As the weather, which had been blurry all night, cleared up on November 27, "The 6th Melchizedek Literary Awards Ceremony" was held in the New Jerusalem Temple under the sunlight beaming down through the clouds. Including 28 awardees, 1,100 participants who had contributed to the Literary Contest attended the gracious ceremony.

ⓒ 2005 WATV

The Melchizedek Literary Awards Ceremony has been held every year since 2001. Its purpose is to produce many gospel workers who can preach God's love and sacrifice to the world by articles and literature, awakening the world at a proper time. From April 25 to May 25, seven genres of writings were registered including the prose writings. A total of 1,115 pieces of work were contributed nationwide: 575 prose, 183 orations, 116 editorials, and etc. Among these, 25 works were selected through three times' strict screening. In addition, three members who led many souls to the righteous path by preaching through the internet were selected. A total of 28 members were given awards.

The judges of the contributed works said, "The members' writing abilities are getting better every year. Compared with the last year, their writing improved so much this year that it was hard for us to choose superiorities in most genres. Although some writings weren't fluent, they were chosen because the writers carried their love toward God as it was, being moved by the Holy Spirit. We think that the writings which could please God were chosen, who looks at the center of the man's heart rather than the man's ability."

Before the awards ceremony, Mother prayed, "Father, let Your children write not by their own thoughts but by the Holy Spirit, that they may reveal the glory of God and be awarded with great prize in heaven."

ⓒ 2005 WATV

Mother also taught what kind of attitude of mind the writers should have in order to be reborn as a true gospel worker of God: "Write what benefits the souls and what is appropriate for this age. God's writers are different from the those of the world. God's writers should benefit many souls through their writings. The writers of the 66 books of the Bible, being moved by the Holy Spirit, gave the proper spiritual food to God's people through the writings which moved their minds, gave them strength and inspired them to preach. Likewise, do your best to give impressions and grace to many people through your good writings appropriate for this age. Now it is the time to write to help the truth of the new covenant be spread to the whole world, and to inform people of God's salvation. Write to awaken the souls who are sleeping without knowing that it is the time to be awaken from their slumber, and let them put off the work of darkness and put on armor of light."

Engraving Mother's teaching in their hearts, the attendants realized that a writing has power to reveal God's glory and lead precious souls to God. They also made a resolution to carry out their mission by using their talent given by God and to participate in the world-wide Movement of the Holy Spirit.

After watching a video showing Mother's sacrifice and prayer of love for Her children, the attendants enjoyed various performances: the United Choir, a cappella, and the Children' Korean traditional Dance. Also through a conte by the young adult members, their spirit for the Holy Spirit Movement was stirred up.

The highlight of the event was the awarding ceremony. 28 awardees received the awards and bouquets of flowers from Mother with loud applause. After being awarded, they joyfully posed for a photograph with a bright smile.

ⓒ 2005 WATV

Finishing the event, the Chief Pastor Kim Joo-cheol said, "The monthly magazine of the Church of God is very effective in strengthening the faith of the members in the army and in informing the people, who do not know the Church of God, of our brothers and sisters' good deeds. I hope that many souls will be saved through your writings."

The awardees said, "We give thanks to Father and Mother for praising us for our small effort. With our talent given by God, we will participate in the world mission actively, so that we may repay for God's love."

Everyone knows that a writing or a short phrase can be very effective in changing one's mind and life. A biography which we read when in our childhood, or a short phrase which we saw on a wall while walking down the street, can change our life. Moreover, "the word of the Bible are living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. It penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow and it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart (Heb 4:12)."

When we think of the roles of writings, we cannot neglect even a word. As Mother said, we must write to help people interpret the signs of the times, to awaken the sleeping souls, to lead men to the way of life who are heading for death, and to let people know God's love and sacrifice, so that we can reveal God's glory to the whole world.