ⓒ 2010 WATV

South America is located on the opposite side of the world from Korea. From such a far-off land, some of the heavenly family members, who had longed to see Jerusalem Mother for many years, arrived into the arms of Mother after a two or three day long flight.

Over 160 brothers and sisters from 30 Churches of God in 16 Spanish speaking countries visited Korea as the members of the 48th Overseas Visiting Group. They were from some countries in South America—Peru, Colombia, Argentina, Venezuela, Chile, Ecuador, Guatemala, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Panama, and Brazil—as well as USA, Puerto Rico, Spain and Portugal.

With a deep yearning and faith toward God, they fi nally came to Korea after going through many diffi culties. In the embrace of Mother whom they had longed to see even in dreams, they poured out their suppressed yearning in their hearts by shedding tears. Mother hugged Her children with Her eyes full of love and compassion, and patted them on the back, saying, “Thank you for coming,” and, “I love you.” She also asked them how Her children in their country were doing.

Winter was on the way, but the strong chilly wind became calm. It seemed that Father in heaven was also warmly welcoming His children who flew from the far-off countries.

Brother Gerald from La Paz, Bolivia, looked so happy, saying, “At the Elohim Training Institute which looks like an eagle carrying her young under her wings, Mother also carries us under Her wings of love. So, I feel like I’m in heaven.” Like children who are being dandled on their mother’s knees, the overseas members experienced peace and joy in the embrace of Mother; they re-created the scene when they used to be with Mother in heaven.

During their stay at the Elohim Training Institute, they studied the truth and visited the Elohim Folk Village. They focused on studying the truth, forgetting about jet lag and temperature difference, and they enthusiastically preached the Bible in front of Mother. Brother Gerardo from Peunte Alto, Chile, who cried during his presentation, said in an interview, “I’m just a sinner who is not worthy to say anything before God, but I’m allowed to stand in front of Mother, looking into Her eyes. As I thought of this, I became overwhelmed with emotion all of a sudden.” He asked Mother for Her blessings by saying the following words in Korean—“Mother, I love You,” and, “Mother, please give me much blessing. I want to be a great gospel worker”—which he had practiced for a long time, and he wiped away his tears again.

@IMG10@The Elohim Folk Village is a place for the members to understand Heavenly Father’s life of sacrifi ce that He had to endure alone. Brother Marco from the 3rd Lima Church in Peru said with a sigh while taking a careful look around the folk village, “It’s shocking. I’ve often heard about Father’s sacrifi ce, but actually I used to think that the sacrifice Christ went through at His second coming was not so great when compared to the sacrifice of the Cross He endured at His fi rst coming. However, there’s no difference in the degree of His sacrifice. I feel like I am no different than Thomas who recognized Jesus only after touching his wounds with his hands. I can’t believe how Father lived such an extreme life in this cold and small room, only desiring His children’s salvation.”

The members from South America, called the land of passion, have a unique fervor for the gospel. It was clearly revealed during their visit as well. Even in the chilly weather, they shouted “No frío (it’s not cold)” with one voice and went through their schedules energetically.

It was particularly cold on the day when they visited the Independence Hall of Korea. However, they showed themselves as valiant worriors of the truth, singing a New Song titled “Go to the World” as if they sang a marching song, and it relieved Mother who had been worried that Her children would feel cold.
Looking around the Independence Hall with the overseas visiting group, Mother explained them about the principle of spiritual independence through the history of the Korean independence fighters. She also reminded them that it is the duty of heavenly independence fi ghters to save God’s people from the power of Satan, under which they have been until today through the Dark Ages, and to reveal the truth of God clearly.

Sister Andrea from Kitto, Ecuador, reaffi rmed her determination, saying, “There are so many souls who are being dragged to death, confi ned in darkness. I was also one of them, but because Father had fought for spiritual independence, I was liberated from the pain of death, and I’ve been able to become who I am today. As Father did, I will shine the light of truth to fi nd my lost brothers and sisters so that I can achieve heavenly independence.”

On worship days, they visited the Seogu Church in Daejeon, the Yongtong Church in Suwon, the New Jerusalem Temple, the Nakseom Church in Incheon, the Gwanak Church in Seoul, as well as the Okcheon Go&Come Training Institute. Sister Nancy from Buenos Aires, Argentina, said, “All the Churches of God I’ve visited are so beautiful. However, when I think of how much Father and Mother sacrificed until They established those Churches, my heart is broken.” Saying that, she showed her resolution to reclaim the gospel with the same spirit of sacrifi ce as that of Father and Mother.
Mother Herself delivered a sermon titled “If You Are God’s Children, Do the Things God Did.” She said in Her sermon, “Saving the souls, who are groaning because of disasters, quickly with the mind of God who is love is doing the deeds of God as God’s children.” Engraving these words of Mother in their minds, they felt so happy to listen to the teaching of Mother directly and spent joyful time with the Korean members whom they met after six thousand years.

ⓒ 2010 WATV

@IMG11@The overseas members also tried to learn the faith and behavior of the Korean members who were listening to Mother directly in the country Father came to. Brother Baldmar, who was the first visitor to Korea from Portugal, said, “I didn’t really know anything about Korea. I heard the truth from a short-term mission team from Korea, and now I’ve come to this country and realize what kind of ‘love’ I should have through Mother and the brothers and sisters beside Her. Although it is a short period of time, I’m learning many things.”

The overseas visiting group members also visited the Church of God History Museum while being absorbed in studying the truth at the WMC Head Offi ce building. At the museum, they were able to see at a glance the long history of the gospel work that Elohim had been accomplishing throughout all ages—the age of the Father when the miracle of the Red Sea occurred after the Israelites celebrated the Passover and came out of Egypt, the age of the Son when Jesus proclaimed the New Covenant Passover through His suffering on the cross, and the age of the Holy Spirit when salvation is accomplished by the appearance of the Spirit and the Bride. The most impressive place for the overseas members was “Heavenly Father’s Hall,” which exhibits the notes and books Father personally wrote for His children all night long and provides the opportunity to listen to Father’s sermons. The overseas members felt closer to Father whom they had vaguely understood, hoping for heaven where Father dwells all the more eagerly.

The overseas members also had a city tour, which helped them understand Korean culture. They visited the Seoul N Tower and the Gyeongbokgung (Palace). Brother Marco from Cordoba, Argentina, said while taking a look around the city, “As I look at the places where Father and Mother preached the gospel, it reminds me of what Father said: ‘The gospel will be preached to the whole world and become prosperous. I’m overwhelmed by the fact that I am here in this holy land now, as a protagonist of the prophecy.”

The Gyeongbokgung is Korea’s best palace which represents the Joseon Dynasty, where we can see the culture of a royal family. Most of the members from South America showed a refreshing response towards the culture of a traditional Korean palace where only the special people like a king, queen and their children could live. Sister Nalliby from Medellin, Colombia, expressed her determination to carry out the mission as God’s heir to inherit the kingdom of heaven, saying, “It’s majestic and beautiful. I think this is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. I believe that there is a more beautiful and spacious palace for us in heaven, where we will live with Father and Mother for ever and ever.”

It was the story of “Heaven” that Mother repeatedly told the 48th Overseas Visiting Group. “You are those who have stood by me in my trials. And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me, so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Lk 22:28-30). Quoting these verses from the Bible, Mother promised that the glorious heavenly blessings beyond imagination were waiting for Her children who were radiating their untiring enthusiasm for the gospel even amid their arduous lives. Shouting “Amen” with joy, the overseas members hoped for heaven through Mother’s words and Her love.

In the embrace of Mother, they washed away the sorrow and sadness which they had suffered while living as strangers on this earth. They shed tears at the reality of having to return to their country, but soon they became cheerful as they were reminded of Mother’s request, “Receive the Holy Spirit abundantly and preach the gospel with love when you return, so that you will become great gospel workers and shine like the stars.”

“I’m sad to leave here, but I can return joyfully because I have the great mission of preaching the gospel and its blessings. I’m going back, filled with the power of love that Mother has given me. I will accomplish the gospel by shining the light of Mother’s glory not only in Paraguay but also in other countries (Brother Luis from Asuncion, Paraguay).”
On their way to the airport along the Incheon Bridge, the sea was twinkling, sending the overseas members off.

Interview WIth the 48th Overseas Visiting Group

ⓒ 2010 WATV

As a pilot, I have made so many flights. However, this time was really different; I’ve never experienced such a special and important flight like that before. That’s because Korea is a holy land for me, where God the Mother dwells.

The moment I met Mother after six thousand years in the place where Heavenly Father had sacrificed Himself for 37 years, I was overwhelmed by a surge of emotions. When I saw Mother, the teachings of the 66 books of the Bible—from the teachings of love to all the prophecies—condensed into one and touched my heart.

Father promised through His prophecy that the gospel would be preached to the whole world until Jerusalem Mother would become the praise and glory of the earth, and it has finally become true.
God’s children from all nations are coming into the arms of Mother, and I myself am here now with my brothers and sisters from each country, which they are scattered all over. There is nothing more meaningful than being here at this place, isn’t there? I came to Korea as one of the prophetic protagonists, and that’s possible by the power of God.

During our stay in Korea, we visited the Independence Hall of Korea. It was really impressive. When Korea was under Japanese colonial rule, there were three kinds of people: those who fought for independence, those who just sat back and watched, and those who joined hands with the invaders. Thanks to the people who fought for independence till the end, Korea was finally liberated from Japan and it has become what it is today. In the same way, there are those who fight for heavenly independence, and there are also those who don’t. As a prophet in this age, I will surely fight for heavenly independence with all my strength.

I saw the things left by Father, including His old worn-out books, which show the thorny path Father walked and His suffering. I also observed the long suffering life of Mother. If a son sees his parents sacrifice themselves for him, he will naturally want to help them and practice filial piety towards them, won’t he? I want to help Mother with Her work. I know very well that preaching the gospel is the way to help Mother, but without love I can do nothing. Cherishing Mother’s love that I saw and felt, I will go to my country and proclaim Her love.
Jorge Luis Maza Quevedo from the 2nd Lima Church, Peru

ⓒ 2010 WATV

I finally met the living God at the age of 72. I can’t tell if I’m awake or dreaming. I’d been looking for God since my childhood, and I’d mistakenly thought for over twenty years that Jehovah is my only Savior. One day, I got a phone call from my son who was living in America. He told me something about the Bible that I could not understand at all. I listened to what he preached to me over the phone for several months, but I could not believe it. Persuaded by my son, I went to America and examined the Bible. This time, he told me that there exits God the Mother!

I wanted to meet Heavenly Mother in Korea. No, I had to meet Heavenly Mother whom I found at the end of my life. As I was far older than all the other members, I had to go through many difficulties until I was allowed to come to Korea. I prayed with tears every day. Since I finally found the true God and came to know that Jerusalem Mother dwells in Korea, I couldn’t fail to see Her. Never.

At last, my soul has been embraced in the arms of Mother, and I feel comfort and happiness. For the brothers and sisters from many other countries, including myself, Mother and the Korean brothers and sisters devoted a lot of time and effort. When I return to my country, I will also devote myself fully to preaching the gospel.
I live 12 hours away from the Caracas Church in Venezuela. To attend a worship service, I have to leave my place the day before the worship day, and I can only return home the day after. Zion must be established in the region where I live and in every other city of Venezuela. For this, I have a great mission—the mission of preaching the gospel.

I am a living witness who has seen the living God. With the love that I’ve learned from Mother, I have to preach Elohim, my Savior in this age. I pray that God will give me strength so that I can preach the gospel with all my corazón (heart) and mente (mind) until the last day of my life on this earth.
Martha Nelly Hernandez from Caracas, Venezuela

ⓒ 2010 WATV

The moment I saw Mother, I shouted for joy.
My wife and I had ministered at a Protestant church for thirty years. Although we often clashed with the headquarters of the church and lived in continuous poverty, we loved God and did our best to serve the church members. However, we were finally driven out. As we kept raising objections to the headquarters because they were going against the Bible, we received a burn notice from them, and we were also forsaken by the people who pursued materialistic things more than the words of the Bible.

One day, my wife led me to a church which was unfamiliar to me. Before, she had special faith; she was even baptized in the Jordan river in Israel. However, she told me about the Sabbath, Passover, and even the new name of Jesus—the Savior’s name in the age of the Holy Spirit. I opposed her stubbornly, but being persuaded by her earnest request, I followed her to Zion.

When I first attended a worship service in the Church, I held my head up straight and looked at the pastor, thinking proudly, ‘I, too, was a pastor.’ However, the powerful words of truth penetrated my mind. Then I met Mother. After overcoming falsehood and many hardships, I finally came to meet God!

My wife and I came to Korea separately from the other members of the visiting group; we arrived later than them because of our visas. When our plane stopped at the international airport in Spain, we were very surprised because the brothers and sisters from the Spain Zion had arrived there to welcome us. It was the love of Mother who had prepared all the way for us to come to Korea. When we arrived in Korea late at night and headed for the Elohim Training Institute, Mother gave us a call, continuously worried that we might have any problems on the way. Mother waited for us until late at night, and She hugged us warmly and said, “I love you.”
I’ve never imagined myself crying this much. I’m so happy that tears keep flowing and flowing. Now I’ve reached true love—not false and hypocritical love that I used to cry out.

I was a false prophet who led God’s sheep to hell. I had to bring them back to the way of heaven.“Please forget everything I told you before. It is a different gospel. What I say from now on is true.” When I shouted this, most people did not pay attention to what I was saying, but there were also many precious sheep who listened to the voice of God. I’ve now received the Holy Spirit and the water of life from Mother, so I have to preach more boldly and powerfully. I must save those who are held captive by falsehood without knowing the truth.
Eduardo Isaac Baeza Diaz from Santiago, Chile

ⓒ 2010 WATV

Actually, I was not so interested in visiting Korea. Since the members of Zion strongly recommended me to visit Korea, I joined the visiting group to Korea without giving it much thought. I never imagined that I would receive this great love. Mother always stayed with us, and hugged so many members and even little children tightly, saying, “God bless you!” It was really touching to see Her do that.
When I arrived here first, I felt somewhat distant from the members who had different nationalities and appearances, but I was surprised to see their kindness and thoughtful consideration; they tried to take good care of each other. They felt like strangers to me at first, but as time went by, they were like my family. It was not just a feeling of closeness or intimacy, but something affectionate—a kind of strong bond. When some brothers and sisters returned to their country earlier, my heart ached so much that I even shed tears. I’ve never done this for anyone before. When I return to my country, I will tell people: “Our Church is different than any other church. There is love and affection; we are truly one family.”

I’m the first Panamanian to come into the arms of Mother in Korea. After I was led to Zion through a short-term mission team from the United States, I had to study God’s word alone in my home until Zion was established at the beginning of 2010; I just read the articles on the Church website. I was able to distinguish the truth from falsehood logically, but inwardly I had to fight against myself so many times. Panamanian people love a party, and I also enjoyed dancing and playing games, so I sometimes went against God’s word. Whenever I did so, Father and Mother helped me get a grip on myself, and through this visit, They strengthened my weak mind that had been wavering between God and the world.

Since I’ve realized the great love and sacrifice of Mother, I feel that the worldly pleasures I used to pursue are nothing. Now my heart is only filled with the mission of finding my lost brothers and sisters by conveying Mother’s love to them.
Before I came to Korea, I introduced Korea to my co-workers with a map spread out, saying, “I’m going to Korea, the country at the end of the earth in the east.” When I return to Panama, I will preach the gospel to my colleagues, being changed into a new person full of the love of Father and Mother. I hope that I will display the glory of Mother fully enough to make them surprised and think, ‘What made Rolando change like that? What on earth happened to him during his stay in Korea?’
Rolando Roberto Allamby Sotillo from Panama City, Panama