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On March 10, when there was a welcome spring rain, the Semester Opening Service for University Students 2019 was held at the Okcheon Go&Come Training Institute in Korea. It is one of the Church of God’s annual events for the college student members to help them focus on their studies and fulfill their dreams with upright faith.

This year, it was attended by more than 5,000 people: registered students, freshmen, the pastoral staff, teachers for young adults, and the first graduates of the IUBA Bible curriculum which started in 2014 as 4-year 8-semester International University Student Bible Academy.

The worship service began with Mother’s prayer of blessings. Mother asked Father to bless young adults to be clothed with the power of the Holy Spirit, so that they would demonstrate their abilities and bring about meaningful results on campus, and that they would have confidence as the children of God Almighty and move forward to the future.

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Mother complimented students on their volunteer services and taking the role of the salt and light of the world. Mother taught essential virtues for young adults in the stage of making life choices: practice and self-control. Mother quoted Father’s words, “Great success starts in the days of one’s youth, and the most important thing is to put into action.” “Like the forefathers of faith such as David, Joseph, and Daniel, those who follow God and practice God’s will from the days of their youth will receive amazing blessings and honor,” said Mother. “To achieve your dreams and goals without being swayed by harmful media, you need strong faith and self-control. Even if there are trials and hardships, let’s overcome them by putting on the full armor of God’s word, and become the protagonists who fulfill the mission to save mankind,” added Mother (1 Pe 5:8–9; Jos 1:2–9; Eph 6:10–19; Ps 1:1–3).

General Pastor Kim Joo-cheol prayed that they would always stand on God’s side, walk the path of the truth and righteousness, and change the world for the better on campus so that they would leave no regrets.

After the service, the awards ceremony was held, and about 60 university students were awarded for excelling in IUBA studies and setting good examples in their churches and schools for the previous year.

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At the IUBA Completion Ceremony 2018, a student representative delivered a valedictory address to the graduating class. The valedictorian encouraged her juniors in their campus life and expressed her determination to contribute to the gospel work and society by diligently practicing what she had learned through the four-year IUBA program.

At the Result Report 2018, several students played a role of announcers, weather caster, and reporters to wittily explain their activities. The activities of ASEZ stood out particularly. ASEZ was organized to protect the endangered environment and to help the world in all sorts of difficulties. During the past year, it carried out diverse projects such as “Reduce Crime Together,” “Greenship,” and “Implementation of the UN SDGs.” The members worked mainly on campus during semesters, but performed many services with college students and citizens in other countries during vacations. They carried out 367 street cleanups in 34 countries and held 588 meetings to promote cooperation with universities, governments, and international organizations. They entered into partnerships with more than 70 organizations by signing MOUs. Their efforts beyond national boundaries were recognized with over 90 awards, including the Green Apple Environment Award Gold (International-Global) for environmental best practice, and the U.S. President’s Volunteer Service Award Gold. As they were covered by the media, they made themselves a role model for the young generation.

Freshmen designed their college life with expectations and excitement, seeing their seniors gain valuable experiences and knowledge from the real world. “Many friends of mine are interested in international affairs and willing to work at the UN. I’m happy to be able to participate in a global activity as a member of ASEZ,” said Song Hyo-ri, a freshman at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies. “The words of the Bible, which I heard during the opening semester worships and IUBA education and regular volunteer services, were useful guidelines. I’m sure we’ll have good results in whatever we do when we center on the will of God,” said Gu Gi-beom from Gyeonggi College of Science and Technology; he received a university presidential award at his university graduation ceremony.

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General Pastor Kim Joo-cheol praised university students after the service. “I’ve learned a lesson from your fervor. You’ve practiced the Teachings of Mother and made united efforts. That’s why you produced surprising results. As the protagonists of the prophecy, I ask you to continue to fulfill the will of God,” he said.

The IUBA education system strengthens university students’ faith and develops their basic grounding. It has been adopted in Nepal, Singapore, and Malaysia. The world for university students is getting wider. They are making more vigorous efforts on campus and in the world with God’s love and truth in their hearts.