As South Korea faces one of the worst wildfire seasons in its history, with fires in Gyeongnam and Gyeongbuk burning over 166 times the size of Yeouido and causing dozens of casualties, the need for prevention has never been more urgent. In response, local communities and organisations are stepping up—and Shincheonji Volunteer Group is one of them.

On January 27th, members of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Eastern Busan Branch launched a wildfire prevention campaign at Daecheon Park. Their goal was simple but powerful: remind people that “Prevention is the best protection” when it comes to wildfires.

Armed with informative flyers and signs, volunteers spoke with hikers and local residents, sharing safety tips and what to do in case of a fire. Their message hit home - especially after recent wildfires have shown how quickly centuries-old forests can vanish in minutes due to a single careless act.

According to Korea’s Forest Service, the most common causes of wildfires are human negligence - campfires, burning litter, and even cigarette butts. That’s why awareness campaigns like this matter so much.

A Daecheon park official who viewed the wildfire photo exhibition expressed his support for the campaign's timeliness, saying, “Daecheon Park is a place with a lot of hikers, so the risk of forest fires is always a concern. I think this forest fire prevention campaign is absolutely necessary.”

In a time when natural disasters are on the rise, it’s encouraging to see local groups take meaningful action. Shincheonji Volunteer Group’s wildfire prevention campaign is a reminder that simple efforts - like handing out flyers, picking up litter, and having honest conversations - can go a long way in protecting our shared future.

On Thursday, 29th January 2026, volunteers from Shincheonji Church of Jesus (Shincheonji Volunteers) delivered career guidance and academic support during a career expo and stationery drive held at Klapmuts High School, near Cape Town, South Africa.

Amid the ongoing struggling economy in South Africa, which has one of the highest unemployment rates (33.2%) in the world, it is necessary to rethink skills development to ignite entrepreneurship and job creation for the youth.

To this end, the Shincheonji Volunteers provided Grade 12 (A-level UK equivalent) pupils with career planning, tertiary education opportunities, and skills development, as they prepare for life after school.

Meanwhile, Shincheonji Church of Jesus is hosting similar school drives in other cities and communities throughout South Africa, including Johannesburg, Durban, Gqeberha, Bafokeng, Pietermaritzburg, and as far afield as Windhoek in Namibia and Harare in Zimbabwe.

In a winter marked by cold weather and rising living costs, a warm story of service quietly spread across communities in South Korea, as more than 5200 graduates who completed a Bible education course in late 2025 chose to begin their next chapter not with celebration - but with service.

From November 25th to December 14th 2025, a large-scale volunteer initiative titled “Graduation Special Service – First Step” was carried out by graduates of the Zion Christian Mission Centre’s 116 Class, along with church members. In South Korea and overseas, a total of 12,200 congregants took part.

In Korea, on 29th November 2025, graduates belonging to the Thaddaeus Tribe of Shincheonji Church of Jesus gathered at the rear plaza of Gumi Station and participated in a kimchi-making event, where they made and donated 1.5 tons (420 heads) of kimchi to the local community.

The kimchi-making site, filled with over 200 graduates from every region of the Thaddaeus Tribe, including Daegu, Pohang, Gumi, Gyeongju, and Andong, resounded with laughter, teamwork, and the spicy aroma of kimchi. Graduates of Class 116 worked side by side, filling cabbage leaves with care and packing each box with hope that it would bring comfort. The finished kimchi was then delivered to eight local social welfare and veterans organisations, in recognition of those who fought to safeguard the peace of the country during the Korean War.

Veterans of national merit who received the gift said, “This is a gift that will be of great help to those in need as we approach the end of the year.”

An official from Shincheonji’s Thaddaeus tribe said, “It is very meaningful that the graduates have connected the biblical teachings they learned to societal sharing.”

The kimchi-sharing was not just a seasonal event. It was a meaningful first step for Class 116 graduates who wanted to live out the biblical teachings they had learned. Their actions expressed care for those who once protected the nation and for neighbours who may feel the weight of winter more than others. As winter continues, the kimchi will nourish many homes, but the love shown through these days of service will shine even longer.

Source: vo.la/PwV5NmS

Small repairs can make a meaningful difference in daily life - especially for seniors living alone.

In Gwangju, South Korea, a local volunteer initiative is focusing on exactly that.

The Shincheonji Volunteer Group Gwangju Branch recently completed its 40th “DERAM” home repair volunteer activity, providing practical household support for vulnerable residents, including seniors living alone and families of national merit.

The “DERAM” home repair service was launched in August 2025 and has since supported 40 households across the Gwangju area. Rather than large-scale renovations, the programme focuses on small but essential repairs that improve safety and comfort in daily living.

During the most recent activity, volunteers assisted households by:

󠁯•󠁏󠁏 Replacing lighting fixtures

󠁯•󠁏󠁏 Repairing worn door handles

󠁯•󠁏󠁏 Inspecting plumbing systems

󠁯•󠁏󠁏 Installing safety handrails

These services were provided to help reduce everyday inconvenience and improve household safety, particularly for elderly residents.

In addition to technical assistance, volunteers spent time talking with residents, checking on their well-being, and sharing everyday conversations. According to the Gwangju Branch, emotional connection and presence are considered an important part of the service, especially for seniors who live alone.

One volunteer shared that although the repairs were small, being able to contribute to safety and comfort made the experience meaningful. Another student volunteer explained that while he initially joined to learn technical skills, interacting with elderly residents helped him better understand the true value of volunteering.

A resident who received assistance commented that seeing neighbours come directly to help made them feel the warmth of the community.

Now reaching its 40th household, the DERAM home repair service demonstrates how consistent, field-based volunteering can create lasting impact without large-scale events or visibility.

In a winter marked by cold weather and rising living costs, a warm story of service quietly spread across communities in South Korea, as more than 5200 graduates who completed a Bible education course in late 2025 chose to begin their next chapter not with celebration - but with service.

Graduate Gyu-bin Kim shared his thoughts on the service: “I was able to express my gratitude to those who served, thinking of my grandfather, a Korean War veteran who is buried at the Imsil National Cemetery.”

In a winter marked by cold weather and rising living costs, a warm story of service quietly spread across communities in South Korea, as more than 5200 graduates who completed a Bible education course at the end of 2025 chose to begin their next chapter not with celebration - but with service.

From November 25th to December 14th 2025, a large-scale volunteer initiative titled “Graduation Special Service – First Step” was carried out by graduates of the Zion Christian Mission Centre’s 116 Class, along with church members. In South Korea and overseas, a total of 12,200 congregants took part.

In particular, on 29th November 2025, nearly 100 graduates belonging to the Philip Tribe of Shincheonji Church of Jesus gathered at the Shincheonji Chuncheon Church and participated in a kimchi-making event, making 280 boxes (1.4 tons) of cabbage of kimchi.

In recognition of those who fought to defend the peace of the country during the Korean War, the goods were delivered to the Korean War Veterans' Association and to descendants of independence activists, as well as to low-income households in the provinces of Gyeonggi, North Chungcheong, and Gangwon - areas in which welfare is not available.

A veteran with national merit said, “It was of great comfort seeing those who dedicated their lives to the country remembered with hearts of love. I hope this kind of service continues.”

Meanwhile, the kimchi-sharing was not just a seasonal event. It was a meaningful first step for Class 116 graduates who wanted to live out the teachings they had learned. Their actions expressed care for those who once protected the nation and for neighbours who may feel the weight of winter more than others. As winter continues, the kimchi will nourish many homes, but the love shown through these days of service will shine even longer.

Source: https://www.seoulfn.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=614199

Throughout 2025, Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony, Bartholomew Tribe, Gimpo Church (hereinafter referred to as Shincheonji Gimpo Church) carried out community service activities rooted in consistency rather than one-time events. 

As a result, the year's activities were summarised not only through numbers, but through ongoing engagement with residents and partner organisations across the region.

On 30th January 2026, the Seoul Church of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus Seoul James Tribe held its first blood donation campaign of the new year at the Korean Red Cross Seoul Eastern Blood Centre, continuing its long-standing commitment to life-saving volunteer service.

Despite freezing winter temperatures, a total of 144 people visited the site, and 126 successfully donated blood, contributing directly to efforts to stabilise the local blood supply.

The campaign was organised as a voluntary initiative led primarily by young members of the Seoul Church, reflecting a continued emphasis on youth-driven community service. Participants gathered throughout the day with the shared goal of practising life-sharing through blood donation at the start of the year.

During the event, Yoo Young-bin, tribe leader of the Seoul James Tribe, met with Park Ki-hong, director of the Seoul Eastern Blood Center, to discuss the importance of sustained collaboration and blood donation awareness.

Yoo explained that the goal of the programme is not limited to one-time participation but focuses on building ongoing relationships that provide practical support where it is most needed.

In 2025, the Shincheonji Church of Jesus Thaddaeus Tribe expanded its engagement with local communities through a combination of social contribution, interfaith dialogue, and public outreach. Rather than limiting its activities to internal religious practice, the Thaddaeus Tribe focused on strengthening its role as an open religious community interacting with pastors, residents, and socially vulnerable groups. According to the Thaddaeus Tribe, the year was marked by sustained efforts in communication, volunteer service, and Bible-centred events aimed at building trust and cooperation with society.

One of the Thaddaeus Tribe's key initiatives in 2025 was the 20 cultural performances and church opening events hosted to a total of approximately 4500 visitors, including Daegu citizens and religious figures.

The keywords promoted by the church are "communication" and "transparency." In particular, the "Open House" built trust on an interfaith level between the church and pastors and religious leaders from other denominations.

On 19th December 2025, volunteers from the Shincheonji Volunteer Group in Seoul carried out a street-cleaning effort in a 250m section along Danghyeoncheon Stream in Nowon district, Seoul, as part of the 'Green Nature' campaign, improving safety and walkability for local residents.

On that day, 30 volunteers used brooms and scrapers to collect about 1 tonne of waste, including fallen leaves soaked in snow and rain and other litter that had accumulated along sidewalks and roadways following recent strong winds, making the area surrounding the Danghyeoncheon Stream look noticeably cleaner.

Fallen ginkgo nuts, in particular, create a foul odour, and fallen leaves increase the risk of slipping. Therefore, this environmental cleanup was more than beautification - it helps prevent slips, falls, and other winter accidents.

One volunteer who participated in the service said, “I was able to feel a sense of belonging because I was moving together for the local community.”

An official from the Eastern Seoul Branch said, “We conducted this clean-up activity to reduce inconveniences in residents’ daily lives and create a safe pedestrian environment.”

Meanwhile, this activity was carried out under Shincheonji Volunteer Group's nationwide 'Green Nature' campaign, which is purposed to preserve a beautiful nature for posterity through wetland conservation activities, environmental cleanups for the protection of major facilities and cultural assets, disaster recovery activities, public awareness environmental campaigns, and the creation of flower paths in waste dumping areas.

In a winter marked by cold weather and rising living costs, a warm story of service quietly spread across communities in South Korea, as more than 5200 graduates who recently completed a Bible education course chose to begin their next chapter not with celebration - but with service.

From November 25th to December 14th 2025, a large-scale volunteer initiative titled “Graduation Special Service – First Step” was carried out by graduates of the Zion Christian Mission Centre’s 116 Class, along with church members. A total of 12,200 congregants participated in Korea and overseas.

In Suwon, South Korea, nearly 200 volunteers, including approximately 100 graduates belonging to the John Tribe of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, participated in a kimchi-making event and made two tonnes of kimchi at the Olympic Park in front of Suwon City Hall on the 29th.

The outdoor kimchi-making site of the John Tribe was filled with laughter, teamwork, and the spicy aroma of kimchi. Graduates of Class 116 worked side by side, filling cabbage leaves with care and packing each box with hope that it would bring comfort to someone's home. The finished kimchi was delivered to 500 regional households of veterans.

Tribe Leader Sung Chang-ho stated, “We planned this winter kimchi-making service with graduates to practice sharing as we have learned from the Bible. We hope that this kimchi will bring some warmth to these veterans.”

In 2025, the Simon Tribe of Shincheonji Church of Jesus carried out a series of Bible seminars for pastors, with a total of six sessions held throughout the year. According to the Simon Tribe, 106 pastors participated cumulatively in these seminars.

The programme was designed to help pastors examine the Bible from beginning to end, focusing on the overall structure of Scripture and the place of the Book of Revelation within that structure. Rather than approaching Revelation as an isolated or symbolic text, the seminars emphasised understanding it within the broader biblical narrative of prophecy and fulfilment.

Each seminar addressed a different theme while maintaining a consistent focus on the “big picture” of the Bible. Topics included the meaning of the Lord’s Prayer, the parable of the sown seed and the harvest, prophecy and fulfilment, and the fulfilment and reality of Revelation.

The sessions were held on 15th February, 22nd March, 25th April, 20th June, 6th September, and 13th December 2025. While attendance varied by session, participants consistently reported that the seminars helped them view Scripture not as disconnected passages, but as a continuous and structured whole.

The lectures were led by Seung-ju Lee, the leader of the Simon Tribe, who emphasised that Revelation should not be set aside as an incomprehensible book. Instead, he described Revelation as the conclusion of biblical faith and a key standard for belief in the present era.

According to seminar organisers, the lectures focused on explaining why Revelation must be understood within the full framework of Scripture, rather than treated as a subject of speculative interpretation or doctrinal debate.

Pastors who attended the seminars shared that their perspective on Revelation and Shincheonji changed through direct study of the Word. Several participants stated that listening to the Bible explained in sequence - from Genesis through Revelation - helped them reassess previous assumptions.

One pastor who attended the February seminar commented that revisiting the Lord’s Prayer prompted him to reflect on how he prays and teaches prayer. Another pastor at the 20th June session on prophecy and fulfilment said the explanation of Scripture was clear and beneficial, adding that other pastors should also hear the teaching.

Across multiple sessions, pastors remarked that Revelation could be understood not merely as a collection of symbols, but as a book that follows a discernible flow grounded in prophecy and fulfilment.

Meanwhile, the 2025 Simon Tribe Bible seminars reflect an ongoing trend among pastors to move from assumption toward examination, with Scripture serving as the primary standard for understanding and discussion.

On January 4th 2026, Shincheonji Church of Jesus held its first Bible Seminar of the year at Shincheonji Gwangju Church.

The seminar was held under the theme “Testimony on the Fulfilled Reality of Revelation.”

The venue was filled with over 30,000 church members and nearly 200 pastors and journalists from the Gwangju and Jeonnam regions.

Participants shared that the seminar gave them time to reflect on what true faith and responsibility mean in the present era.

The lecture was delivered by ManHee Lee, Chairman of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, who explained how the prophecies written in the Book of Revelation are being fulfilled today and how those fulfilments can be examined through the Bible.

He stated that the time has come to clearly and accurately understand Revelation by verifying the fulfilment of God’s promises written in Scripture. Referring to Revelation chapter 22, he emphasised the warning not to add to or subtract from the Word. He also stressed that those who teach the Bible should first fully understand it themselves.

His message encouraged believers to pursue faith that fits the time they live in and to unite in the truth found in God, Jesus, and the Bible.

A pastor with 15 years of experience in a Full Gospel denomination shared that he attended the seminar out of a sense of responsibility to personally hear and discern the message of Revelation. He said the Bible-based explanation and detailed interpretation of Revelation stood out to him and inspired him to place Scripture at the core of his ministry in the new year.

Another pastor with 20 years of experience in a Presbyterian denomination said he was surprised by the explanation that Revelation is being fulfilled today. He added that the seminar helped him see the importance of faith that focuses on confirmed biblical realities rather than doctrinal debate.

Meanwhile, the strong attendance from pastors, journalists, and believers reflects continued interest in studying Scripture carefully and understanding its fulfilment in today’s world.

Across different cities in South Korea, one pattern quietly repeated itself throughout 2025. Volunteers showed up - not for one-time events, but again and again - responding to real needs in everyday places rooted in consistent service, rather than visibility.

Throughout 2025, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Daegu–Gyeongbuk Association supported 11,906 people, with a total of 693 volunteers participating across 109 locations, reflecting a strong commitment to public service through consistent field-based action. Services were carried out in several local communities, including disaster and recovery assistance and care for national veterans.

A major portion of the association’s efforts centred on large-scale wildfire recovery. For 61 days, 470 volunteers were deployed to 69 affected sites, where they carried out environmental cleanup and restoration work to help communities recover from fire damage.

Volunteer activities for veterans and their families were carried out over 10 days, with 213 volunteers assisting 604 beneficiaries. These efforts included personal visits, care support, and emotional engagement.

In particular, to mark the 75th anniversary of the Korean War, the Association organised a photo exhibition and cultural performances, helping citizens reflect on the meaning of remembrance and respect for those who served.

Moreover, beyond disaster and veteran-focused efforts, volunteer activities continued throughout the year, adapting to seasonal and community needs. These included:

*️National Liberation Day Taegeukgi display campaigns

*️Year-end blanket donations for vulnerable households

*️Environmental cleanup activities in preparation for the APEC Summit in Gyeongju

Through its 2025 activities, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Daegu–Gyeongbuk Association highlighted how consistent, action-oriented volunteering can contribute to resilience, remembrance, and public trust at the local level.

One of the believers who participated in the event said, “Looking back on past activities through the photo exhibition, I felt that the time we spent together was precious,” and “I am really looking forward to what kind of year next year will bring us.”

Envisioning 2026, an official from Shincheonji Gangdong Church said, “In the new year, we will become a church that gives strength to the local community and church members with even greater love and harmony.”

Source: vo.la/CYRg7i9

Volunteers showed up - not for one-time events, but again and again - responding to real needs in everyday places rooted in consistent service, rather than visibility.

Throughout 2025, branches of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group in the Seoul–Gyeonggi and Incheon regions carried out a series of community-focused activities, ranging from large-scale kimchi sharing for veterans’ families to small-business support, senior care, and environmental campaigns.

Rather than a single event, the efforts formed a connected “relay of care”, responding to different needs across communities during the coldest time of the year.

The Seoul–Southern Gyeonggi Regional Association supported 10,810 people in 2025, nearly doubling the previous year’s reach with a reported 98% increase.

A total of 5176 volunteers participated across 251 days, reflecting steady growth in both participation and activity frequency. Services were carried out in many local communities and included:

✦Daily living and emotional support for seniors living alone and people with disabilities

✦Side-dish and kimchi sharing, home repairs, and visiting beauty services

✦Support activities for national veterans

✦Environmental cleanups, plogging, and mural painting

✦Disaster and recovery assistance when needed

Organisers explained that the growth was possible because activities were planned based on local needs and continued on a regular basis, allowing volunteers to provide consistent and meaningful help.

In Incheon, the regional association coordinated seven local branches under a unified system, allowing volunteers to work together efficiently across the city.

Throughout 2025:

✦1375 volunteers participated

✦Activities were carried out over 148 days

✦Services reached 3229 residents at 66 locations

Environmental projects included river and park cleanups, plogging, drainage maintenance, and wildfire prevention campaigns timed to seasonal needs. Local residents noted that regular cleanups noticeably improved neighbourhood conditions.

Incheon volunteers also carried out 19 veteran-support activities, including year-end kimchi sharing and public awareness campaigns related to memorial culture.

Housing-related services included 12 mural-painting projects, improving aging residential areas and encouraging resident participation. In addition, 12 elderly grooming services were provided, offering haircuts and personal care while also giving volunteers time to check in and talk with seniors. Some participants shared that these services became something they looked forward to regularly.

The Incheon Regional Association organised its work into eight service categories, covering environment, veterans, housing, and care services. Several local organizations expressed appreciation by presenting certificates of gratitude, recognizing the group’s consistent presence and cooperation.

Both regional associations stated that they plan to continue focusing on:

✦Emotional care services

✦Housing and environmental improvement

✦Practical support tailored to local community needs

By emphasising continuity, coordination, and on-site action, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group aims to remain a steady partner to local communities in 2026 and beyond.

Across Seoul, Southern Gyeonggi, and Incheon, the 2025 activities shared a common approach - regular, need-based service carried out over time. Rather than short-term events, the focus remained on sustained involvement and cooperation with local residents.

These year-long efforts show how organised volunteer systems can translate participation into measurable impact, strengthening trust and improving everyday life at the community level.