ⓒ 2019 WATV

A special event was held for university students who devote themselves to learning in and out of campus, as Christians and intellectuals. The Worldwide University Student Leadership Conference 2019 was held by the Church of God with a goal to provide a progressive and creative vision to future global leaders.

A total of 532 university students from 228 universities in Korea and 207 universities in 41 countries such as U.S., Germany, Peru, India, and South Africa attended the conference during vacation. They shared brotherly and sisterly love, beyond their national boundaries, and developed their competence as future leaders.

Learning leadership through the Bible

ⓒ 2019 WATV

The eight-day, seven-night conference began with the opening worship service on July 10. Mother prayed for university students to receive God’s teachings and follow His will in their youth and to receive infinite blessing of the Holy Spirit. Mother wanted them to devote themselves to the gospel work and studies with firm faith and fervor as the protagonists of the prophecies. “You are writing the New Book of Acts,” Mother complimented them on displaying God’s glory and saving souls through righteous deeds and godly manners on campus, and explained in detail what virtues they needed to have throughout the schedule. “Father said ‘It is in one’s youth that he takes the first step towards success. The key to success is to take action.’ In obedience to Father’s words, all youths should practice God’s will,” said Mother, asking them to have the heart of the Good Samaritan who saved the man who fell among robbers. True leaders should have not only knowledge about the Bible and their majors but also the virtue of mercy towards others, that is, the spirit of love and sacrifice of Christ who endured extreme pains to save mankind. Mother blessed them repeatedly that they can become leaders who will play the role as the salt and light of the world. “We’ve received the blessing of salvation before others. With a sense of responsibility, let’s diligently deliver the message of the new covenant, the promise of salvation, to all people who are in fear of all kinds of disasters, economic difficulties, wars, climate change, and so on,” said Mother (Col 3:1; Ecc 2:7–11; Col 2:2; Ro 8:16).

General Pastor Kim Joo-cheol too enlightened them about the mission in this age and encouraged them continually through programs such as special lectures and vision presentations. “When we feel proud as a member of the Church of God, which was attended by the apostles such as Paul, Peter, and John, and follow God’s commands, the blessed future, prepared by God, will come. The word of God, which created something out of nothing, has the power to change the future of not only yours but also many others. Always relying on the power of God’s word, let’s lead mankind to the righteous way and save them,” said General Pastor Kim Joo-cheol.

Broadening perspectives through communication and exchange of ideas

The conferences consisted of programs where university students led the events and communicated with one another. The students made presentations on topics chosen by themselves before thousands of people at the Arise & Shine Global Bible Seminar, and shared news about the gospel and volunteer services with students from different countries. Based on their knowledge and activities, they presented agendas, made decisions, and cultivated leadership. They also realized the importance of cooperation and solidarity. University students from different countries gained invaluable experiences while participating in the programs. “I was able to broaden my perspectives while interacting with global university students with different ways of thinking. I learned that there are many things we can do, even as students, for others and our society, when we put our minds together with one goal,” said Brother Lee Yeong-been from Seoul National University in Korea.

ⓒ 2019 WATV

국회의사당과 서울대‧경희대를 견학하며 견문을 넓힌 해외 대학생들.

On the last day of their schedule, they had a field trip at the National Assembly of Korea where national affairs are discussed and the Government Memorial Hall where data on the function and acts of the National Assembly are displayed. They also toured around universities and had experiences the beauty of Korean culture such as traditional fans, teas, and hanbok (traditional Korean costume) in Hanok Village located in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province, Korea. “I learned that Korea was able to rapidly achieve the dazzling development and have excellent university cultures and systems thanks to the sacrifice made by the parental generations. I also felt a sense of responsibility to do the same for the next generation,” said Brother Anthony Davy from Georgia State University in the U.S.

“We will not regard our campus life merely as a step to getting a job or success but as a meaningful time when we can develop our inner selves, helping our friends, neighbors, and societies,” said the participants. With such a resolution, the Worldwide University Student Leadership Conference 2019 came to a close. University students have gained the energy to put their knowledge into practice, humility, consideration, concession, devotion, unity, and on top of that, broader views and leadership that can embrace the world. We have high hopes for them who will create tomorrow with their talents and virtues.