On Thursday, February 6, 2025, ASEZ STAR, a volunteer group composed of middle and high school students from the World Mission Society Church of God, hosted a powerful and inspiring School Violence Prevention Forum in Orange County. The event brought together more than 50 students from Riverside, Temecula, Orange County, Cerritos, Torrance, and Oceanside, alongside dozens of supporting members and over 30 guests who came to support the cause. The forum focused on raising awareness of the various forms of school violence, with an emphasis on bullying, a pervasive issue that many students have personally encountered. Through engaging discussions, expert insights, and heartfelt performances, the event aimed to equip attendees with the knowledge and motivation to foster safer and more inclusive school environments. One of the highlights of the evening was a moving student choir performance, which underscored the importance of unity and support among peers. The audience was further encouraged by the powerful words of guest speakers, including Shalini Quattlebaum, a pageant winner dedicated to youth advocacy, and Veronica Alvarez, a counselor at Savanna High School in Anaheim. Alvarez emphasized the critical role students can play in standing up for their peers and actively supporting those who are targeted. Notably, the Savanna High School girls basketball team attended the event, demonstrating their commitment to promoting kindness and respect both on and off the court. Adding to the significance of the evening, former WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association) player Leaonna Odom, who played for the New York Liberty, shared her insights on leadership, resilience, and the importance of fostering a culture of support within schools. The event also saw the participation of teachers and coaches from the local community, reinforcing the collective responsibility of educators and mentors to prevent school violence. Attendees left the forum empowered with actionable steps to create safer educational spaces inspired by the collaboration between students, educators, and community leaders. ASEZ STAR continues to lead the charge in promoting positive change, reminding students that their voices and actions matter in the fight against school violence. Through initiatives such as this forum, they demonstrate that change begins with awareness, advocacy, and the courage to stand up for others. 0:24 – Welcome and Introduction 0:46 - Guest Speakers 1:09 – ASEZ STAR Choir Performance 1:33 – Closing Remarks

[初代教会の著しい発展を導いた、喜びと希望を与えてくれる祭りとは？] 復活祭はキリストが死者の中から復活し、 死の力を打ち破った大きな権能を見せてくださった祭りで、 初代教会の成長の土台となりました。 また、激しい弾圧と迫害の中でも 信仰を守り抜けるようにしてくれる喜びと希望の祭りです。 [初代教会と同じ希望を持って復活祭を守っている神様の教会の聖徒たち] キリストに結ばれて死んだ人たちがまず美しい復活を成し、 生き残っている者たちはたちまち、一瞬のうちに変えられるという 喜ばしい希望を与えてくださった「復活祭」。 これは安商洪様と母なる神様の教えどおりに守る新しい契約の復活祭です。 キリストは死者の中から復活した、と宣べ伝えられているのに、 あなたがたの中のある者が、死者の復活などない、と言っているのはどういうわけですか。 死者の復活がなければ、キリストも復活しなかったはずです。 そして、キリストが復活しなかったのなら、わたしたちの宣教は無駄であるし、 あなたがたの信仰も無駄です。 [コリントの信徒への手紙一15章12-14節]

[初穂祭を定められたのは、イエス・キリストの復活を知らせるためです] イスラエルの民が葦の海に入ったことは、イエス様が墓に入られることを表し、 イスラエルの民が葦の海から上陸したことは、イエス様の復活を預言していました。 神様はこのことを忘れないように、旧約時代に「初穂祭」を定めてくださいました。 [初代教会のように、神様の教会の聖徒たちの心に刻みつけられた 希望の祭り、「復活祭」] 旧約時代、過越祭と除酵祭を守った後に やって来る最初の日曜日に、毎年初穂祭を守ったように、 眠りについた人々の初穂であられるイエス様の復活も、日曜日に行われました。 これによって初代教会の聖徒たちは「死んでも復活する」という信仰を持つようになり、 いつも神様の側に立って救いの便りを喜んで伝えました。 しかし、実際、キリストは死者の中から復活し、 眠りについた人たちの初穂となられました。 [コリントの信徒への手紙一15章20節] そのとき、神殿の垂れ幕が上から下まで真っ二つに裂け、地震が起こり、岩が裂け、 墓が開いて、眠りについていた多くの聖なる者たちの体が生き返った。 そして、イエスの復活の後、墓から出て来て、聖なる都に入り、多くの人々に現れた。 [マタイによる福音書27章51-53節]

「シオンに集まりなさい、新しい契約の過越祭と安息日を守りなさい」 「安商洪様と母なる神様のもとに来て、命の水を飲みなさい」 神様が聖書を通して下さったすべてのアドバイスは、 人類の救いのためのものですので そこに付け加えたり、そこから取り去ったりせず、 言われたとおりに守る時、価値を悟って多くの祝福を授かることができます。

「わたしの父は今もなお、働いておられる」というイエス様の御言葉のように、 今日も安商洪様と母なる神様が、御自ら失われた者を捜し求め、 弱い者を強め、羊の群れを食べさせながら、シオンを導いておられます。 神様の教会は、神様が福音の主体と力の源であられることを信じて、 ペトロのように神様の御言葉に依り頼みながら福音活動をしています。

New Windsor, NEW YORK — On January 26, 2025, ASEZ STAR hosted a teacher appreciation event to commemorate the UN International Day of Education. The event, held at the Church of God in New Windsor, NY, emphasized the importance of strong student-teacher relationships and honored local educators for their dedication. It included a presentation on ASEZ STAR’s ongoing campaigns and initiatives, along with a Bible seminar titled “The True Teacher.” Local educators, parents, and government officials came together to celebrate the community’s dedication to education. Assembly member Chris Eachus presented ASEZ STAR with a Certificate of Merit, recognizing their leadership and impact on the community. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry for the world that my generation left behind for you. I really am. We should have done much better for you and with you. And then I want to say thank you for taking this step to do this because it does need doing,” Eachus said, addressing the students directly. He continued by speaking to the parents and teachers, saying, “You must be so proud of every one of these students here. Young men and women doing this on their own, volunteering… it’s great. It’s wonderful.” Ethan Calle, a volunteer with ASEZ STAR, explained the event’s inspiration and its connection to the UN’s International Day of Education. “The UN has stated that education is the way to fulfill all of the Sustainable Development Goals, and that it’s through good educators that we can have good student-teacher relationships. We’re very blessed to have such amazing teachers in this area. Because of that, ASEZ STAR wants to honor them through this event,” he said. Raul Rodriguez, Assistant Principal at Cornwall Central High School, was invited by ASEZ STAR volunteers from his school. He was moved by the group’s numerous activities, stating, “I wish that all of our students were like them. Sadly, I think we have become apathetic as a community, as a society, and so just being a part of something greater than us is fantastic!”

Before the morning mist could rise, over 250 Church of God members were lined up and ready to serve. Gathering in Entradero Park in Torrance, California, the volunteers came from all over Southern California, even as far as Las Vegas, to fulfill the mission as the “light of the world.” They set a singular focus on Entradero Park’s basin-like terrain, which poses unique environmental risks, and requires immediate attention. The park’s dry vegetation presented a fire hazard, and the accumulation of trash had the potential to pollute water systems. The polluted waters would further pose harm to the environment by ultimately reaching the ocean. After learning of the need from the City of Torrance, volunteers stepped in enthusiastically to help their neighbors. Volunteers from Torrance, Cerritos, Sunland, Lancaster, Orange County, Temecula, and Las Vegas united for this effort. Volunteers were organized into three groups to clear weeds, gather litter, and remove debris. Smaller teams also collected trash, following city staff guidance. Four medical team members from the church were on-site to ensure everyone’s safety. Though they came from various places, the collective effort of each role made the work swift, productive and full of joy. The event also marked a contribution to the City of Torrance during the 60th anniversary celebration of the Church of God. In a Certificate of Appreciation offered to the church, Torrance Mayor George Chen congratulated the members on the meaningful commemoration, expressing that the Church’s “generous contribution and commitment has made a significant impact on our community.” Congressman Ted Lieu of California’s 36th district also sent a Certificate of Congressional Recognition, commending the volunteers for their work to beautify and preserve the city. Torrance Councilmember Asam Sheikh praised the volunteers stating, “You are the true heroes of the community. You don’t have to go to Hollywood to find the stars, they’re here.” Sheikh expressed interest in entrusting the volunteers with future projects, as more help is needed in other parks in the area. 00:04 Arrival and Preparation 00:32 Getting to Work 00:57 Torrance City Councilmember Statement 01:15 ASEZ WAO Volunteer Testimonial 01:40 Torrance Parks Division Manager Statement 02:14 Wrapping Up 02:39 We Love You!

この世の中は、夜に見る夢のように、一瞬で消え去る儚い世界であり、 永遠なる幸福と喜びに満ち溢れる実物の世界は天国にあるため、 神様は「上にあるものに心を留め、 地上のものに心を引かれないようにしなさい」と言われました。 サタンがこの地の物質的なものでイエス様を試みたように、 同じ方法で人類を惑わしていますが、 神様の教会の聖徒たちは、 天に心を留め、神様の御言葉に従って生きていきます。

[二度目に肉体をまとって来られる神様を人類が見分けられる証しとは？] 聖書と預言者たちは、この地にキリストが再臨なさる理由として、死を滅ぼすため、 つまり人類に永遠の命を与えて天国に連れて行かれるために来られるのだと証ししています。 また、天で“死を免れることのできない罪”を犯した人類に永遠の命を下さる方法は、 2000年前と同様にイエス様の肉と血を食べて飲む過越祭しかありません。 [死を永久に滅ぼす真理、新しい契約・過越祭を教えてくださったキリスト・安商洪様] 「死を永久に滅ぼす祝宴を開いてくださる方は、神様以外にはおられない」という 預言者イザヤの預言どおり、過越祭で死を滅ぼしてくださる御方は安商洪様であるため、 神様の教会の聖徒たちは安商洪様を神様として信じ、過越祭を守っています。 わたしの肉を食べ、わたしの血を飲む者は、永遠の命を得、 わたしはその人を終わりの日に復活させる。 [ヨハネによる福音書6章54節] 万軍の主はこの山で祝宴を開き/すべての民に良い肉と古い酒を供される。… （口語訳：久しくたくわえたぶどう酒をもって祝宴を設けられる。） 死を永久に滅ぼしてくださる。…その日には、人は言う。 見よ、この方こそわたしたちの神。/わたしたちは待ち望んでいた。 この方がわたしたちを救ってくださる。 [イザヤ書25章6-9節]