Missionaries arrive at Yoido Full Gospel Church in Seoul for the opening of the 52nd World Mission Conference, Wednesday. Courtesy of Yoido Full Gospel Church
Bringing together hundreds of missionaries from around the globe, Yoido Full Gospel Church launched its 52nd World Mission Conference at its main sanctuary in Seoul on Wednesday to discuss future evangelical strategies and share their mission experiences.
The three-day annual event ran from Wednesday to Friday at the church's headquarters in Yeouido, western Seoul, and the Youngsan Camp in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, under the theme “Mission, Driven Only by the Power of the Cross.”
Every May, Yoido Full Gospel Church hosts the event to honor the dedication of overseas missionaries. This year's conference drew 677 missionaries and their families serving in 67 countries across the world, alongside tens of thousands of church members.
Lee Young-hoon, senior pastor of Yoido Full Gospel Church, speaks during the 52nd World Mission Conference, Wednesday. Courtesy of Yoido Full Gospel Church
During the opening service on Wednesday, Lee Young-hoon, senior pastor of the church, delivered a sermon, emphasizing the core essence of Christian mission work.
"The world is currently in deep lamentation and despair due to wars, famines and natural disasters, and the only path to salvation is the cross of Jesus Christ," Lee said.
"Just as the Apostle Paul confessed that he would never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, the true driving force of our mission also comes solely from the grace and power of the cross," the senior pastor added.
He called on the missionaries to boldly preach the gospel despite facing harsh environments. The senior pastor also expressed hope that this event can serve as an opportunity for them to find renewed strength in their faith.
Following the main service and a group photo session on the first day, the participating missionaries moved to the Youngsan Camp, the church’s training center, for a specialized retreat.
Source: Korea Times News
