Like the green leaves full of vitality in summer, youth students in Zion are filled with vigor and energy, cherishing their infinite dreams and proceeding toward the future. To plant right dreams and faith in their hearts, the Church of God held the “2008 Summer Training Camp for Youth Students” at the Okcheon Go&Come Training Institute. Youth students were divided into two groups—middle school age group and high school age group, and each student group participated in the summer training camp which was successively held for 3 days/2 nights from July 27. Over 2,200 youth students attended this summer camp and fostered their vivid dreams for the gospel.

ⓒ 2008 WATV

On the first day of the camp, Mother conveyed the love of Father who had cared much for the pure and beautiful souls of youth students while He was on this earth. She blessed them, saying, “Through this camp, arm yourselves fully with the word of God, and strengthen your faith. By doing so, you can understand God’s love all the more.” Mother also gave them courage and strength by saying, “Nowadays, ethics and morals are disappearing gradually. Do not follow this generation that is full of wickedness, but put into practice the virtue of love and caring, following the example of God. Study hard, too, and display God’s glory, so that you may become heroes for the gospel.”

ⓒ 2008 WATV

On the second day, the students started their day with light exercises, and participated positively in the classes held in various places of the Institute. They studied the words of truth, and also fostered the sound sense of values through education about juvenile human rights and internet culture. In addition, they shared the fragrance of Zion and each other’s problems and troubles as well, discussing how to solve them.

ⓒ 2008 WATV

ⓒ 2008 WATV

In the evening, the “2008 Summer Youth Art & Culture Festival” began with a cheerful performance of the marching band that consisted of students. The students demonstrated their talents to the fullest through various performances—chamber music, a new song by the united choir, and dance with a new song and so on, which they had practiced during their vacation. There was a play depicting the episodes at school and Church, which especially aroused much sympathy from the students and also brought big, happy smiles to their faces. The play inspired them to reflect on their faith and reaffirm their determination for the gospel.

ⓒ 2008 WATV

The camp ended with a video presentation. The students fully demonstrated their pride in the truth, saying, “We’d like to tell this perfect truth of the Bible to our friends when we go back home.” Through the Bible study, they fostered their faith, and matured spiritually while spending time together, being united and considerate of one another. In their radiant smiles, we can see the bright future of the gospel.

ⓒ 2008 WATV