“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18
2022 was a challenging year for the world. The Russian-Ukraine War erupted taking many by surprise and continued on far longer than many expected. The global finance downturn and inflationary pressures cast a long shadow across the world. US-China tensions and the east-west bifurcation continued unabated. As if these global maelstroms were not enough, Providence faced another wave of unfounded accusations orchestrated by the same person who had more than 10 years ago done a similar act.
Regardless of these circumstances, Providence gives thanks to the Trinity and Jesus Christ for giving us the power of prayer and the word. We learnt to count the many blessings we have beyond the fear-mongering headlines. We grew to become even more united and harmonious with our brothers and sisters, to shine the light of Christ to the world in an unstoppable manner. Our founder, Pastor Jung, continues to lead by example. Even though he faces tremendous hardships, he continues to pray and write God’s words for all His people.
We are tempered by the waves and storms, like pottery glazed in the furnace, to produce the finest masterpiece. Our path may not be a bed of roses, but a journey of thorns and thistles. Yet, it is in these difficulties that true character, faith and love for God is forged. We remember Job’s story in the bible. We remember the lives all the prophets and people of God. One strange thing in common, was that they all walked the path of thorns.
We also just celebrated the Christmas with the theme “The Christmas of loving God and Jesus.” How apt. The true meaning of Christmas is God and Jesus, and what better way to celebrate than to love them. Even baby Jesus was born in a manger, not a comfortable hospital or even a hotel room. Certainly not a bed of roses.
“Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres… Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13:7-8
As we wrap up this eventful year, we wish for everyone to remember the power of God’s love, that touches each and every person and every part of creation. Love always perseveres and never fails. With that, truly give thanks no matter what circumstances you are facing, for that is God’s will for you in Jesus Christ. That you may always rejoice in Him, come what may.
The writer is a longstanding Providence member of 20 years, and is happily married with 3 beautiful children of God.
2021 has been an amazing and challenging year. While many had thought COVID-19 would be a thing of the past, new variants (Delta and Omicron) amongst other reasons caused COVID-19 to persist and even emerge more strongly in many parts of the world.
In spite of these challenges, the question the Trinity pose to us is – have you made yourself anew in body and spirit this year? This was the theme and direction from the Trinity this year, and Pastor Jung had also delivered many sermons – and led by example – on how we should change ourselves anew. Making Wolmyeongdong in new ways, giving thanks in new ways, praying at even higher levels, holding services in refreshing new hybrid ways…. these are just some examples of how Providence has changed in new ways.
Just as important is how each one of us has changed in new ways. It is easy to blame COVID-19 for not being able to do things better, but this is an opportunity for us to do things in new ways. Every crisis is an opportunity, and the bigger the crisis, the bigger the opportunity. Let’s change our perspectives towards the challenges of COVID-19 and find those opportunities to do things in new ways!
This Christmas, God’s creation continues to give Glory to God through their magnificence and beauty. God also shows himself through nature to all of us. Nature continues to make itself anew daily, in an amazing cycle of life. May we celebrate Christmas with Jesus who came to this world to save us, so that we may live renewing ourselves in a Godly manner everyday, just as nature does.
Enjoy these breathtaking pictures taken by our members, reflecting God through nature.
With the spirit of peace, heartwarming soccer games took place.
<PineNews 14 May 2019> More than 300 local churches from the Youth Union of Korean Churches, part of Christian Gospel Mission (CGM), were gathered at Daejeon World Cup Stadium on 12 May to hold the 2019 International Peace Soccer Tournament. With the cheering from more than 40,000 CGM members, the atmosphere at Daejeon World Cup Stadium became even more vibrant than the 2002 World Cup.
Around 200 international players from 14 countries, including Korea, Canada, Hongkong, Japan, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Vietnam, and more than 2,000 cheering supporters were present. The matches of the 2019 International Peace Soccer Tournament were played with ‘Peace’ as the motto and with a sincere hope of the complete termination of all wars in the world. A continuous presence of a thick cloud cover over the stadium provided radiative cooling throughout the day.
The event began with a joint Sunday Service. It was followed by the opening ceremony, the semifinals, the finals, and the closing ceremony. During the Sunday Service, President Jung Myung Seok said, “The greatest blessing in human life is loving and serving God, brothers and sisters.”
During the opening ceremony of the 2019 International Peace Soccer Tournament, the Peace Cheering Group presented a performance that involved a large soccer ball with the words ‘Peace Soccer’ engraved. Leading on from that performance, large banners with drawings of an eagle and a cheetah each holding a soccer ball unfolded over the 2,000 performers.
President Jung said, “Peace soccer isn’t all about winning. It aims to promote the spirit of peace. Regardless whether you are in a team that has won or lost, let’s play peaceful matches with excitement.” He further mentioned, “Soccer isn’t just a sport. It is an artwork created by 11 players through harmonizing. I hope that today can be the day when you can show your skills to your fullest.”
After the preliminary rounds, the teams that qualified for the semi-finals were: Focus, Tiger, Cheetah, and Lion (Overseas Alliance Team). The teams performed thrilling matches. The final match was between Focus and Cheetah. Focus became the final victors from the breathtaking finals. A professional athlete from the Focus team who had been interviewed said, “With the spirit of faith in God, my team and I encouraged each other when playing the matches. I had a good time, having more fun than playing in a regular league game.” President Jung led and encouraged the tournament by playing with all the teams.
Without a doubt, the International Peace Soccer Tournament displayed the spirit of peace. During the matches, players lent their hands to the fallen opponents to help them get back on their feet. It was heartwarming to see how players encouraged other players who missed opportunities to score a goal by patting on their shoulders. The crowds also cheered for every single team. Whenever a goal was scored, everyone at the tournament became ecstatic and joyous.
A university student, Kim Heechan, mentioned, “It was awe-inspiring to see how people were in harmony through soccer regardless of their race, gender and culture.” Yang Jeesoo, who attended the tournament as a member of the cheering squad, said, “it was very charming to see the cheering squad cheering for all of the teams and players contrary to the usual cheering squads, who cheer for their team, their country and their favourite players only. Also, it was very fascinating to see how the players played the matches with delight and enthusiasm.
One of the staff mentioned, “We hope the spirit of peace shown through the International Peace Soccer Tournament will spread to all over the world, so that there will be no more wars, fighting and hatred. Young people will work harder to fulfil the true peace on this earth. Please look forward to the International Peace Soccer Tournament, which will be held annually.”
“No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light.” (Luke 8:16 NIV)
Providence members strive to live their daily lives as a light upon this world, reflecting the brilliance and love of the Holy Trinity. Please enjoy walking in the shoes of these providence members who have shared their daily lives through their personal blogs!
Providence Style Blog
This blog, written by a providence member who goes by a pen name of “Little Giants,” reflects on short proverbs from Pastor Jung Myeong Seok coupled with inspiring pictures that leaves a deep impression. His numerous posts are really simple, light-hearted, and yet thought provoking.
Check it out by clicking here! (or you can type the url: https://providencestyle.wordpress.com/)
Providence Path Blog
This blog is written by a member who previously survived from a series of self-harm, family turmoils, and contemplations of suicide. He shares how 5 years of darkness was transformed when he learnt God’s words in Providence, and saw Pastor Jung Myeong Seok’s life example.
If you are experiencing hardships and self-doubt, you must read this blog.
This blog is by a providence member called Joshua, who was inspired to create so that he could record his various inspirations, memories and realizations. Also, he writes about his experiences and encounters with God and the things that he learnt from Pastor Jung Myeong Seok.
This blog is written by a member, who is also a film maker, watching movies through the lens of the teachings of Pastor Jung Myung Seok and Providence’s 30 bible lessons. Given his busy schedule, he may not be updating that frequently, but his posts surely stir up creative thoughts in the most ordinary of us.
Shaun McMillan, a professional animator and game designer from the United States of America, shares a testimony of Pastor Jung Myung Seok, whom he calls teacher or “son saeng nim” in Korean.
Despite tribulations, why did Shaun believe in Pastor Jung’s teachings about the Trinity and why does Shaun continue to preach the word of Providence in his daily life?
What would a world of art be like? A world where life becomes art and art becomes life, and a world that is created through our communion with the One Divine Being? As a religious leader (Jung Myung Seok), this artist accepted art and developed a style of art that is unrestricted by formality or genre and is free and unique.
▲ Destiny (Top left): This piece was selected as Jung’s feature artwork at an international art fair, Arteclasica Art Fair, in 2011. It received plaudits from people around the world. Jung depicted the destiny of the weak before the strong. Looking at all the strokes in the painting, it seems as if the notes of Beethoven’s The Destiny Symphony are also precisely depicted. The top part of the painting was drawn with strong strokes, and the bottom part was drawn with soft strokes, expressing the element of sorrow. ▲ Palm Tree (Right): Jung has a desire to unite features that differ in nature; this desire led to the incorporation of calligraphy into his paintings as an artistic element. ▲ The photo on the bottom left: There are paintings of pine trees. He minimized the usage of combining various techniques as well as any additional extra details as much as possible. He also added a poem that portrayed his thoughts between the paintings.
What would a world of art be like? A world where life becomes art and art becomes life, and a world that is created through our communion with the One Divine Being? As a religious leader, this artist accepted art and developed a style of art that is unrestricted by formality or genre and is free and unique. Our exhibit displaying his world of art has opened.
The artist of these paintings is Jung Myung Seok, the president of Christian Gospel Mission. The exhibit of his art paintings has been premiering at the Gusang Art Museum in Wolmyeongdong, Geumsan-gun, Chungnam, since February 21. Displayed at the exhibit are the paintings of rocky cliffs and palm trees that he has drawn the most, as well as many other paintings besides the pine trees.
The artist’s view of art: Only when we know the Holy Son Jesus who is the way, the truth, and the life, will we be able to comprehend and create art.
Jung clearly expresses his philosophy: “Only when we know the Holy Son Jesus who is the way, the truth, and the life will we be able to comprehend and create art.” This philosophy is embodied in his artwork, and you can see how the freedom he gained by learning the truth through his life experiences is also alive and breathing throughout his artwork.
The painting that especially drew people’s attention at the exhibit is Destiny, which was nominated as Jung’s featured artwork at 2011 Arteclasica Art Fair held in Argentina. It won plaudits from people around the world. He portrayed the destiny of the weak before the strong through painting and said, “I received the design from the Holy Son Jesus and He showed me a vision through inspiration, so I drew it swiftly in an instant without being able to breathe.”
A snail standing on the cliff of death, like the one in Destiny, is a stork’s favorite prey. There would be no one who would say that the snail will survive. The stork thinks the same and says, “You are my prey. Once I peck at you, it is over.” However, the snail does not surrender to death but says, “I will live.” It is running with all of its might to avoid death. No matter how fast the snail may move, before the stork, that speed is like the speed of the hour hand before the second hand. Jung explained that he was depicting a person who leaves his destiny up to the Heavens.
This painting conveys the message, We cannot do anything we want with our life, but our destiny is left up to Heaven’s Will. This painting is filled and packed with the desire to convey that meaning. He illustrated the messages, If you give up, you will die and be defeated, and, Do not be conscious of others, but do it until the end. When you look at all the strokes of the painting, it seems as if the notes of Beethoven’s The Destiny Symphony have been precisely depicted. The top part of the painting was drawn with strong strokes, and the bottom part was drawn with soft strokes, expressing the element of sorrow.
The objects that appear in his drawings are mountains, seas, the sun, birds, trees, and rocks: things we can commonly see in nature. However, the way those objects are illustrated on his canvas is not ordinary at all. The reason is that Jung is not restricted by institutionalized education or by a sensory experience that is limited to the physical body and external stimuli, but he freely receives various ideas through communing with the Divine.
In addition, his artwork is understood as a product of his ceaseless challenge to capture an original image that is beyond the visible scope of human beings. In other words, his artwork represents a mentality that has reached the pinnacle, one that has reached the Divine Being.
Jung is an artist who goes beyond mimicking certain models. He has been freely creating his own world of new art. Yet, there is no disorder to be found within that freedom; the reason being, instead of portraying imperfect human beings or a distorted world caused by mankind’s ignorance and errors, he endeavors to shape his images using the freedom found within the truth and within the ideal world which our Creator governs.
Hegel (Georg Wilhelm Friedrich), a German philosopher, explored this idea saying, “Art that makes people aware of things related to the Divine Being, which is the greatest interest of finite human beings, as a general truth and makes them feel it with their senses is art that accomplishes art’s greatest task.”
Jung’s great masterpieces eliminate the distance between human beings and the Divine and establish the perfect beauty called harmony.
It is difficult to find the application of realism towards beings or objects in his artwork. He infuses dynamic vitality into each object so that even if an object may appear to indicate one thing, he secures it in independent features so that it will not be confined to only one referent. Even in his paintings of a face, you can catch a glimpse of the righteous figure of the Divine Being within a human image made with simple lines, the image of a benevolent Jesus or the image of a vigorous eagle, which all appear to overlap. Through this, we can discover the concept, the Aura of a work of art, that Walter Benjamin had once described.
In his paintings of pine trees as well, while minimizing the usage of combining various techniques as well as the addition of extra details as much as possible, Jung displays unique shapes, such as a pine tree coiling up like a dragon, a pine tree with a brawny appearance, a pine tree standing while firmly rooted to a rock, and a pine tree sitting on the top of a mountain.
In addition, his compositions of various images of palm trees boasting grand and charming appearances, of fruits after having survived the throes of the ocean and the winds of the sea, and of a weak snail defying a stork that is infinitely stronger suggest many significant meanings. In these artworks, Jung’s twists and turns that he went through in his life, his breath of struggle for the beauty of perfection, and his shouts of victory permeate throughout his artwork intact with his guidelines for life.
Also, there is a series of Chinese ink wash drawings that Jung has drawn. On these drawings, Jung paints rocky cliffs that are surrounded by the sea, an evergreen tree that is rooted on one of the rocky cliffs, seagulls flying over in the sky, the crimson sun rising, and people who are racing while riding on a boat on one canvas. Those drawings are his great masterpieces that eliminate the distance between mountains and seas, Heaven and Earth, and God and human beings, and literally actualizes the beauty of perfection called harmony.
In such works of art, the chronological flow of history and the endlessness of time that can change a human being’s life are inherent. Furthermore, the curves of each of his lines drawn with one brushstroke vivify the sense of rhythm found in nature, which increases the musicality of his artwork and amplifies its vitality.
In addition, Jung’s desire to harmonize items of different nature led him to adopt calligraphy as one of the elements of his paintings. This applies when he pictorializes his signature into an object or when he couples his drawings with poetry containing his ideologies. His experimental spirit, which boldly tears down the walls of genre and strives towards aesthetic unity, has given birth to artwork of superiority.
Jung has established God’s majestic world of creation as the target for his paintings and has expressed it wondrously and beautifully using his spiritually keen eyes to see the beauty in the world of the Divine. Above all things, his artwork has the power to move one’s soul. It allows us to face God and opens the pathway for us to search for the purpose of life so that we can gain eternal life. That’s why those who see his artwork respond to his teachings.
As a religious leader, Jung has adopted art. Drawing art that takes responsibility for life is a great task, and living his life in order to reach the pinnacle of art is a tremendously valuable and beautiful task.
His world of art is coherent with this Bible verse: “The truth will set you free.” (John 8:32) His artwork represents his communion with God and a mentality that has reached its peak, one that has reached God. At this exhibition, we expect to witness the greatest art that has been created through the true unification of religion and art.
This exhibition is interesting due to the fact that you can see the artist’s world of art and the process of its transformation. In the case of Jung’s paintings of a pine tree, Jung said that he completed them by overcoming difficulties even if the environment and the conditions were not favorable and by devoting himself intensely to painting with his soul for art. In addition, for his painting of a rocky cliff, we can see that he tried to change his approach as he studies how to continuously improve.
If you make a group reservation a day before, you can view the exhibit while listening to a detailed explanation of the paintings from one of the staff members of the art museum, who will also act as a guide. Admission is free and exhibition hours are between 10am and 5pm. However, it is closed on Wednesday.
President Jung Myung Seok has been active in his artistic activities by exhibiting his calligraphy and a number of his paintings in this nation as well as in England, France, Germany and Argentina. In 1995, he began his literary career with a publication in the monthly magazine, The Trend of Literature, and became a published poet. His books of poetry, The Woman of Poetry and Speaking through Poetry, which were both published last July, have also become best sellers. Ten of his poems have been registered in The Encyclopedia of Korean Poetry (2011), which covers 100 years of the history of Korean poetry. His biggest works of literature are The Word of Salvation, his sermon collections, The Word of Life, and his proverbs book, Heaven’s Word, My Word.
He has studied the Bible for 50 years, and while continuing to do so, he is serving as the president of Christian Gospel Mission and also the president of the International Cultural Art and Peace Association.
The poet Jung Myung-seok meets “The Woman of Poetry” with “Speaking through Poetry.”
Poems that overflow from poetic inspirations throughout one’s life journey… They move and lead your soul, and allows your soul to cry out
Sky light | 2013: 09: 30 [16:08]
Recently, Poet Jung Myung Seok’s poetry collections “The Woman of Poetry” and “Speaking through Poetry” became a hot topic by being Kyobo Bookstore’s best sellers. In July when these poetry books were released, the hearts of readers were captured as the books battled for the first and second place among poetry books. These poem collections are part of the author’s series of “Poems of Inspiration,” and were published 17 years after the second edition of the “Poem of Inspiration” in 1996.
Through an extreme heart-wrenching life journey, he meets God and poetry
The third book of the poetry collection, “The Woman of Poetry,” contains the life story of a person who regards the creator God and the savior Holy Son as his Lord and lives serving them. It expresses that the core of human beings is the “heart and soul,” and the core of life is “love.” By communicating deeply with the core and root of all creation – God’s world, deep inspirations produce content which then becomes written in the form of poems. A human being living on this earth who climbed up steep and treacherous cliffs to reach the heavens will experience all kinds of training and pains that lead to the loneliness of life. However, to a poet who has the absolute belief that the invisible God truly exists and is present, these become a longing, a waiting, a meeting, happiness and hope, and overflows from his earnest and brimming love. That was how he could confess saying, “I met ‘The Woman of Poetry’ and wrote down these poems in the midst of the ‘desolate and lonely valley of life.’”
The poet’s prologue writes “Contents from heaven’s secrets are unraveled by poets, who use “Poems of Parables” to hide and write down these contents, in order for people to realize God’s time period.” As the poet writes, if one finishes reading the poems but is unable to unravel or realize the things hidden within, then there is no sense of achievement of reading the poems, and it will make the poet feel frustrated. It is hoped that there will be people who can realize through wisdom and understand the poet’s deep heart, thus discern the time period, redress grievances and ride on the times. The poet longs for such people of wisdom to appear.
Poetry is like a fruit that conceals a person’s life, a life of painstakingly loving God and making his soul complete. After the life has ripened, poetry reveals the poet’s completed soul, and presents his life unwaveringly. This poem collection comprises four major works: “The path of the cross,” “Poetry is flowing,” “Please go and love,” “God’s hands are pierced.” These let people realize the noble laws of life, including happiness in the midst of rainstorms, a masterpiece after struggles, sweetness after bitterness, and resurrection after sacrifice etc., and leads many souls who resonate with these laws to achieve a beautiful, mysterious and majestic history of recreation.
Another book that was released is the fourth book in the “Poems of Inspiration” series titled “Speaking through Poetry.” It intensely reveals the religious life and the life perspectives of the poet who has studied and preached the Bible for over 50 years. In particular, it recognizes the time of God’s providence and historical time. The works written in 2012 are categorized in four major chapters “Love one other,” “In progress,” “My beloved, please spread this word,” and “Eternal road,” and were made into a poem collection.
Through this collection, the poet poetically depicts the world of pain and joy that he dramatically experienced in life, and the scenes of hell and heaven that his soul witnessed through traversing the spiritual world. Thus, he conveys “if one lives centered on the ever-changing physical body, it will end in meaninglessness and death; if one lives centered on the eternal love that exists in the Almighty, then heaven can be achieved.”
Complemented by uplifting and appealing designs and eye-catching illustrations… the poems becomes more inspiring
Particularly in “Speaking through Poetry”, illustrations were drawn personally by the author who is both a poet and an artist. Just as one can recognize the species of the tree through the fruit it bears, the uplifting and appealing designs are works of art that let people recognize the poet’s sophistication at a glance. A drawing becomes a poem, and makes the poem more inspiring, leading people to the world of even higher realizations.
Just as a poem expresses a secret that cannot be comprehended by simple words, the picture is expressed in simple strokes, but contains the deep things hidden in the poem which form the core. The poet shares, “When you affix an appropriate drawing to the poem, it is like putting condiments onto the food, spreading a similar fragrance; it is also like a pine tree that stands erect on a rock, achieving harmony.” As you can see two works of art with different genres at the same time in one book, it creates more synergy and gives the readers added satisfaction and inspirations.
Jung Myung Seok was born in 1945 in Geumsan County, Jinsan-Myun. After appearing in the monthly “Literary Movement and Trends” in 1995, he published four volumes of “Spiritual Poem.” Ten of his poems were listed in The Encyclopedia of Korean Poetry (2011), which encompasses 100 years of Korean poetry history. In addition to his poetry work, he has been studying the Bible for more than 50 years, has been a regular speaker of the Christian Gospel Mission, and has been consistently written religious books such as “The Word of Salvation,” “The Word of Life,” and the proverbs collection “Heavens Words, My Words” etc. In addition, he exhibited many paintings and calligraphy works both in Korea and other nations (England, France, Germany, Argentina, etc.).
This is a song that Pastor Jung Myung Seok wrote in the midst of immense tribulations. Within this song contains a deep and prayerful conversation with Jesus about true happiness. It is in the eternal Lord that he always find his eternal happiness.
Are you truly happy? Or are you unable to feel happiness because of tremendous hardships in your life?
This is a song of praise that Pastor Jung Myung Seok wrote in the midst of immense tribulations. Within this song contains a deep and prayerful conversation with Jesus about true happiness. It is in the eternal Lord that he always find his eternal happiness. This song has since become a classic in Providence for its reminder to everyone to find true eternal happiness.
Providence Hub 