In Pursuit of Eternal Happiness

Two years ago in January, on a particularly pleasant weekday afternoon, I was out running an errand. It was my day off, so I had stepped out to buy some supplements, happily listening to my favorite music through my earphones. Along the way, a man approached me and began telling me about the Passover, asking if I was interested in the Bible. I told him plainly that I was perfectly content with my life as it was and had no interest in religion. But then, he asked me a question that caught me completely off guard:

"What if that state of happiness could continue even after this life?

At the time, I was trying hard to stay healthy and pouring myself into my work, all just to live a happy life. But a life of unending happiness? I thought to myself that there could be no better life than that, and my curiosity was instantly piqued. I listened as he explained further, asking question after question until I understood, and eventually agreed to meet again to study the Bible.

During our second meeting, he explained the history of the world as prophesied in the book of Daniel. I had always prided myself on having a good knowledge of history, so it was quite humbling to find myself struggling to understand it at first. Wanting to look into it just one more time, I asked for another meeting. For our third meeting, I visited the Church of God for the first time. The members welcomed me with such genuine warmth and respect, and when I saw that the church had received numerous awards for its community service, I knew right away this was a community I wanted to be a part of. That very day, I received the blessing of a new life.

Since I knew absolutely nothing about the Christian faith, I did not come to realize God all at once. However, after learning the parable of the fig tree, I deeply felt that God, who fulfills prophecies beyond the limits of time and space, is truly living and faithful to His word. From then on, I held onto the hope for the kingdom of heaven God had promised and resolved to continue studying the Bible.

I was also deeply moved when I confirmed in the Bible the existence of Heavenly Mother, who has been present since the creation of the world. The way God’s words were so flawlessly and intricately connected left no room for doubt—it was astonishing. I still remember walking home with a spring in my step, overcome with joy that I had found the Mother of my soul. On another occasion during a worship service, I heard a sermon about the Bride who appears at the heavenly wedding banquet. The sermon explained that in this age, the focus of our faith must be directed toward God the Mother, who is the Bride of the Lamb. From that moment on, I turned my heart toward Heavenly Mother and redirected my life of faith. Only then could I truly feel God Elohim living within me.

At first, however, it was difficult for me to understand why Almighty God chose such a painful path—coming to this earth in human form and preaching the gospel amidst suffering. It was only later that I realized Father’s sacrifice on the cross and the hardships Mother still endures to this day were all because of our sins. Only then did I understand why we are called sinners, and why They told us to repent. I had committed unforgivable sins, yet I met Father and Mother, received the forgiveness of sins, and found true freedom. What could possibly bring greater happiness than this?

Around the time genuine faith began to take root in my heart, a close friend came to mind. We had met in middle school and prepared together for high school and university entrance exams. Since I have always loved sharing good things with the people around me, I joyfully shared the eternal happiness contained in the new covenant with this friend, who had always been a pillar of support and a positive influence on me. After studying the words of the Bible sincerely, he quickly grasped the core of the truth through a few thoughtful questions and willingly accepted the Spirit and the Bride as our Saviors.

Watching my friend be reborn as a heavenly brother, I realized that all of this had been planned since the creation of the world, and I could feel just how deeply God loves His children. From being born near each other and attending the same middle school, to relying on each other while preparing for entrance exams, and even growing closer after we began living independently—God Elohim was with us at every moment, guiding us to walk together toward heaven. I pray that They will bless us to reach complete repentance and remain in the love of Father and Mother forever.

I once pursued a free and enjoyable life on this earth. However, God Elohim taught me what true happiness really is. I used to think that a happy life simply meant having healthy meals, enough sleep, and regular exercise. Now, true happiness to me is hearing the truth, putting it into practice, and receiving all kinds of blessings in Zion. Keeping the words of God close to my heart has greatly helped me build a faith that remains unshaken even in times of trial. The more I practice God's teachings, the deeper my realizations become—allowing me to joyfully endure any hardship in obeying His word.

I also want to lead new members and my acquaintances to listen to the words of God whenever they can. To do this, I must be fully prepared myself. That is why I am constantly striving to sharpen the sword of the word through the education program that God has provided for all members. Although my days are spent differently now compared to when I only focused on self-improvement, I will never stop walking this path—because knowing God and following His way is the only true answer.

Mother is now teaching us the truth that Father Himself established on the rock for thirty-seven years, staying with us day and night. It is a great honor to participate in the gospel work of the age of the Holy Spirit, which even the angels envy. I will quickly preach this good news to those who are still wandering in search of happiness to help complete the heavenly gospel. I eagerly look forward to the day when we will all enjoy eternal happiness together forever and ever.