Online Reporter
Tafadzwa Zimoyo in SEOUL, South Korea
TEARS, cheers, hugs and standing ovations marked the grand finale of the 2026 International Youth Fellowship (IYF) World Camp.
More than 20 000 delegates from around the world gathered for a spectacular closing ceremony in Seoul, South Korea.
After an action-packed week that began in Busan, the global youth gathering wrapped up with unforgettable performances, powerful sermons and life-changing Mind Education lectures that left thousands inspired to become agents of positive change in their respective countries.
The atmosphere inside the packed auditorium was electric as delegates waved national flags, exchanged gifts and embraced new friends made during the week-long camp that brought together young people, government officials, religious leaders and ministers from across the globe.
The camp combined Mind Education, biblical sermons, leadership development, music, dance and cultural exchange, creating an experience many participants described as one of the most memorable of their lives.
One message echoed throughout the week: change the mind, change the world.
The closing ceremony exploded into life with breathtaking performances from Grammy Award-winning artists, internationally acclaimed musicians, award-winning choir conductors and composers, celebrated trumpeters, gifted saxophonists and world-class vocalists who brought the massive crowd to its feet.
Yet despite the star-studded line-up, it was the internationally acclaimed Gracious Choir that stole the show once again.
The choir delivered a flawless performance featuring songs in several international languages, highlighting the diversity of nations represented at the camp.
For Zimbabwean delegates, however, the biggest surprise came when the choir beautifully performed the popular gospel songs “Siyabonga Jesu” and “Wahamba Nathi” in both Ndebele and Shona.
The heartfelt tribute sparked thunderous applause, with many Zimbabweans singing along while others captured the emotional moment on their mobile phones.
The choir’s stunning harmonies, colourful costumes, energetic choreography and movie-like stage production once again demonstrated why it remains one of IYF’s biggest attractions.
Addressing delegates during the closing ceremony, IYF founder Pastor Ock Soo Park challenged young people to become leaders who transform society by first transforming their minds.
“When the heart changes, life changes. When the mind changes, families, communities and nations also change.
“We want to raise leaders who overcome challenges through the right mindset and become a source of hope for the world,” he said.
Zimbabwe’s VIP delegate, Colonel Miniyothabo Baloyi-Chiwenga, described the camp as an extraordinary blessing that had exceeded expectations.
“This has been an incredible experience for everyone who attended, from young people to ministers and government officials.
“The organisers deserve special recognition for their excellence, hospitality and genuine love for humanity.
“Mind Education, the sermons and the cultural exchanges have shown us practical ways of building stronger communities and better nations,” she said.
She added that Zimbabwe could draw valuable lessons from South Korea’s investment in youth development and moral values.
