Thankful for Liberation and Freedom... Gyeongnam Federation of Korean Trade Unions 77th Liberation Day 8·15 Special Revival Meeting

Believers holding up the Taegeukgi and shouting "Banzai" at the 77th Liberation Day 8.15 Special Revival Meeting hosted by the Gyeongnam Christian Federation. / Photo by Ryeong Lee ryeong@

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Seryeong] The special 8.15 revival meeting commemorating the 77th anniversary of Liberation Day was held on the afternoon of the 14th at Changwon Indoor Gymnasium in Gyeongnam.

The revival meeting, hosted by the Gyeongnam Christian Federation and co-hosted by the Gyeongnam Holy City Movement Headquarters, was attended by about 6,000 people, including the chairpersons of 21 Christian federations from 18 cities and counties in the province, church members, Changwon Special Mayor Hong Nampyo, Gyeongnam Deputy Governor for Economy Kim Byungkyu, and National Assembly members Lee Dalgon, Kang Kiyoon, and Choi Hyungdoo.

The meeting began with the opening declaration by Pastor Lee Kyungeun of Full Gospel Jinju First Church, representing the Gyeongnam Christian Federation, followed by three cheers led by Pastor Park Junggon of Gohyeon Church.

A total of 100 million KRW in Abad Leadership System scholarships was awarded to 30 elementary school students, 6 middle and high school students, and 68 university students in the province.

Changwon Hanmaeum Hospital also pledged to donate 20 million KRW annually to music major students and awarded scholarships of 1 million KRW each to 6 high school students and 17 university students.

MG Bethel Saemaeul Credit Union donated 105 electric fans to underprivileged neighbors in the province.

Afterwards, Deacon Lee Chungjoo, a musical actor, sang musical numbers from "Jesus Christ Superstar" and "God's Grace," and the first part concluded with special prayers and chants opposing the enactment of the comprehensive anti-discrimination law.

In the second part of the service, following praise by the Gyeongnam Church Union Choir and the joint orchestra, Pastor Lee Younghoon of Yoido Full Gospel Church delivered a sermon titled "Freedom and Liberation."

On this day, Mayor Hong Nampyo said, "Just like when we were united for liberation, I will communicate with an open heart and big ears to unite with the citizens," adding, "Despite difficult conditions such as the COVID-19 pandemic and economic recession, we will support each other and achieve change and innovation to turn crises into opportunities."

Deputy Governor Kim Byungkyu said, "Christianity has always stood with the nation and people at major turning points in modern history, dedicating itself to the independence movement and leading democratization," and added, "I hope Christianity will join forces with Gyeongnam Province, which is fully committed to overcoming the economic crisis with economic recovery and job creation as top priorities."

Pastor Lee Kyungeun said, "Over the past two years, our church and faith have faced a great crisis due to an unforeseen disease disaster," and added, "Through the Misba revival meeting, God has heard our prayers to repent and love our neighbors more, and will further revive the churches."

Kim Jongjun, chairman of the Holy City Movement Headquarters, expressed gratitude to all 2,640 churches in Gyeongnam, saying, "I hope those gathered here today will lead Korea and the world as blessed people."