea, and I know how innovative your leaders and your young people can be. May all the dreams of your leaders and of God come true for your gathering.”
Moon JiWan, associate director of the General Conference youth ministries department, visited the congress to send congratulations on behalf of the 17 million Adventists in the world. He urged young participants to be missionaries. “I have a conviction that you are the generation who will complete the mission God has given to us. I believe that the gospel will finally be preached to all nations through you when you are filled with the Holy Spirit. Be enthusiastic to preach the gospel to all nations,” he said.
Kim NakHyung, youth ministry director of the Northern Asia-Pacific Division, cited a Korean proverb, “No one knows which clouds have rain,” saying, “You are the clouds of the latter rain which will pour out on the whole earth. My wish is that you will find the chance to realize your vision and dream to the earth here.” He added, “The word ’Adventist youth’ is one of my favorite words. You are true hope itself. Challenge the world now.”
Full of Creative Programs
The congress included group discussion, prayer meeting, seminars, and concerts, which encouraged attendees’ direct participation.
During group discussion, participants shared their thoughts about how to fulfill their vision in God’s way. Discussions were held on the three themes for the event: Adventism, Innovation, and Revival. First of all, they put their heads together to think about how to restore their identity as an Adventist. It was a time to reconfirm that Adventists need to have the basic qualifications of Christians, but at the same time, keep the distinctiveness of Adventists. Moreover, they discussed how to bring about innovation in their lives. The lives of Joseph, Daniel, and Apostle Paul were used as a reference for the discussion. Lastly, they tried to figure out how to bring about missionary revival in their individual lives and in the Adventist church.
Young attendees also benefitted from seminars, which dealt with how to handle endless worries and challenges living in the world as an Adventist. A number of professional experts, including a minister, a professor, a doctor, an entrepreneur, a counselor, and a lawyer, were invited to share their wisdom and experience on various topics, such as “Religion and Life,” “Ministry and Service,” and “Major and Career.” At the morning worship service, young Adventists who have made their career successfully shared their experiences.
Furthermore, various cultural events added to a festive atmosphere. The congress featured various performances by Korean cultural ministry organizations. A wide variety of works, including music, dance, skit, multimedia art, drama and musicals, doubled the impact of the sermons. The reports of mission work in which young people had participated swayed the audience to have a clear vision. At the Booth Zone, Adventist singing groups, such as Golden Angels and Hosanna, held outdoor concerts. On Sabbath, June 28, the Museum of Sahmyook University opened a special exhibition, displaying historic photographs of Adventist ministry in Korea.
Booth Festival
The Booth Festival, run by about 20 institutions and ministry groups, added exuberance to the congress. They introduced their mission work and handed out promotional materials and booklets. The youth ministries department of KUC introduced youth ministry in Korea and its plans for the future. The booths of cultural ministry organizations, such as Sulammi Musical Company, ON Media Ministry, and Today Worship, were crowded with passionate young Adventists. Some of the booths, such as Eliezer Project, gave visitors a glimpse of Adventist couple training. For young people who were interested in mission work, 1000 Missionary Movement or HisHands Mission Movement, presented them with various opportunities for mission. Both booth directors and visitors said that it was a great chance for young Adventists to get to know various opportunities of ministry and to get contact information. Also, it was anticipated that the booth festival would boost cooperation and co-work among churches and ministry institutions.
Turning Point
The participants of the congress expressed that it was a turning point in their religious lives, to restore the image and character of Christ in them. “It was a short but precious time for me. Sermons, praises, and prayers drew me near to Jesus Christ and made me surrender my all to Him. I will testify that He is the only hope in this hopeless world,” one participant from Southeast Korean Conference said. “This gathering was successful in turning our eyes toward God and away from being successful in a busy world,” another participant said. "Through this meeting, I heard God say He still loves us. If we worship Him in spirit and in truth, we will be changed. I hope all of us decide to live for the Lord and die for the Lord,” said Kim JinHo, a member of Gabriel Praise, a praise team.
Youth Congress: What Is Next?
Even though the three-day feast was over, attendees realized that they had just taken the first step toward searching for their own missions. “I am thankful to the Lord for his abundant blessing during this congress. Also, I want to share my appreciation for the great support of our pastors and staff,” said Pastor Choi HoYoung, KUC youth ministry director. “I hope you find your mission field with God’s almighty power. When the Holy Spirit comes upon you, we can all be God’s faithful servants.” As all participants wished, KUC has decided to hold the nationwide youth congress every five years.