[Kenya] Opening ceremony of 2017 Peace Camp with Nairobi governor Evans Kidero

Many events happened on the day of the official opening ceremony of the 2017 Kenya Peace Camp. Governor of Nairobi, who arranged the meeting with Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta last year, attended the opening ceremony together with the Nairobi Christian representative, received salvation after hearing the gospel from Pastor Ock Soo Park. IYF has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Kenya Scouts Association and Pastor Ock Soo Park’s interview and Gracias Choir performances were broadcast live nationwide on NTV, the largest Swahili TV station in Kenya.

– The opening ceremony of 2017 Peace Camp with Nairobi governor Evans Kidero – The gospel preached to governor Evans Kidero and Nairobi Christian representative – IYF signing Memorandum of Understanding with Kenya Scouts Association – Pastor Ock Soo Park and the Gracias Choir broadcasted on NTV live broadcast in Kenya

The opening ceremony of 2017 Peace Camp with Nairobi governor Evans Kidero

IYF Peace Camp, celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, held a spectacular opening ceremony at 09:00 local time on Wednesday, 2 August 2017. The Camp was held ahead of the presidential election and general elections on August 8, in fear of terrorism for the Kenyan. The camp is being held with the interest of the media and citizens as the youths took the lead in announcing the declaration of peace.

Prior to the opening ceremony, Pastor Ock Soo Park had a meeting with Nairobi governor Evans Kidero. Governor Evans Kidero first came in contact with IYF in 2015 and had been actively supporting in various ways. He especially often introduced IYF to the President and arranged for a meeting with the President last year.

At the meeting, the governor introduced the Nairobi Christian representative to Pastor Ock Soo Park and said it would be great to cooperate and work together in various areas.

Pastor Ock Soo Park preached the gospel to the governor and Christian representative of Romans 3:23, 24, “I am teaching the word of God in the Bible to pastors in Kenya.”

“In Romans chapter 3 verse 23, 24, it is written, ‘you have sinned. But you have been justified by the redemption in Christ Jesus’. We look like sinners but what does the Bible say? Yes! It is written ‘Being justified’. Pastors in Kenya does not know the Bible very well. Therefore, I want to teach the Bible to them so they can have one heart with God and boldly do the works of God.” was his message.

The governor of Nairobi and the Christian representative who listened to the words were joyous and shouted “Amen!”, “Wonderful!”

The opening ceremony started at 09:00 am with the gospel duo Rio Montana’s stage and the spectacular world cultural performances. Governor Evans Kidero delivered a welcoming speech and his message was: “The performances in IYF and all of you are very beautiful. I hope that you all will change through the mind education here and become future contributors of Kenya. Please be careful so we won’t go through the riot and violence that has happened many times, and please join us in voting, for peace and for a new leader leading Kenya.

“I have met with Pastor Ock Soo Park. He left a message in my heart that really empowers the mind. And he promised that he will teach Bible to all the pastors. Our Nairobi Province was built on the basis of Christianity.” He delivered a message in Psalm 127, “Except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.”

This camp is held at a perfect time because we have a presidential election in about 6 days. I pray for peace in Kenya prior to the election. I pray for a peaceful election day and that the leaders of God will be elected. I wish to convey my message to all the youths of our country. Because Kenyans should live like friends, like neighbors. I hope the peace in Kenya will not be affected by politics or any other reasons for that matter.” – Governor of Nairobi, DR. Evans Kidero

The main stage, the Gracias Choir stage has begun. The Gracias Choir received enthusiastic responses from the crowd at the soprano solo by Park Jin Young, pianist Seung Hwan Seok’s solo, and local song choir.

First lecture by Pastor Ock Soo Park during the Kenya Camp. He talked about the heart of a man who had been sick for 38 years in John chapter 5, explaining how unfortunate and unhappy one’s life becomes when one believes in themselves. On the contrary, he talked about the amazing changes that take place when one believes in the word of Jesus, not his own, and about the hopes and abilities when believing in God’s Word.

IYF signing Memorandum of Understanding with Kenya Scouts Association

After the sermon, the Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony by Kenya Scouts Association Commissioner and Pastor Ock Soo Park, founder of IYF, was held. The MOU signing ceremony was proceeded with great interest by the Kenya Scouts Association, who has been watching the IYF youth activities in Kenya.

In the MOU included “sharing each other’s facilities” and “discussing and implementing the World Camp in partnership”. Kenya Scouts Association rejoiced and broke into chants of their slogan.

Pastor Ock Soo Park and the Gracias Choir broadcasted on NTV live broadcast in Kenya

In the afternoon, IYF founder, Pastor Ock Soo Park and Gracias Choir appeared on a live broadcast of Nation Center NTV broadcast station in the Nairobi city center. NTV broadcast station broadcasts in Swahili (a language spoke commonly in Tanzania and Kenya), the largest and most popular channel in Kenya.

This live broadcast was produced by the NTV editorial chief, who attended the Kenya Peace Camp, wanting to interview Pastor Ock Soo Park and of the great activities and purpose of the organization. The interview began with the Swahili song by tenor Julio and soprano Park Jin Young, the program host repeatedly chanted out “Wonderful!” throughout their singing.

The interview with Pastor Ock Soo Park followed. The interview was about elections and peace as it was held ahead of the presidential election and general elections on August 8. Pastor Ock Soo Park spoke about the beginning of the mission in Kenya in 1995 and said whoever becomes president, if he first let down his thoughts and open his heart, he can learn from anyone. The interview lasted for 30 minutes.

IYF World Camp in Kenya celebrated its 10th anniversary this year. The voyage of changes of the seeds of hope planted in tens of thousands of youths up to now will continue until August 4th.