Noah Brown

On 1st March, the day of the March 1st Independence Movement Day, volunteers from the Shincheonji Andrew Church, draped in the Korean flag, are carrying out environmental cleanup activities in the back alleys of Dong District, Busan, where public services do not reach, in celebration of the holiday.

Peace and community warmth are built through everyday acts of care—not just words or public gestures. In Busan’s Dong District, Shincheonji Church of Jesus, Andrew Tribe (Andre Church), has demonstrated this through three years of consistent community service.

Three Years of Consistent Environmental Service

Over the past three years, Andrew Church volunteers have carried out 110 plogging activities in Dong District and around the Andrew Training Centre.

During a recent “Dong-gu Rang Jupging” campaign, more than 80 students and teachers collected around 500 litres of household waste. Rather than choosing convenient locations, volunteers focused on areas identified by residents as needing attention.

Their environmental efforts are complemented by seasonal community activities:

- Spring: Potted flowers and New Year greetings for local residents.

- Summer: Gifts, balloon art and snacks for local children.

- Chuseok and Lunar New Year: Traditional rice cakes for senior centres and local shops.

- Late autumn: Homemade cookies and treats delivered to more than 30 local merchants and city bus drivers.

From One-Time Assistance to Ongoing Partnership

Continued engagement has helped build trust with local shopkeepers, some of whom now warmly welcome volunteers and support community activities.

In late 2026, Andrew Church plans to hold a Local Merchants’ Roundtable, creating an opportunity for business owners to share challenges and discuss practical ways to support the local economy.

Following a resident survey in May 2026, the church has also incorporated community feedback into its activities, consulting residents and local authorities before clean-up events to ensure they address local needs without disrupting daily life.

Building Peace Through Community Partnership

Andrew Church’s approach centres on consistency, communication and genuine relationships rather than one-off events. By listening to residents and treating neighbours as partners, its volunteers continue to strengthen community connections and contribute to a cleaner, warmer neighbourhood in Busan.

Source: https://vo.la/1uIJMSl

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Participation in a small group at Shincheonji Gwacheon Church

Social isolation among young people has emerged as a growing concern in South Korea. A report by the Korea Economic Association and the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs estimated that approximately 538,000 young adults aged 19–34 were socially reclusive in 2024, more than double the 244,000 recorded in 2022. The report also estimated the annual social and economic costs of prolonged isolation at more than KRW 5.3 trillion.

In response, Shincheonji Church of Jesus, John Tribe (Gwacheon Church) has developed interest-based small groups where young adults can form connections through shared hobbies and activities.

Creating Safe Spaces Through Shared Interests

Rather than relying on formal or rigid structures, Gwacheon Church offers small groups focused on activities such as photography, dance, keychain making, outdoor trips and sports. The approach allows participants to develop relationships gradually in a comfortable environment.

For 29-year-old Ye-ji Lee, the groups provided encouragement during a difficult period of career uncertainty and social anxiety.

“When I blamed myself and built walls around myself, the warmth and support of my small-group members gave me great strength,” she said. “With encouragement and advice from mentors, I gradually overcame my fear of communicating with others.”

From Receiving Support to Supporting Others

For some participants, the experience has developed into a desire to contribute to others.

Tae-hee Lee, 28, experienced social isolation after graduating from secondary school, partly due to difficult working conditions and experiences of social prejudice. Taking on a leadership role within a small group helped him develop stronger relationships and a greater sense of purpose.

“Isolation made my thoughts and actions focused mainly on myself,” Lee said. “Through interacting with the group, I learned the value of considering others, and that gradually developed into leadership. The experience helped me become someone who could contribute to society.”

Today, Lee volunteers in his community, teaching smartphone skills to senior citizens and participating in environmental cleanups.

Building Connections Through Community

A representative of Shincheonji Gwacheon Church said the role of religion should extend beyond numerical growth to helping people build meaningful connections with society.

Through shared interests, mutual support and community participation, the small-group initiative aims to provide young adults experiencing isolation with opportunities to reconnect, develop confidence and contribute to their communities.

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Venerable Tae-min Oh of Gyeonbulsa Temple, South Gyeogsang Province (A.I generated)

Venerable Tae-min Oh of Gyeonbulsa Temple, South Gyeogsang Province, recently expressed his stance on the continued detention of Shincheonji Chairman ManHee Lee.

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I ask the 27th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court: When will the court finally decide on Chairman ManHee Lee’s bail application?

The court held a bail hearing on 21st August. At the time of the latest reporting, no decision on bail had been announced. Instead, Lee’s legal team has repeatedly sought temporary suspension of detention on health grounds. The court initially granted such a suspension, later extended it until 11th September, and Lee was subsequently returned to detention when the extension expired. A further application for suspension was then heard on 14th September.

This sequence raises an important question: Why has the bail application remained unresolved while temporary measures continue to be used?

Media reports have described Lee’s repeated applications for suspension of detention. But this framing risks overlooking the distinction between the two procedures. A suspension of detention is a temporary measure, while bail concerns whether a defendant should continue to be detained while the trial proceeds. The two should not be treated as interchangeable.

The repeated cycle has placed a 95-year-old defendant in a situation involving detention, temporary release and renewed detention. Whatever view one takes of the underlying allegations, the prolonged uncertainty surrounding his detention warrants clear judicial explanation.

There is also a question of consistency. The court has already considered requests for temporary release on health grounds and has granted and extended suspension of detention. Yet the separate bail application remains unresolved. For the defendant and his legal representatives, this naturally raises questions about how the different forms of relief are being considered.

Time does not carry the same weight for everyone. For a court, a period of several weeks may be one part of a lengthy proceeding. For a 95-year-old defendant, however, the passage of time has a different personal significance.

The court’s responsibility is not to respond to public pressure, whether in favour of release or continued detention, but to apply the law and provide a reasoned decision. Questions about public reaction should not replace the judicial process.

A bail decision is ultimately a matter for the court. If the application is to be granted, the court should issue its decision; if it is to be denied, the reasons should be clearly stated. What matters is that the decision is made transparently and according to the applicable legal standards.

The public, the defendant and all parties involved deserve clarity. The court should now provide its decision and explain the legal basis for it.

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A Shincheonji lecturer and Pastor Henry Nitswali (right) pose for a commemorative photo holding the agreement at the signing ceremony for a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on scriptural exchange, held at the Blantyre Center in Malawi

A Scripture Exchange Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) ceremony was held in Blantyre, Malawi, on 15th September 2026, bringing together around 60 pastors and church leaders with the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, Bartholomew Tribe (Malawi Region).

Nine pastors participated in the ceremony, with five renewing existing partnerships and four joining for the first time. Participants expressed a shared commitment to studying and teaching the Bible accurately. The event also attracted coverage from the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC), which attended to report on the ceremony and interview participants.

Pastor Gift Diba signs the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the exchange of teachings at the ceremony held at the Shincheonji Blantyre Center in Malawi

Strengthening Biblical Ministry Through Education

The ceremony included sessions focused on pastoral responsibilities, biblical ministry and continued education. Participating pastors:

- Attended Biblical Ministry Seminars on the role of pastors and guiding congregations according to Scripture.

- Signed formal commitments to continue exchanging biblical teachings and working together in ministry.

- Participated in a signboard presentation ceremony, where selected partner churches received Shincheonji Church of Jesus signboards, marking a new stage in their partnership.

Pastor Meg Ederson listens to a lecture during the signing ceremony for a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the exchange of biblical teachings, held at the Shincheonji Blantyre Center in Malawi.

Pastors Reflect on Their Ministry Calling

Pastor Gift Dibwa of Lions Gathering Christian Centre shared how the training affected his understanding of pastoral responsibility:

“I realised that as a pastor, my primary duty is to testify to the truth of God’s Word. From now on, I will dedicate my time and life entirely to God’s work.”

Other participating pastors also expressed their intention to continue studying Scripture and sharing what they have learned with their congregations.

Continuing Biblical Education Across Malawi

The Shincheonji Malawi Region said it plans to provide ongoing educational support to participating pastors as they continue their ministry in their respective churches.

Through continued Scripture study and collaboration, the initiative aims to develop an ongoing network of pastors engaged in Bible-focused education across Blantyre and other parts of Malawi.

Source: https://vo.la/rWHOxNe

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The Busan-Gyeongnam Regional Federation of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group is clearing soil piled up in the yard of a flood-damaged house in Geoje, Gyeongnam, and loading it onto a cart.

“My 82-year-old father and I didn’t know where to begin. Seeing the volunteers work with such dedication, as if they were cleaning their own homes, left me deeply grateful.”

Following torrential rains that caused severe flooding in Geoje from 15th-17th August, many homes remained covered in mud and filled with damaged furniture and household items. Elderly residents and families with limited manpower struggled to complete the recovery.

From 26th August to 11th September, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Busan-Gyeongnam Regional Federation carried out 10 recovery operations at 18 sites, involving 273 volunteers.

Working with the Geoje City Volunteer Center, volunteers removed mud and debris, cleared drains and yards, moved water-damaged furniture and household items, and continued returning to sites where recovery work remained unfinished.

Across the 10 operations, volunteers removed 12,200 litres of soil and debris, approximately 4 tonnes of damaged furniture, and household waste equivalent to a 1-ton truckload.

The Shincheonji Volunteer Group Busan-Gyeongnam Regional Federation is moving flooded household items and furniture out of a flood-damaged house in Geoje, Gyeongnam.

The Shincheonji Volunteer Group Busan-Gyeongnam Regional Federation is moving flooded household items and furniture out of flood-damaged homes in Geoje, Gyeongnam.

The Shincheonji Volunteer Group Busan-Gyeongnam Regional Federation is clearing soil and debris piled up behind flood-damaged houses in Geoje, Gyeongnam.

Bags filled with soil removed from flood-damaged homes in Geoje, South Gyeongsang Province, are piled up on one side.

Residents expressed their appreciation for the continued support. One said, “More than three weeks have passed since the flood, and we didn’t know how to begin the recovery. It is heartwarming to see young volunteers come from far away to help.”

A volunteer group official said, “Completing emergency recovery does not mean residents can immediately return to normal life. We will continue providing practical support by identifying areas that still need help and assisting residents in restoring their daily lives.”

The Shincheonji Volunteer Group plans to continue working with the Geoje City Volunteer Center to identify additional areas in need and provide follow-up recovery support.

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An elderly person is making a sock yarn keyring and taking a commemorative photo during the "Long Live 100 Years" volunteer service organised by the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Cheongpyeong Branch at the Seorak-myeon Senior Citizens' Branch in Gapyeong District on the 8th.

The Shincheonji Volunteer Group Cheongpyeong Branch visited the Seorak-myeon Senior Citizens' Branch of the Korea Senior Citizens Association on the 8th to host “Baekse Manse (‘Long Live 100 Years’)”, a customised health and beauty programme for elderly residents.

The regular ‘Long Live 100 Years’ volunteer programme aims to support seniors’ physical and emotional well-being under the motto, “One day lived beautifully is beautiful enough.” The event was particularly meaningful for elderly residents in rural areas who may have limited access to healthcare, cultural activities, and opportunities for social interaction.

Around 20 senior citizens participated in the event, enjoying a variety of services and activities. Volunteers provided paraffin hand treatments, massages, acupuncture, nail care, and bead crafting, while also spending time chatting and connecting with the seniors.

Chang-bu Park, head of the Seorak-myeon Senior Citizens' Branch, said, “Preparing such diverse programmes and bringing people here to experience them firsthand makes me feel younger. Everyone who attended was satisfied and happy.”

Choi Jung-ho, former president of the Gapyeong County Agent Orange Veterans Association, said, “I really like that they styled our hair nicely before Chuseok. There are also various volunteer programmes, so the elderly are happily participating.”

An official from the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Cheongpyeong Branch said, “Seeing the elderly smiling brightly and enjoying themselves, it feels as though we are the ones receiving even greater comfort and love.”

A Shincheonji Volunteer Group official expressed the group's desire to continue to join forces with various community members to combat isolation among the elderly demographic and ensure a healthy old age.

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Honey prepared by the Shincheonji Daejeon Church to be delivered to approximately 30 shops near the temple in Yongmun-dong, Seo District, Daejeon on the 10th, ahead of Chuseok, is packed in boxes.

Every autumn, Korea celebrates Chuseok (추석), one of its biggest traditional holidays. Families gather to share food, honour ancestors, and express gratitude. It is also a time to spread kindness and strengthen bonds within local communities.

This year, Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony – Matthias Tribe’s Daejeon Church carried out special volunteer activities with their neighbours ahead of Chuseok.

Shincheonji Church members visited around 30 shops in Yongmun-dong, Seo District, Daejeon, on the 10th to deliver honey and exchange holiday greetings with local shop owners.

The visit was organised as a gesture of appreciation for businesses located near the church. Members visited restaurants, bakeries, pharmacies, and other local shops, bringing honey gifts and checking in on the merchants’ well-being.

One restaurant owner, who regularly sees church members at his establishment, said, “They are just like family. I am grateful for their constant support.” He even invited them to stay for a meal.

Another merchant, receiving honey for what he said was the third time, expressed his appreciation after learning that church members visit nearby businesses during the holidays to share greetings.

At a local bakery, staff warmly welcomed the members after they introduced themselves as representatives of Shincheonji Church of Jesus. After receiving the gift, they responded, “Have a happy holiday.”

One restaurant owner, referring to members who regularly visit his establishment, smiled and said, “You don’t need to take care of me.”

A church official said, “In celebration of Chuseok, we wanted to express our gratitude, however small, to the merchants living and working alongside us around the temple.”

Meanwhile, Shincheonji Daejeon Church has carried out community service activities for more than 10 years under the principle of “love for one's neighbour through sharing.”

Source: vo.la/Qpw2RZw

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