Cho Nak-jun / South Korea
This summer, Gangneung endured exceptionally intense heat. The city experienced more days of heatwaves and tropical nights than in over a century, including a record-breaking night when temperatures never fell below 30°C (86°F). Unlike typical years, substantial rainfall was scarce. Rumors spread that the reservoir supplying most of the city’s water had run dry, and eyewitnesses reported rivers drying up and fish dying in large numbers. Yet I remained hopeful that rain would soon return to refill the reservoir.
By late August, the situation worsened unexpectedly. A state of disaster was declared as reservoir levels fell below 15 percent—the critical threshold for maintaining drinking water supplies. Fire trucks and military water trucks lined the roads, helicopters took to the skies, and naval vessels were mobilized in a full-scale operation. Yet despite tireless efforts—from conserving and transporting water to mobilizing government and civilian teams—the reservoirs scarcely recovered. The water level remained stubbornly low, defying every attempt to restore it. Water rationing was implemented, limiting apartment complexes to just six hours of supply per day. Local online communities soon flooded with complaints and frustration. Residents shared stories of washing their hair with bottled water, scolding their children for using the bathroom too often, and even traveling to nearby cities just to do laundry. As the days passed, worry deepened, and many began to wonder whether the drought would ever come to an end.
After the disaster was declared, many Zion members from other regions called to check on us, asking if we still had running water and whether everyone in Gangneung Zion was managing well. Through the grace of our Heavenly Father and Mother, we were able to use groundwater that had passed inspection and was approved for drinking, so we experienced little inconveniences. As it is written, “The Lord blesses Zion with abundant provisions and satisfies her poor with food” (Ps 132:13–15), our Zion prepared meals filled with love and shared them with the brothers and sisters and neighbors who were struggling from the water shortage.
The members’ spiritual understanding and gratitude deepened day by day. One sister shared that a friend had sent her one hundred and twenty bottles of water, enabling her to share them with her neighbors and put God’s love into practice. Another brother reflected that although he had often said, “Water is life itself,” when presenting the truth topic “Heavenly Mother, the Source of the Water of Life,” it was only through this water shortage that he truly came to feel, deep in his heart, how precious the water of life is. Watching fire trucks and volunteers deliver water reminded many members of our mission to proclaim the water of life to the world. Filled with these gracious realizations, we gathered to give thanks and glory to God, exchanging heartfelt gratitude and lighthearted stories from the drought—moments that brought laughter and comfort to all.
In fact, the drought was not confined to Gangneung alone. Much of the Yeongdong region as a whole suffered from low rainfall this year. Yet, unlike Gangneung—where a state of disaster was declared—neighboring areas were commended for their preparedness. Anticipating the impact of climate change, they had constructed underground dams more than a decade ago to store water beneath the surface and ensure a stable supply. They also drilled deep into the bedrock to secure groundwater and repaired aging pipelines to reduce leakage—gathering and preserving water long before the drought arrived.
Experiencing the water shortage prompted me to reflect on whether we are truly preparing ourselves spiritually to enter the kingdom of heaven. God revealed what we must prepare and safeguard in this age. We came to examine our spiritual lives—whether we are faithfully seeking and storing the water of life from our Heavenly Mother, and whether any of it is slipping away unnoticed.
After a long drought, two heavy rains came before the festivals of God, as if God was allowing us to experience the latter rain of the Holy Spirit that He pours during the autumn festivals in advance. The once-parched fields, which had made the farmer anxious as harvest approached, were finally watered, and the drooping trees came back to life. Water restrictions were lifted, and we gave thanks to God for His love, sending rain to nourish the land and end the drought.
In Gangneung, Zion members often say that we live by God’s grace. Two years ago, when a massive wildfire swept through the city, we felt His help in a profound way. Fire trucks and helicopters worked tirelessly to battle the flames, and we prayed with all our heart for the safety of our neighbors. Just when it seemed nothing could stop the fire, a sudden downpour came from the heavens, slowing the blaze and giving the firefighters an unexpected advantage. On television, we saw them lift their hands toward the sky in heartfelt thanks for this divine intervention.
At often times, we try to solve problems on our own, only seeking God’s help when we reach the limits of our strength. However, these two disasters reminded me to approach everything with humility and rely on His guidance. By God’s grace, the members of Gangneung Zion faithfully assist their neighbors, both in everyday life and during holidays or emergencies. We will continue to commit ourselves wholeheartedly to sharing the New Covenant Passover—the promise of God’s protection—so that those who fear disasters may experience true peace in Him.
I pray that all Zion members who seek the water of life from our Heavenly Mother during the Festival of Tabernacles—trusting the prophecy that it flows from the heavenly Jerusalem, half to the East Sea and half to the West Sea, overflowing in every season—may receive the abundant blessings of the Holy Spirit. I also pray that the countless souls who long for spiritual nourishment, yet have not heard the words of God, may be led to the Source of the water of life, our Heavenly Mother.