Pastor Ock Soo Park Visits Germany
After visiting 3 countries in South America, Pastor Ock Soo Park made his way to Germany. His purpose was to meet the Ukrainian refugee congregation and the European congregation as well as preach at a special event. Many people from around Europe and Ukraine welcome Pastor Ock Soo Park.
Concert for Ukrainian Refugees
The Europe CLF Committee created the ‘We, Christians stand with Ukraine’ sponsorship concert for the Ukrainian refugees. It took place at 6pm Local time on 9th June in Offenbach Stathalle and was attended by over 1500 people.
Pastor Park opened his message by saying, “I came as soon as I could from South America because I wanted to meet you and give you some hope”. He spoke about the Naaman’s maidservant in 2 Kings 5 and compared it to the Ukrainian situation. He preached a message of hope stating that though the situation may be tough, if we rely on God, he will surely help.
People’s hearts became filled with hope and had faith that the problems and fear in their hearts would change to happiness.
In the second act, Ukrainian singers gave the attendees a taste of home. Sergei, the winner of Voice Ukraine, MC of famous music program Oleg Seraphim.
Interviews
Our lives stopped because of the war. But by the grace of God, I could have my child in Germany and we have been here for 2 months. While we were here, it felt like we were back home. I was happy to see so many people together. I used to be sad about the sitatuion back home but after listening to the message, my family gained a lot of hope. I realized how important it was to have faith if we are ever to rebuild our country. It was a precise depiction of the world of the heart. Only God can be our true hope. – Olena (Chernivtsi)
I came to Germany as a refugee. There was so much fear on the train here. Especially, my city was heavily bombed so many neighbours lost their lives. I was amazed that there was such an eevnet of hope. It was so much more that just culture. It was focused on giving us hope. Pastor Park told us that if we believe in the will of God who has allowed us this difficult situation, we will receive God’s blessing. I have the hope that Ukraine will rise up again. – Natalia (Kharkiv)
United Retreat
There was a united retreat at the Frankfurt church in Europe Mission Centre in Frankfurt Germany from 7th – 10th June. There were 150 people from 111 European countries as well as 156 Ukrainians who came over by bus. This was the first in-person event since since the pandemic which made it even more special.
On the evening of the 7th Pastor Youngshin Oh of the Frankfurt church used the example of Moses to say that though our situations may appear miserable, that is where God can work. He testified about how God helped him every step of the way when he pursued the Mriya project with faith.
On the afternoon of the 8th, Pastor Lomechek Leonid of Good News Dneiper church testified about how God worked in the difficult circumstances of the war in Ukraine.
On the final morning of the retreat, Pastor Ock Soo Park once again delivered the message of hope to the brothers and sisters. ‘We are this generation’s Esther and Mordecai. God will bestow his grace and make Ukraine into a blessed country. The participants of the retreat were able to testify that they were no longer in sadness because of the war but fill their hearts with the hope for God.
Testimonys of Ukrainian Congregation
I left 3 months into the war. I was afraid when I left home and had many questions about why God allowed these things to take place. Through the Retreat, I was able to receive the answer. I realized that that the only place we can rely on is God. God protected the hope inside of me. – Dalya Pachsalovka
I was so thankful to be able to participate in the Retreat this time. I could see how much the ministers and the church cared for every one of the Ukrainian congregations. I have a young 13-year old son but he is with my husband, away from me. I was worries about my son but when Pastor spoke about how Joseph was able to learn about God and look to him because he had no mother, I had the heart that God would be with my son too. – Svitlana Karitnik
Testimonys of European Congregation
I was so happy to see the European brothers and sisters again after a long period of Covid-19. Pastor Park came and I was also able to meet the Ukrainian brothers and sisters. I was amazed to see so many Ukrainians fill that hall. I was so thankful for the message that was preached to them. I am looking forward to many more works of the Gospel in Europe. – Pekka Tupala
I was thankful to have this retreat in-person after such a long time. To be able to meet the Pastors and other brothers and sisters was a true blessing. I am encouraged that there are other brothers and sisters that preach the Gospel together. I am also thankful that we could have this Retreat with the Ukrainian congregation. Though there may be difficulties, I am so thankful that through the church we are able to share our hearts, pray together and help the Ukrainian church as European brothers and sisters. – Franz Ajassin
I was so happy to be able to participate in the Retreat with the Ukrainian congregation. It is not that I was able to communicate with them but I could see that their hearts were so sad. However, as we were listening to the testimonies, we were able to see the grace of God that entered their hearts. God’s word alone is the truth and reality for Christians. If we are able to accept that it is God who allows all things, then we are able to connect our hearts with God and see how he works. We praise the Lord. – Veronique Vaboue
From the moment that Russia began their invasion, Pastor Ock Soo Park continued to pray and share fellowship with the Ukrainian congregation. When the church was at its darkest, he delivered the promise of God that Ukraine will be the centre of Gospel and gave new strength into the hearts of the brothers and sisters. Through this retreat, we were able to see how everyone was able to escape from their own dark thoughts and discover the will and love of God.
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