While summer has arrived with warmth, many Korean War veterans still live in a "cold winter" of loneliness and poverty. As the generation that witnessed the tragedy of war rapidly fades, the Daegu-Gyeongbuk Branch of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group has stepped up, not just with supplies, but with a heart for true peace.

With an average age of 93, these heroes are often left in the shadows of society. “I can still hear my comrades crying out for help amidst the shells,” shared Jeong-taek Lim, head of the Yangcheon branch of the Veterans Association. Recognising this urgency, the Daegu-Gyeongbuk Branch has dedicated recent years to ensuring these voices are heard before they disappear forever.

On 20th June, the Daegu-Gyeongbuk Branch held its "Love Your Country, Share Peace" event at the Shincheonji Thaddaeus Daegu Church to commemorate the sacrifice and dedication of war veterans.

On that day, more than 200 people, including organisation officials and citizens, took part in the event. The hall was host to a Korean War photo exhibition, peace game experience booths, peace message fan making, Hangung (traditional Korean archery) experience, and a photo zone. Performances included a children's choir, skits on the themes of war and peace, an honour guard performance, and a dance troupe performance.

During the event, a memorandum of understanding was also signed with four veterans' organisations to express gratitude towards war veterans for their sacrifices and to establish a healthier community.

Meanwhile, the Daegu-Gyeongbuk Branch has maintained a steady focus on veteran care and remembrance, assisting thousands of veterans and their families through 134 veterans' volunteer activities over the past 12 years.. These efforts included personal visits, care support, and emotional engagement.

The month of June serves as a dedicated period to honour the historical sacrifices of national veterans whose devotion laid the foundation for modern civic peace. To ensure that these expressions of gratitude extend beyond abstract concepts into direct emotional support, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Gangseo Branch executed its specialised "Dadaikseon" ("More the Merrier") Campaign. The initiative focused on gathering authentic thank-you messages from ordinary citizens and delivering them personally, alongside green plants, to regional war veterans.

The foundational phase of the project relied heavily on public engagement to collect genuine community sentiments:

Following the collection phase, on 18th June, mobilised volunteers from the Gangseo Branch conducted home and office visits to hand over the gathered items directly to the recipients:

The Gangseo Branch emphasised that the current daily comforts enjoyed by the public are inherently linked to the historical sacrifices of national defenders. A representative from the branch stated that the group will continue to plan diverse public interest operations alongside the local community to put the values of gratitude and mutual sharing into practice. Beyond specialised veterans' support, the Gangseo Branch maintains regular public welfare operations, including local street cleanups, carbon neutrality campaigns, and free bottled water distribution programmes.

The month of June (Month of Patriots and Veterans), serves as a significant period for national remembrance in South Korea, anchoring civic duties around the sacrifices of fallen patriots and veterans. To bridge the gap between historical remembrance and modern civic awareness, regional branches of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group organised localised events to commemorate the fallen.

The Gwangju Branch held its "Veterans Family Appreciation Sharing Event" campaign at the Gwangju-Jeonnam Student Martyrs Memorial Tower located in Buk District, Gwangju.

More than 50 people attended this event, including members of the Gwangju Buk District Branch of the Korean War Veterans Association, as well as members of the Association of Bereaved Families of War, to pay respects to the fallen patriots who gave up their lives to defend the motherland.

Flowers were laid at the Gwangju-Jeonnam Student Martyrs Memorial Tower, a memorial facility erected to commemorate the souls of the 122 student soldiers from the Gwangju-Jeonnam region who sacrificed their lives during the Korean War. A moment of silence was also observed.

Following the memorial service and wreath-laying, a time was set aside to present framed handprint national flags (Taegeukgi), created by nearly 150 participating citizens, to the war veterans.

A war veteran attending the event was deeply touched by the deed as he recalled his comrades, saying, “I didn’t even know there was a memorial tower for student martyrs so close by. I wonder if my friend’s name might be here as well.”

Meanwhile, in Seoul, the Dongjak Branch maintained the Memorial Tower for Unnamed Student Volunteer Soldiers, paying tribute to the thousands who lost their lives during the Korean War.

Volunteers cleaned up the memorial space by removing dust and pollutants from the monument and collecting surrounding weeds and litter.

This activity enabled participants to reflect on the fact that the freedom and peace Korea enjoys today were founded upon the sacrifices of countless people.

Volunteer Young-chan Oh (31, male) who participated in the volunteer work, said: “Through this small volunteer work, I felt, even just a little, the hearts of the senior generation who protected the Republic of Korea,” adding, “In observance of the Month of Patriots and Veterans, I have come to feel gratitude for the love and grace that made my current life possible.”

The coordinated initiatives by the Gwangju and Dongjak branches demonstrate how civic volunteer groups can cultivate a modern culture of gratitude and remembrance tailored to the unique demographic needs of each region.

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For traditional markets competing with large-scale discount stores, maintaining a clean and sanitary pedestrian environment is a primary factor in attracting residents and tourists. To support local small business owners and enhance the public image of regional commerce, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Geoje Branch executed a combined environmental and economic initiative on 9th June. Operating under the flagship project "Nature, Be Green!" (Jayeon-ah Pureuja), the operation took place throughout the Okpo International Market and its surrounding commercial districts in Geoje.

Okpo International Market is a representative traditional venue in Geoje, known for supplying fresh seafood and regional food items to thousands of annual visitors. To clear the high-traffic zones, the Geoje Branch mobilised systematic cleanup protocols:

A distinct aspect of this initiative was its direct link to local economic activity. Immediately following the environmental cleanup, the 28 participating members transacted directly with market vendors:

The Geoje Branch emphasised that preserving local markets requires consistent, multi-faceted engagement rather than temporary events. Dong-il Yeom, the Branch Head of the Geoje Branch, stated that the group is pleased to contribute to making the traditional market a cleaner and more vibrant space. The representative affirmed that the branch will continue to plan sustainable volunteer programmes that regularly combine environmental purifications with direct commercial utilisation to foster long-term coexistence with the local community.

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Throughout the venue, the reflective atmosphere continued. Visitors enjoyed beautifully themed photo zones, gift booths, and healing educational booths that brought opportunities for natural communication and harmony through time spent sitting together and conversing in designated areas.

Shincheonji Church of Jesus Ulsan Church (Andrew Tribe) held a large-scale open house event titled “Open House Family Invitation: Memories with Our Beloved” on 31st May, in celebration of Family Month.

According to the church, approximately 3000 people attended the event, including church members’ families, acquaintances, students, and local residents. The programme was organised to promote family harmony and intergenerational communication, as well as to expand interaction with local residents.

Over the years, the Ulsan Church has witnessed remarkable growth over the years. What started as a small congregation of just 30 members in 1994 has now expanded to over 7000 members as of June 2026. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, the church maintained its growth, increasing from 4300 members to over 6000 by 2022. This astonishing expansion is a testament to the power of the Word and the dedication of its believers.

The Andrew Tribe is active primarily in Busan, with additional activities taking place in Ulsan, Changwon, Jinju, Gimhae, and Jeju.

Along with educational events, the tribe continues to engage with local communities through volunteer service and social contribution activities.

Organisers stated that events such as the “Open House” are intended to provide opportunities for open discussion and for individuals to explore questions about faith and the Bible.

In an increasingly fast-paced digital world, generational gaps and declining family satisfaction have become significant social challenges in South Korea. According to Statistics Korea’s 2024 Social Survey, the percentage of citizens who report feeling satisfied with their family relationships dropped to 63.5% (a 1.0% decrease from two years prior). Crucially, the data revealed a steep perceptual divide: while 80.8% of those under 20 felt satisfied, only 55.0% of seniors aged 60 and over echoed that sentiment.

To address this deepening emotional isolation, the Seodaemun Church of the Simon Tribe of Shincheonji launched a structured "Intergenerational Buddy Programme" during the Month of Families, creating a unique space for open dialogue, mutual respect, and emotional healing.

Rather than hosting a typical one-way event, the Seodaemun Church intentionally paired its six internal departments into three distinct, cross-generational communication axes:

The programme’s impact immediately vibrated through the participants' real homes, shifting how parents and children communicate on a daily basis.

Sang-gyu Im, a male congregant who participated in the adult-student exchange, shared: “At home, my conversations with my child were usually limited to mundane questions like 'How was school?' or 'Did you eat?' Through this programme, I truly learned what is on the hearts of the younger generation and how they live out their faith.”

Another participant, Dong-han Seo, highlighted the power of patience: “I realised that a parent must first practise the art of listening before a child can open their heart. Since the event, a new atmosphere of asking open questions and patiently waiting for answers has naturally formed during our family worship at home.”

What sets the Shincheonji Seodaemun Church initiative apart is its commitment to sustainability. The church announced that this programme will not end as a one-time celebration. A dedicated review system will monitor changes in household conversations, gauge intergenerational satisfaction, and support follow-up small group meetings.

A representative from the Seodaemun Church stated, “The restoration of a family begins with the smallest actions of expressing one's true heart. We will continuously monitor and support this initiative so that these church connections seamlessly translate into permanent, loving dialogues within every household.”

Shincheonji Church of Jesus, known for its unique teachings and emphasis on the Book of Revelation, recently celebrated its 42nd anniversary in March.

More recently, on 24th May, the Iksan branch (Thomas Tribe) of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, located in North Jeolla Province, celebrated the 32nd year of its establishment with a commemorative service.

Established in 1994, the Iksan Church has grown steadily—expanding three times to accommodate new members. It was also the first church in the Jeolla region to change its signboard to display “Shincheonji Church of Jesus,” symbolising unity in the fulfilled Word. The church has become the largest Christian congregation in the region, with one out of every 50 people in Iksan being a member. The church's rapid growth is attributed to its clear teachings about the fulfilment of Revelation.

This worship service was held as a means of reflecting on the growth of the Iksan Church since its founding and to share the future direction. Plaques of appreciation were also presented to the early believers, in recognition of their sacrifice.

This climate of love and respect was further heightened earlier during a sports day attended by believers and their families at the Iksan Culture and Sports Centre.

Head lecturer Jae-seong Jeong stressed, “Just as we have achieved growth through the harmony and participation of the congregation, we will continue to build a faith community that coexists and develops with the local community.”

Looking to the future, Shincheonji Iksan Church is determined to continue its mission of spreading the message of Revelation and building a community where love, peace, and God's truth can flourish through consistent volunteer work, fulfilling its role as the "salt and light to the region."

Meanwhile, the Shincheonji Thomas Tribe also has branches overseas in San Francisco, Uganda, and Kenya.

The phrases on the banners prepared by the Gunsan and Iksan branches, “Noble sacrifice, we will not forget” and “We will repay your dedication with peace,” also comforted the hearts of the meritorious service recipients.

Meanwhile, this coordinated initiative by the Gunsan and Iksan branches demonstrates how civic volunteer groups can create active public engagement during significant national holidays and cultivate a modern culture of gratitude and remembrance tailored to the unique demographic needs of each region.

In response to the growing climate crisis, Shincheonji Volunteer Group’s Pocheon Branch has completed its month-long carbon neutrality campaign, “Net Zero,” drawing attention for its strong local impact and commitment to everyday environmental action.

Despite the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement, where 195 countries pledged to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reported in March that the Earth’s temperature has already increased by 1.55°C. Natural disasters like wildfires, floods, and droughts have become more frequent, affecting over 800,000 people globally last year.

In Korea, a massive wildfire in Uiseong, North Gyeongsang Province, was widely attributed to climate change—emphasising the urgent need for carbon neutrality efforts.

The Pocheon Branch launched the “Net Zero” campaign, encouraging over 100 members to adopt eco-friendly habits such as:

These simple, everyday actions reflect the spirit of carbon neutrality: reducing carbon emissions and increasing carbon absorption to bring total net emissions down to zero.

The branch estimates these efforts will reduce about 50 tonnes of carbon emissions per year if continued consistently.

As over 350 global companies like Google, Apple, and GM participate in campaigns like RE100 (which uses 100% renewable energy), experts agree that individual effort is just as important as national policies. The continued efforts of Pocheon Branch are expected to inspire others and position the district as a leader in responding to the climate crisis.

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The unchecked consumption of single-use plastics and disposable items poses a long-term threat to regional ecosystems due to their extensive decomposition periods. To address this issue and foster a culture of carbon neutrality, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Yangsan Branch hosted a public awareness campaign in Nambu-dong, Yangsan, South Gyeongsang Province, on June 5th, in observance of World Environment Day. Operating under the flagship environmental project "Nature, Be Green!" (Jayeon-ah Pureuja) , the initiative aimed to inform residents about the environmental impacts of daily waste and encourage voluntary plastic reduction.

The street campaign took place for two hours, starting at 3pm, near the promenade opposite the Daiso station in Nambu-dong.

The interactive nature of the street campaign elicited diverse reactions from the local community:

Meanwhile, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group continues to hold numerous initiatives to foster empathy for the meaning of veterans' affairs and raise historical awareness through hands-on programmes.

We now live in an era where single-person households have become the dominant family structure. According to the National Data Agency's Population Census, the ratio of single-person households in South Korea has more than doubled over the past 24 years, skyrocketing from 15.5% in 2000 to 36.1%. While this shift offers independence, it has also brought severe social challenges: emotional isolation and solitary deaths (godoksa).

A study by the Seoul Institute revealed that 62.1% of single-person households experience profound loneliness, with many suffering from social isolation and depression. To tackle this, the Shincheonji Church of Jesus is pioneering a heartwarming alternative: building “social families” that connect different generations through genuine communication.

In the bustling Bujeon Market in Busan, you might spot Hong-ja Lee (71) and college student Min-sung Lee (26) picking out fresh vegetables for dinner together. While they look like a biological grandmother and grandson, they are actually a "social family" matched just a month ago through Shincheonji Busan Church.

The "Family Matching" programme pairs living-alone seniors with single youths to act as each other's emotional and practical guardians. Rather than offering superficial volunteer service, they actively share their lives through deeply integrated activities:

“I thought I was completely used to living alone after my children moved away,” said participant Jin-suk Park. “But having a family to share my daily life with again has brought vibrant energy back into my life.”

The need for these emotional bonds is further highlighted by national data showing that 39.4% of individuals aged 60 and older face severe structural isolation, and 43.4% experience intense loneliness.

Recognising that material support alone cannot fill this emotional void, the Bartholomew Tribe has been hosting dedicated "Hyo (Filial Piety) Events" since 2023. Following direct feedback from senior congregation members stating that "companionship is needed far more than goods," the tribe actively involved its children's and student departments to maximise lively, intergenerational conversation and emotional connection.

As the ageing demographic in South Korea continues to expand, the residential safety of elderly individuals living alone has emerged as a significant social challenge. Many vulnerable seniors face daily inconveniences due to malfunctioning household fixtures but leave them unresolved due to financial burdens or limited accessibility. Statistics highlight that a substantial portion of the elderly population resides in older, deteriorating houses in traditional urban districts. According to official data from the National Assembly Research Service and Statistics Korea, older homes aged 30 years or more accounted for approximately 29% (164,329 units) of the total housing supply in Gwangju as of the end of last year, heavily concentrated in areas with a high density of elderly residents.

To address these practical living hazards, civic organisations have continuous initiatives to improve local living conditions. Among these is the "Gocheo-dream" (Home Repair) Project managed by the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Gwangju Branch.

Launched in August of last year, the "Gocheo-dream" initiative delivers localised, minor home repair services directly to senior citizens living alone, vulnerable households, and the families of national veterans. From its inception through May 2026, the branch mobilised a total of 185 volunteers to conduct 65 specific repair operations, distributing 130 pieces of essential support materials.

The technical interventions carried out over the nine-month period include:

These targeted home repairs are directly connected to preventing domestic physical injuries among senior citizens. Data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) indicates that falls account for the highest percentage (72.5%) of injury-related hospitalisations among seniors aged 75 and older, with 51.6% of those incidents occurring directly inside the home.

Jin-ong Kim, the team leader overseeing the operations, explained that the programme was initiated after noticing elderly parents delaying minor household repairs. Kim noted that on-site interactions often involve confirming whether the service is entirely free of charge, followed by deep expressions of gratitude from the recipients once the repairs are finalised.

The "Gocheo-dream" initiative is sustained through the participation of both certified technical professionals and ordinary office workers. The participating volunteers learn essential technical skills such as electrical wiring and wallpapering, utilising their evenings after work or their weekends to conduct the repairs.

Jin-ong Kim emphasised that residential safety for the elderly extends beyond simple convenience, as it is fundamentally linked to health, protection, and systematic care. The Gwangju Branch plans to continuously execute these targeted maintenance operations, focusing on households that require immediate, practical assistance.