ⓒ 2017 WATV

Future, hope, and dream are describing words for youths. These days, however, the future and the dreams are losing their vibrant colors. It’s because youths are tired, groaning under heavy stress from highly competitive academic environments and prevailing egoism, although life becomes richer and intelligence gets higher. What they need now is love, and teachings of love.

On July 16, the 2017 Summer Youth Character Education was held at New Jerusalem Pangyo Temple in Korea. In the education Mother chaired, based on the Bible, more than 2,500 middle or high school students in Gyeonggi Province, the pastoral staff, and teachers of student groups participated.

In the first part of the education, Mother inspired them with confidence that they are God’s children and taught the subject, “Life of God’s Children.” Mother emphasized the importance of having a good personality and manners resembling God’s love throughout the education. “God valued God’s children more than Himself that He sacrificed His life. Even though many teenagers are hot-blooded, you’re God’s children who have received great love from God. Don’t follow current trends of the world, but be considerate of others, control your anger, and be careful in your words and deeds,” said Mother.

ⓒ 2017 WATV

She also explained how to greet others in detail and noted that one of the qualities of love is not being rude: “You can practice the words, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ when you have an upright character. An upright character begins with manners, and manners begin with greetings. When you greet your parents and brothers and sisters at home first, with heartwarming words, you can practice love wherever and whoever you meet.” Mother wanted all teenagers to grow up to be upright and good in the love of God so that they can have the future as bright as the stars (Ro 12:2; 1 Co 13: 4–5; Eph 4:29).

Through the second part of education, General Pastor Kim Joo-cheol gave words that a man of good character and values is the truly successful person, under the subject, “Try Not to Become a Man of Success. Rather Become a Man of Value.” He brought up Timothy as an example. Timothy learned the Bible from infancy in the family of faith (2 Ti 3:14–17). He later grew to be a man of good character and preached the gospel with Apostle Paul.

“I expect youths who are learning from Heavenly Mother in this age to grow to be people of value, to serve their neighbors, communities, and mankind, and to deliver God’s love. Have good character like that of Timothy, and have firm faith like that of David, Daniel, and Apostle Paul who always loved God, and have big dreams, so that you may live valuable lives,” he advised the youths.

ⓒ 2017 WATV

After the education, the students greeted each other, pastoral staff members, and their teachers, to practice manners they had learned right away. “I’ve been wondering ‘How can I succeed?’ in a competitive academic atmosphere. But now I’ve found the way. Following God’s words, I will build up my character as well as study hard, so that I will be valuable not only to the world but also to God, because that will be a real success,” said Park Jeong-yun (from Suwon, 17).

“I’m sorry to my parents. We’ve been exhausted, actually, as I easily argue with them over trivial matters. Through this timely education, I felt the love of God who’s polishing my angular personality. I’m thankful and happy. When I go home today, through sincere greetings, I’ll express my thanks to my parents who must be waiting for me,” said Kim Hyeon-dong (from Uijeongbu, 18).

The teachers in charge of student groups said in unison that the education was what they definitely needed. “These days, juvenile crime is on the increase. I’m sorry because such sad things happen as they haven’t received enough love and timely lessons. I didn’t really know how to lead the students in this age, but today I’ve learned that the basics such as greetings and manners should be prioritized. I will teach my students with love so that they can respect their parents and consider others,” said Song Ye-ok (from Ansan), expressing her determination.

There is this term, ubuntu. It means “I am because you are” in the Bantu languages. Nobody can live alone. I exist, having diverse relationships with others. We need to know how to live together to live in harmony. It’s not something difficult or grand. Saying hi, letting others do first, and smiling. These things many seem small but such small acts of consideration pile up to make life valuable and happy. The youths shouted a slogan with one voice, and we know they will make it by putting it into practice in small things first.

“Youths, be ambitious for the bright future!”