ⓒ 2002 WATV

"Arirang Arirang Arario~"

Korean supporters sang tastefully and foreign athletes danced about with joy. But in no time, the foreigners' eyes were filled with tears, as if they had understood the words of the song. They shared love, putting arms around each other's shoulders.

Haeundae Lord Beach Hotel on December, 30

Church of God, World Mission Society held a welcome dinner party, titled, "Welcome Sri Lanka." This party for Sri Lankan athletes and staffs began at 7:00 p.m., and was filled with love and unity over race prejudice and disorders.

At 7 o'clock, J. Rajitha, Ampemohotty the leader of Sri Lankan national team entered the hotel by a wheel chair and lost his words; for at the hotel lobby, church members welcomed over 60 athletes with broad smiles, attaching souvenir badges and flowers.

The hall was filled with beautiful melody of orchestra. Leela the Minister of Sports said, "Thank you very much for your wholehearted cheering and this wonderful dinner. I was touched by the supporters; they appeared at every game. Thanks to them, the morale of Sri Lankan teams was greatly raised and their skills were improved. I will cherish your love in my heart forever."

Pastor Lee Won-soon, the Executive Director of the Whole Assembly, promised constant friendship, presenting a memorial tablet and souvenirs to the athletes.


A sudden address in reply

Rajitha the leader of the team made a sudden address, being moved by the members' sincerity.

"How can I thank you for your caring for Sri Lankan team? You threw yourselves into cheering our team. I hope to cherish this precious memory together with all of you and to share eternal friendship." His eyes were getting wet. Dining together, church members kindly explained about Korean dishes and served food for the disabled athletes.


The two nations became one, singing 'Arirang'

ⓒ 2002 WATV

At each table, interpreters from Church of God were placed for communication, and all were busy talking pleasantly. Then a member, who was once a popular singer, began to sing a traditional Korean song 'Arirang.' In a sudden, silence fell on them.

Though the Sri Lankans didn't know the words of the unfamiliar song, they were absorbed in it. Rajitha came up to the stage and began to sing and other athletes danced traditional dances. At one table, all raised and clapped their hands and at the other table, all danced; the hall were filled with joy and happiness.


The kindness of Church of God blew off the sorrow of the disabled

Mini, an official interpreter for Sri Lanka, said, " I've joined in 7 or 8 dinner parties. But none of them satisfied the athletes more than this. Kodikara Leela Podimenike, the Minister of Sports felt sorry for Korean government's unconcern; she had to take a taxi, for not being provided with a car.

But this party has wiped out her regrets and implanted Koreans' kindness in her heart. I, a Korean, also was deeply touched by your kindness."

One of ranking officials of Busan City Hall praised the church members in Busan area for their brilliant support activities, "Indeed Busan City had many difficulties in managing the FESPIC Games for their peculiar characteristics. Thanks to Christians like you who deliver God's love, the Games could be successful."

In this party reporters from Europe joined together, and showed great concern about the supporters' activities.


"Establish Church of God in Sri Lanka, too."

ⓒ 2002 WATV

The athletes didn't leave the hall, though the party was over. They hugged each other and took pictures. Even at the moment when their bus began to start, they shook hands through bus windows.

Fernando K.M. Rasika, who would take part in a volleyball game on the next day, said, "Food was delicious, and the supporters were wonderful. I'm sure our team will get victory tomorrow, thanks to the supporters." As he said, Sri Lankan volleyball team took the victory on October 31.

Glagoda J. S. B., a staff of the team, said, "Before we came to Korea, we heard that Church of God fervently supported Sri Lankan team at the Asian Games. All the church members are bright and enthusiastic. Is there a branch church in Sri Lanka?"
The church members, too, wiped away their tears as the bus left.


[Courier] "A New Song was resounded "

ⓒ 2002 WATV

At the Busan Asiad Main Stadium, a New Song was resounded. Over 2,000 church members sang New Song No. 230, "Fill Our Hearts With Love," while the field and track games were discontinued. The officials and audi-ences gave them hearty cheers, that they had to sing even twice.