ⓒ 2008 WATV

The “21st New Jerusalem New Song Festival” was held at the Ok-cheon Go& Come Institute on September 7, 2008, to praise the glory of the heavenly Jerusalem. Under a clear autumn sky, over 13,000 members sang praises to God, being moved by the Holy Spirit. 10 choir teams from all over the country, each consisting of 150 members, participated in the festival.

Around noon, the opening service began. Mother gave thanks to Father for allowing His children to have the gracious New Song Festival and encouraged them, saying, “Father will hear your song of praise when you sing from your heart, with thankfulness, hope for heaven, yearning for Father and desire for world evangelism.” Mother also said, “Let’s wake up sleeping souls all around the world who have not yet heard the gospel, understanding the value of the blessings from God, and singing praise to the name of the Savior in this age” (Psalm 1, 98).

After the service, the festival began. The choir teams came up on the stage one after another and praised Mother the heavenly Jerusalem with one mind and one voice: “Giving Love Choir” from the Union of the West of Gyeonggi Prov., “David Choir” from the Union of the North of Gyeonggi Prov., “Shining from the East Choir” from the Union of the South of Gyeonggi Prov., “Mother’s Love Choir” from the Union of Honam Prov., “Elohist Choir” from the Union of the North of Seoul, “Jedidiah Choir” from the Union of Gyeongnam Prov., “Heaven Angels Choir” from the Union of Busan, “Shout of Joshua Choir” from the Union of the South of Seoul, “Timios Choir” from the Union of Jungbu Prov., “Come, All Nations Choir” from the Union of Gyeongbuk Prov.

ⓒ 2008 WATV

There were also special performances during the festival; Children’s Choir wearing the traditional clothes of several countries sang a song “Teachings of Mother” in a clear, resounding voice; Elohist Choir consisting of young adults performed a powerful song; Women’s Vocal Ensemble and Go&Come Choir sang praise to God in beautiful harmony. Men’s Vocal Ensemble and the United Choir gave a magnificent performance together. It was a great time for both the performers and the audience to become one, being deeply touched.

While the scores were totaled by the eval-uators, a video was presented. It reminded the members, who love Heavenly Mother, the reality of Jerusalem, what the sincere and true praise from the heart means, through the life of David who always gave thanks and praise to God with the yearning for Jerusalem even in hardships. The video also showed the touching scenes where the overseas members around the world were praising Jerusalem Mother, and inspired them with the mission to preach the glory of the heavenly Jerusalem to the whole world, as the gospel workers.

ⓒ 2008 WATV

At the awards ceremony, the Encourage-ment Award was presented to three teams, the Bronze Award to three teams, the Silver Award to two teams, and the Gold Award to one team. The Grand Award was given to “Come, All Nations Choir” from the Union of Gyeongbuk Prov., who sang the song “The Glorious Name of the New Jerusalem” as the last team at the festival. Mother presented each team with a trophy, a bouquet of flowers and Jerusalem Medal. The members of each choir team gave thanks and glory to God and expressed their burning determination, saying, “Putting our minds together, we will praise God and preach the new covenant so that all the people in the world can hear the message of salvation from God Elohim.”

ⓒ 2008 WATV

ⓒ 2008 WATV

Mother complimented the members including the choir teams for the efforts they had made for the festival even in spite of their busy daily schedule. Being pleased with Her children united in love, Mother encouraged them by saying, “Let’s continue to meet together in Zion every day and fulfill beautiful unity with fervor for the gospel so that we can find all our dispersed heavenly family members around the world and receive eternal rewards in heaven.” In addition, Mother blessed them, saying, “Receive the blessings of the Holy Spirit abundantly during the autumn feasts, and harvest good fruits diligently so that you may be complimented a lot by Father.”

This day, the beautiful songs of praise toward Jerusalem knocked on heaven’s door, and the members were firmly determined to never cease praising God with thanksgiving and to go on world mission until true praise is offered to Jerusalem—until the lips of all people around the world praise the glory of Jerusalem.