On May 1, the 40th day after the Day of Resurrection, all the members of the Church of God throughout the world graciously held services for Ascension Day in the great green outdoors full of life, vitality and freshness of spring.

ⓒ 2008 WATV

Ascension Day is the day when Moses went up Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments after the Israelites arrived at the Desert of Sinai on the 40th day after they crossed the Red Sea at the time of the Exodus. This prophecy was fulfilled by Jesus Christ when He ascended into heaven from the Mount of Olives on the 40th day after He resurrected in three days, breaking the power of death (Ex 19:1-6; Ac 1:3-9).

Through the commemorative service, Mother gave thanks to Father for allowing His children to celebrate the holy feast, established through His sacrifice, and for giving them the hope of ascension. She also prayed that Her children would fulfill the gospel plan for 2008 by fervently spreading the Holy Spirit Movement with one mind and share the blessings of the ascension with all people around the world, being changed and reborn through the words of life.

General Pastor Joo-Cheol Kim reminded the members of the world mission entrusted by Christ, and urged them, saying, “Every living thing bears fruit. In accordance with God’s providence of creation, let us also bear the beautiful fruits of the Holy Spirit, as God’s children who have received life from God.” In addition, he emphasized, saying, “Prophetically now is the time to reap, for the spiritual harvest is ripe. Let’s not miss this harvest season but go to the whole world and fully follow God’s command to save all mankind.”

From the evening of Ascension Day, the Prayer Week of the Pentecost began. For ten days, the members earnestly prayed together with one mind for the power of the Holy Spirit of the latter rain to come upon them, in order to share the glory and joy of ascension, promised by Christ, with all mankind.