[USA] The Shout that Awakened Christian Leaders around the World, “Not of Works!”

The CLF World Conference, scheduled to be held in New York in March, had to be temporarily postponed to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Pastor Ock Soo Park, founder of CLF, said, “I don’t know why God gave us coronavirus. But God has never given us anything bad. There are countless people suffering from coronavirus, and it will lower people’s minds and bring them to accept the gospel.”

With the prolonged pandemic, God teaches us that the daily life that we have taken for granted, such as fresh air, openly having conversation with people, and freely having meetings and services, is God’s grace, and that what is most precious to us is life and the gospel that will save it.

The CLF World Conference, which lasted four days from November 30 (Mon), was attended by many Christian leaders whose hearts were lowered by the pandemic and who love the Word of life.

In particular, the Empowerment Talk, in which many prominent pastors of the American churches participated as lecturers, and the performance of the famous praise team, boosted CLF’s status as a meeting of the world’s best Christian leaders. It showed that the Christian community divided by religious groups and denominations can unite and fellowship with each other under the word of the truth of the Bible through CLF.

Although it became difficult to invite pastors directly due to pandemic, Pastor Ock Soo Park and CLF became known to the U.S. churches as they invited pastors and representatives of large churches for the empowerment talk, invited famous praise teams, and promoted through social media. Also, the invitation of community through group evangelism became an opportunity to promote CLF to the local community. In addition, TV/radio broadcasts of online Bible seminars in May and November, Lectors on John on CTN, and Pastor Park’s interviews at various broadcasting stations have raised the profile of Pastor Park to countless people in the U.S., which led to the participation of those who had heard of the conference through broadcasting at the CLF World Conference.

The open space called “Online” allowed people who had heard CLF news through various channels to attend the conference beyond the constraints of location and space, and actually attended the CLF World Conference from Hawaii and all other parts of North America.

Pastor Ock Soo Park, the founder of CLF and the principal lecturer of the World Conference, gave the gospel to everyone high and low during the 58 years after receiving salvation, providing the vivid testimony and the gospel of salvation that God worked in his ministry every hour.

“Jesus loves us and has received all the punishment we needed to receive. We did nothing but sin, and we were justified by the death of Jesus! We don’t have any sins anymore and we are clean. That’s what the Bible says.”

“If Jesus were to offer sacrifices in this land, just as how they gave offering by killing lambs in the Old Testament, then He will not be able to forgive our sins even if he dies tens of thousands or hundreds of millions of times. But Jesus sprinkled the blood on the altar of heaven, making us holy and perfect forever. Jesus’ death is the offering that washed our sins eternally. Although He died 2,000 years ago, he did not sprinkle the blood on the altar on the earth, but on the alter of the eternal kingdom of heaven, so that our sins are washed forever. Amen!”

As the gospel of forgiveness of sin, which is not by works, but by faith in the blood of Jesus Christ, was preached every session, the CLF conference was filled with testimonies of salvation about how they overcame condemnation of sin, fear, and suffering that have been crushing people’s hearts.

CLF World Conference Attendee Testimonies

Pastor Kenneth Makuakāne / Kawaiaha’o Church, Hawaii

Before I met CLF, I preached according to what I learned at the seminary. But as I come to CLF and listen, I’m learning deep words that I didn’t learn at the seminary. When I prepare my sermon in my church, I deliver deep words I learned from CLF. Previously, I thought I was 100 percent sinner through Adam, but listening to the Word, I found that I became 100% righteous through Jesus’ works. My heart became whiter than snow.

I heard the words on Successful Ministry during keynote lecture time. The congregation is not lamb of the pastors but lamb of God. I’m thankful to have learned words so that I can do the ministry that Jesus becomes the subject, not me being the subject.

The youth of our church also attended the C-YA program at this CLF. I am going to continue to lead other church pastors to the CLF. I hope they would come out of their comfort zone and I believe that God is changing their minds.

I love what CLF is doing. Thank you for making it easy and simple for ordinary people like us to understand.

Pastor Mary Watson / United Full Gospel Church of God, New York

The church I attended emphasized the law. We learned that we are always guilty and not righteous. Through the word, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” We learned that we never meet God’s expectations. I thought it was natural to pray and ask for forgiveness of sin. And when I met someone who say they are righteous, I condemned them. I thought we have to become righteous and holy.

But this time, I opened my eyes while listening to the Words in CLF. People around me said, “You sound like you just received salvation.” I said, “I'm actually saved now!” I saw myself with a different eye. I used to know that my sins were washed through Jesus, but there was always a burden of sin in my heart.

As Pastor Park preached today about Romans 8:2, the law of Spirit of life in Christ Jesus made me free from the law of sin and death. Also, I was very grateful to hear the words of the new covenant in Jeremiah 31:31. Even before I came to the conference this evening, there was a meeting of our church leaders, where I talked about the new covenant. God does not see us, but Jesus. He said that the branches are holy because the roots are holy. I am holy and righteous because Jesus who is our root is holy and righteous. I tried to keep the law, but I was under the curse because I went against it. But God established a new covenant in me and said He does not remember our sins and iniquities anymore. I am very happy and joyful. If I had known this truth several years ago, then my life and my surroundings would have changed. I am so happy because of this truth. I believe that God will empower and protect Pastor Park so that he can deliver this truth to the world. And I believe that in these difficult times God will provide this truth to more people.

Pastor Ruben Mendez / Iglesia Salom, San Antonio

I met the Good News Mission around 10 years ago and have been with them every time there was a Christmas Cantata performance, but it hasn’t been long since I opened my eyes to the gospel of grace that Pastor Ock Soo Park delivers. Now, I distribute the book, “How I Became Free from Sin”, to my acquaintances to preach the gospel that Pastor Park is preaching. The owner of the vineyard took pity on those who had no one to use them for work and promised a denarius, but those who did more work focused on their works rather than on their master’s promise and compared their wage with those who came to work later than them and became angry. I see many Christians today still suffering from sin because they are not interested in Jesus’ words in the Bible and look at their own works. I’m thankful that I could listen to Pastor Park’s life and the true gospel through this CLF Conference. It is amazing that God’s grace done solely by His grace regardless of our works. And because of the pandemic, many church doors have been closed, and I give thanks and glory to God when I see the gospel being delivered to more people online by Pastor Park’s faith.

Pastor Wilford O. Portillo Alonzo / Iglesias del Pacto, Missouri

Not long ago, I met my limitations while doing my ministry. For no reason, I became lethargic and had a hard time leading the church and felt alone. So, I felt like I couldn’t do my ministry anymore, and I planned to take a 12-day leave of absence from church and read the Bible at home and pray. But a few days ago, I was invited to the CLF conference and had no special plans, so I decided to attend he CLF conference.

It was so interesting to listen to Pastor Ock Soo Park’s sermon at CLF. Pastor Park always read the Bible and gave his testimony to us every hour, and I was looking forward to how it would end when the sermon was almost over. It was very interesting and amazing to see all the testimonies connect with the Word of God. I feel that God has given wisdom to the pastor. As I listened to the Word by attending CLF, I want to register for Good News Theology School and learn the gospel that the Good News Mission preaches and preach this gospel to people.

Pastor Yvonne Fleischer / Qodesh Family Church North America, New Jersey

I was a Christian for a long time, but it was the first time I understood Corinthians 6:11. Listening to Pastor Ock Soo Park talking about Romans 3:24, I was able to understand what it means to be holy and righteous, and what it means to be a true Christian with redemption. I thank the pastor and I would definitely like to attend next CLF.

Pastor Donald Joseph / Tabernacle Haitian, Philadelphia

We cannot receive salvation by praying and giving offering to church. As I listening to the Words in CLF, I was able to discover that we can receive salvation only by the blood of Jesus. As I heard the testimony of Pastor Ock Soo Park’s father receiving salvation, I was able to realize how the churches today are teaching wrong doctrine. The pastor’s words were so easy and really deep. We must preach this gospel. I was able to know that Pastor Park teaches the Bible and only believes in the Word. I feel like that is the real spiritual life. The time I attended CLF was so precious and I really didn’t waste time. I am righteous and holy. Now I will preach this gospel. I give glory to Jesus who saved me. Amen.

Chaplain Artrelle Hunter / New York

Pastor Ock Soo Park’s message is a clear Word of God that is needed in people’s hearts. Pastor’s cry, “It is not by our works,” tells us that we should reject ourselves and only dwell in the Word of God. Only Jesus can save us and He saved us. It’s not important whether we do well or not or who we are. Only the blood of Jesus cleanses us. Through Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:24, and Corinthians 6:11, Pastor precisely preached to us that Jesus died on the cross to wash our sins. That sacrifice saved us.

Pastor Bhadra Rai / President of BNCA (Bhutanese-Nepalese Churches of America), GNSCF (Global Nepali Speaking Christian Fellowship)

First of all, I would like to thank CLF for inviting me to this glorious place with many great pastors from all over the world. I’ve attended many online Christian events, but I am grateful to Pastor Ock Soo Park for delivering words of righteousness being free from sin.

“Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:9) I say “Amen” to the words of pastor when he said we became righteous freely only by grace, not by our works. I’m thankful to pastor for delivering the heart of God solely by returning to the Word beyond doctrines and denominations. He helped us to fight and overcome this difficult time of coronavirus through the strength coming from God by being connected to Him, and not by human’s strength.

Many Nepalese people in the United States live abundantly, but they don’t have the power to overcome the darkness that comes to their minds. However, I know that Nepalese pastors who attended the CLF were encouraged by the Word of God.

After the evening event, Nepalese people who attended CLF gathered separately and shared the Word of God and our hearts in our language. I hope there are many events like this. And the praises of the Gracias Choir were so beautiful.

Pastor Tochukwu Ben Anozie / Greater Hope Baptist Church, Houston

Through this CLF, I learned the most fundamental and essential clear teaching of the Bible. In particular, the most memorable part is that I received salvation through grace, not by our works. Also, in the story of the man who fell among thieves, we found out anew that Jesus is the Samaritan and that we are the man who fell among thieves. The Savior is Jesus, and we are the ones who were saved. The theme of this CLF was “It’s time to overcome”. By faith, by the Word of God, we can overcome sin, pain, and everything else. The pastor’s words have greatly influenced my salvation and my spiritual life. Salvation is done by the Savior and the savee. We are the ones who should be saved, not the Savior. At first, I thought we should do something as a person who should be saved (savee). However, salvation is only done by the Savior. Through CLF, I was able to gain confidence in the faith of salvation through Pastor Park’s words, especially through Corinthians 6:10-11, and through the teachings and explanations of the pastor. Thank you.

Del Sullivan / Anadarko Indian Education Director, Oklahoma

My husband and I work as education directors in Anadarko, an Indian town. Two years ago, I got to know the Good News Mission through Mind Camp held in my town. I’ve been battling with pancreatic cancer for three years, and early last year I was able to attend Dallas CLF with my husband. I met Pastor Ock Soo Park there, listened to the gospel, and also received hands-on prayer.

Earlier this year, Pastor Ock Soo Park called me and told me the truth and the Word of God. I am righteous when God says I am righteous. If God says I am holy, then I am holy. I was very thankful for pastor’s words. Also, the pastor contacted me through Kakao Talk and old me the words of hope that I am cured once I believe in the Word of God. I believe in that Word. Pastor also prayed for me. I am grateful to God and I am so thankful to have attended CLF this time.

In fact, I didn’t have much energy and it was very hard to eat. But what my group teacher told me from the first day is that, when I attend this CLF my health would improve, and I believed that. I received those words and said “Amen.” As you can see, I became happier and I have more strength that I can walk faster than before. I feel blessed by God, and I’m so grateful. I have a hope that God will heal me. Also, I was very grateful to the Gracias Choir. The music is so beautiful and gives me hope. I truly thank God and I thank Pastor Ock Soo Park who prays for me.

Pastor Mubarik Anuma / Great Commission Evangelistic, Pakistan

I got to know Pastor Jinhee Kim through Facebook and was able to read Pastor Ock Soo Park’s book. Through the book “How I Became Free from Sin,” I was able to receive the greatest blessing in my life in how I escape from sin through the blood of Jesus. I received tremendous blessing through CLF. The pastor’s teaching, “We are righteous in Jesus,” was a great blessing for me. I am righteous, holy, and perfect through Jesus’ death. I am very thankful. In romans 3:23, it says, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” But what’s really surprising is that the pastor delivered the gospel through verse 24 that says, “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” I am very grateful. I thank God and thank you so much for teaching me this precious gospel. Thank you for teaching all of our church members as well. Also, I sincerely want to ask Pastor Park a favor with a heart to receive grace. I would like to spread this gospel all throughout Pakistan. I ask that Pastor Ock Soo Park’s book will be translated into Pakistani language so that the Word of God that tells us how we became righteous through the blood of Jesus would spread all Pakistanis. Thank you.

Pastor Fakhar Naeem / Grace Assemblies, Pakistan

I always lived with the thought that I was a sinner, but listening to the pastor, I found out that it was a thought from Satan to deceive me, and that it wasn’t the truth. The Word says that I have become righteous through the blood of Jesus Christ. In the future, when Satan puts in such thoughts, if you look at the words and remember what the Words say, you will be able to recall that we have been free from sin through the Lord, and live with joy and gratitude.

Isela Lee, Church Counselor / Cielo Vista Church, El Paso

I received forgiveness of sin by the blood of Jesus and became righteous through CLF this time. I cannot go back to the position as a sinner again. It is because Jesus washed our sins once for all (Hebrews 10:10). Since we cannot return to the position as a sinner any longer, there is no need for us to confess our sins continually. It is because there is no more sin inside of us (1 John 1:9). When I learned that all my sins that were engraved on the horns of the altar in heaven had been washed away by the blood of Jesus, I realized the truth about the eternal things of heaven (Jeremiah 17:1, Hebrews 10:17). Now that I received forgiveness of sin and received eternal life, my gratitude towards God became greater. I’m so hopeful when I think about living my life as a righteous person in every part of my life, because I’ve learned that I’m righteous.

Traci Brooks, a praise team singer / Cielo Vista Church, El Paso

Our church received an email from CLF asking for praise and our pastor told us to proceed, so we decided to participate. To be honest, I don’t know much about CLF, but it seems so great that I feel blessed by God to be able to participate in what CLF is doing. What remains in my heart from listening to Pastor Park’s sermon is that receiving salvation is by faith. The part about how we receive salvation by grace, not by our works. That sounded very loud to me. Once saved, it is eternal salvation, and no one can take it away. God sent Jesus and washed all of our past, present, and future sins, and there is hope only in Jesus regardless of who we are, and I am very thankful for that.