THE KUKMIN DAILY

Sarang Community Church’s New Life Festival, which began 33 years ago in 1982, is considered a successful mega-church model for communicating about the Gospel. As of last year, it had gathered a total of 89,964 participants, among whom 43,780 accepted Jesus. This year the Festival was held for three days from November 16, with 1,193 persons participating, and among them 756 accepted Jesus. Since Easter Sunday last April, members of Sarang Church have been submitting the names of invitees to the Festival and have been offering intercessory prayers for them. Rev. Jang Myeong-cheol, minister in charge of the New Life Festival, said, “Most of those who come to the Festival either have no faith in Jesus, or previously left the church out of disappointment. About half of those who decide to accept Jesus at the Festival later register to become members of Sarang Church. We provide information to the rest about healthy churches in their neighborhoods.”

Ms. Son Yeong-suk (52) from Bucheon, Gyeonggi-do, said, “My parents are Buddhist, and my own family doesn’t have any particular religion. However, I was able to relate to the praise hymns and the pastor’s words today. Now I’m considering attending a church and maybe living a life of faith.” Ms. Lee (53) from Mapo-gu said, “Public opinion of Christian churches these days is not very favorable, but what I experienced myself today is quite different from what I’d thought. I’d love to come and listen once again.”

Rev. Kim Eun-su, head minister for domestic administration of Sarang Church, said, “Since Rev. Oh Jung Hyun came to our church in 2003, the number of newly registered members has reached 22,000 during those 11 years, among which 50% are new believers.” The church will hold a New Life Concert with the orchestra “Symphony S.O.N.G.” (Symphony Orchestra for the Next Generation, conducted by Hahm Shin-ik) on November 19 for those who accepted Jesus at the Festival.

Reporter Paek Sang-hyun (100sh@kmib.co.kr), with Yeara Ahn-Park (yap@kmib.co.kr)

Photo by senior reporter Kang Min Seok


Click here for the original article in Korean