Noah Brown

On 27th of last month, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Uijeongbu Branch is carrying out flood prevention activities during the rainy season in the commercial street area of Gyeongmin University Road in Ganeung-dong, Uijeongbu City.

Proactive Flood Mitigation Amid Rapid Climate Shifting

As localised, heavy torrential rains become increasingly unpredictable due to changing global climate patterns, maintaining clean urban drainage channels is critical to securing local economies and residential areas. To eliminate structural flood hazards before the summer monsoon season fully intensifies, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Uijeongbu Branch executed a comprehensive safety and environmental improvement initiative on 27th June. This operation serves as a direct extension of the branch's previous infrastructure maintenance project conducted at the nearby Baakseokcheon Stream.

Expanded Infrastructure Maintenance: 18 Volunteers Cover Key Urban Slopes

The physical cleanup operations focused on clearing heavy blockages inside critical public drainage systems:

Expanded Route Coverage: A mobilised unit of 18 branch volunteers intentionally broadened their operational boundaries, spanning from the residential blocks of Ganeung-dong to the high-density commercial strip along Gyeongmindaehak-ro.

Drainage Verification: The team systematically inspected storm drains and rainwater grates, removing packed layers of natural leaf litter, soil, and discarded street waste that obstruct water flow during sudden downpours.

Ji-mi Lee (55), a shop owner on Gyeongmindaehak-ro, expressed relief regarding the preemptive work: “Whenever it rained heavily, water would pool directly in front of my store, making it difficult for customers to enter. It is incredibly hard to clean these narrow back alleys alone, so I am deeply grateful that the volunteers took the time to secure these drains before the monsoon season starts.”

Public Safety Campaign: Direct Outreach Reaches 500+ Local Citizens

Parallel to the physical maintenance of the drainage network, the Uijeongbu Branch scaled up its public awareness campaign to foster a community-wide culture of disaster readiness:

Direct Civic Engagement: Volunteers engaged directly with approximately 500 local merchants and residents, distributing practical safety guidelines and highlighting the critical link between street cleanliness and urban flood prevention.
Measurable Community Growth: The total number of citizens reached during this campaign marked an increase of 200 individuals compared to the 300 residents engaged during the previous Baakseokcheon Stream operation.

Yeong-deok Gwack (60), a returning volunteer from Howon-dong, emphasised the practical outcome of the work: “I participated in last month's project as well. Clearing out a single storm drain might seem like a small task, but it provides real, tangible safety to our neighbours. Because the coverage area was expanded this time, I felt motivated to work even harder.”

On 27th of last month, the Uijeongbu Branch of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group carried out flood prevention activities during the rainy season by maintaining storm drains and storm drains in a residential area of Ganeung-dong, Uijeongbu City.

Establishing Continuous Safety Nets for Regional Welfare

The Uijeongbu Branch reiterated that during periods of heavy precipitation, even minor blockages in secondary drainage infrastructure can cause significant localised flooding. A representative from the branch stated that the organisation chose to expand its operational boundaries and reinforce direct safety briefings for 500 residents to maximise local flood resilience. Moving forward, the Uijeongbu Branch remains committed to conducting structured, season-specific safety operations to address infrastructure blind spots and consistently support the local community.

Source: https://vo.la/BKaaJZ4

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A talk concert is being held at the 'Open Festa' at Shincheonji Seongnam Church on 1st July.

In an era where religious institutions often struggle to maintain open dialogue with their surrounding neighborhoods, building genuine community trust requires moving past unilateral explanations. True connection begins when a church lowers its threshold, welcomes its neighbors inside, and invites raw, unfiltered questions.

A compelling case study of this transparent approach recently took place in Seongnam, South Korea. On July 4, the John Tribe of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus hosted its cultural community festival, "Open Festa," at the Shincheonji Seongnam Church.

Designed specifically to foster grassroots communication and dismantle long-standing social walls, the event drew a bustling crowd of approximately 700 local residents. Following the conclusion of the festival, an internal survey revealed a staggering 94.8% overall satisfaction rate among attendees, proving the deep resonance of the initiative.

Experience booths are in operation at the 'Open Festa' held at Shincheonji Seongnam Church on 4th July.

Facing Tough Questions: The Live Q&A Talk Concert

The definitive highlight of the Open Festa was the "Impromptu Q&A Talk Concert." Rather than delivering a rigid, pre-scripted presentation, leadership representatives from the John Tribe took the stage to engage in live, unscripted dialogues with the audience.

Local residents were explicitly encouraged to ask about lingering curiosities, mainstream media perceptions, and foundational theological questions regarding Shincheonji. Church representatives answered these inquiries without omission or evasion.

This rare display of structural transparency directly influenced public perception. According to the post-event analytics, 91.0% of the surveyed participants confirmed that the open dialogue effectively resolved their previous prejudices and misunderstandings about the church.

A Vibrant Tapestry of Community Culture and Connection

Beyond the intellectual dialogue, the church grounds were transformed into an interactive cultural hub designed for families and neighbours of all generations. The festival featured an array of popular experiential booths and performances:

The Activity Challenge: Interactive team missions that encouraged collaborative bonding among neighbors.

Personal Colour Matching & Calligraphy: Tailored lifestyle booths offering individual consultations and personalized comforting messages.

Cultural Showcases: Lively traditional Korean percussion (samulnori) and modern musical performances that energised the venue.

Additionally, a dedicated docent-led exhibition hall allowed visitors to visually trace the history, domestic and international volunteer milestones, and long-term missionary visions of Shincheonji Church of Jesus.

A docent tour of the promotional hall is being conducted at the 'Open Festa' held at Shincheonji Seongnam Church on 4th July.

A Sustainable Blueprint for Local Symbiosis

The immediate success of the Open Festa demonstrates that when it comes to social integration, open communication must always precede judgment. For many attendees, the event completely shifted the heavy, often intimidating atmosphere typically associated with formal religious spaces into a comfortable, welcoming civic festival.

“I expected a religious event to feel rigid and burdensome, but the casual, transparent atmosphere allowed me to enjoy myself naturally,” reflected participant Hyo-jung Seo. “Seeing how clearly they addressed our questions completely shifted my view. If an event like this opens again, I absolutely want to return with my friends and family.”

As the John Tribe noted in its closing analysis, two-way communication is the single most vital factor in restoring public confidence. By actively listening to and absorbing the valuable feedback gathered from local residents, Shincheonji is establishing a permanent framework to breathe harmony into modern civic spaces—proving that an open door is the first step toward a lasting relationship.

Source: https://vo.la/Hp5WFVn

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The Heavenly Examination of the Andrew Tribe of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony, is establishing itself among believers as a process of learning and practicing the Word in their daily lives, going beyond a one-time test. The photo shows believers filling out answer sheets during the second quarterly Heavenly Examination held at the Andrew Training Centre on 27th June.

In the contemporary religious climate, faith is often measured by passive attendance rather than an active, deep-rooted understanding of scripture. To break away from this superficial approach, the Andrew Tribe of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus has established a unique and rigorous scriptural evaluation known as the "Heavenly Exam" (Cheonguk Gosi).

Far from being a mere scholastic test, this quarterly initiative has successfully woven scripture into the daily fabric of the congregants' lives, transforming the way believers interact with the Word of God.

On 27th June, the Andrew Tribe conducted its second-quarter Heavenly Exam of 2026. Demonstrating a highly passionate response, 8118 members registered, and 7258 actually took the exam. This brought the active participation rate to 37.8% of the total registered congregation—marking a steady 0.9% percentage point increase compared to the first quarter's attendance of 36.9%.

Healthy Competition and Dedication Across Regional Churches

The examination enthusiasm resonated strongly across various regional churches under the Andrew Tribe, with each branch demonstrating unique milestones:

Changwon Church achieved the highest participation rate, with 44.6% of its entire congregation sitting for the exam.
Jeju Church recorded the highest standard of excellence, achieving the top passing rate of 18.0% among its examinees.
Andrew Church and Ulsan Church drove the sheer volume of the event, mobilising an impressive 3114 and 2025 examinees, respectively.

Rather than cramming right before the test, participants utilised their daily routines to prepare. Congregants embedded scripture memorisation into their commutes, lunch breaks, and household tasks, effectively turning ordinary spaces into personal sanctuaries for reflection.

Turning Failures into Fuel: Sincere Testimonies of Growth

The true essence of the Heavenly Exam lies in the personal transformation of the examinees, who view temporary failures not as a penalty, but as a stepping stone towards spiritual maturity.

One member, who passed both the first and second-quarter exams consecutively, reflected on a past setback: “After failing the comprehensive Book of Revelation exam last year, I felt a deep sense of responsibility. I resolved to engrave the words on my heart. I memorised verses during transit and pasted scripture cards on places I look at every day. That consistent repetition made all the difference.”

Another participant shared a witty and inspiring modern anecdote regarding their breakthrough after failing the first-quarter exam:

“Initially, I relied on mindless, brute-force memorisation. Ahead of this exam, I actually asked an AI for efficient scripture memorisation techniques, but the AI replied that it would not be an easy task. Ironically, that automated response ignited my competitive spirit. I realised that the ultimate key isn't a shortcut, but a resilient mindset to repeat and endure until the very end. The previous failure was a blessing in disguise.”

Even those who have yet to pass expressed a constructive, humble attitude. One examinee shared, “Ultimately, my effort fell short this time. However, watching thousands of my fellow believers strive together to learn the Book of Revelation deeply inspires me to renew my commitment to the Word.”

The Heavenly Examination of the Andrew Tribe of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony, is establishing itself among believers as a process of learning and practising the Word in their daily lives, going beyond a one-time test. The photo shows believers filling out answer sheets during the second quarterly Heavenly Examination held at the Andrew Training Centre on 27th June.

Source: https://vo.la/jpKCqYE

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Members of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Guri-Namyangju Branch are conducting an environmental cleanup activity on 17th June, collecting cigarette butts and household waste from a flowerbed near the Dasan 2-dong Administrative Welfare Centre in Namyangju City.

“I felt grateful to see them meticulously picking up even the litter in the corners of the flowerbeds that are hard to see.”

On 27th April, the Guri-Namyangju Branch of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group carried out an environmental clean-up campaign called ‘Nature, Be Green: The Inconvenient Truth about Cigarette Butts.’ A local resident, Jin-woo Choi (20s, male), who witnessed the volunteer work firsthand, said this.

On that day, about 30 members of the Guri-Namyangju branch participated in the volunteer work and collected a total of 60 litres of waste, including abandoned waste and cigarette butts, by going through the streets and flowerbeds in the commercial areas from the Namyangju City Hall Urban Management Office to the government office in Dasan 2-dong.

Members of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Guri-Namyangju Branch are collecting discarded cigarette butts around flowerbeds and storm drains in Dasan 2-dong, Namyangju City on 17th June.

Following the cleanup, volunteers conducted a campaign to discourage littering in daily life, using hand-held signs and banners with messages such as "Surely flowerbeds aren't used as ashtrays." The campaign informed the public about the impact of cigarette butts on health and the various diseases that result from consuming microplastics. Cigarette butts were picked up and placed in transparent glass bottles to inform the public how microplastics from cigarette butts can enter the food chain, potentially exposing humans to health risks through the consumption of contaminated drinking water.

Members of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Guri-Namyangju Branch are working to improve the street environment by collecting household waste around a building in Dasan 2-dong, Namyangju City on 17th June.

Meanwhile, the 'Nature, Be Green' programme strives to pass on a beautiful environment as a legacy to posterity through wetland conservation activities, environmental clean-ups to protect major facilities and cultural assets, environmental recovery, environmental protection public interest campaigns, and the creation of flower paths in illegal waste dumping areas.

Source: vo.la/Rb1yAja

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Shincheonji Wonju Church is regularly conducting CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) training for its members.

In an emergency, knowing what to do can mean the difference between life and death. That’s why the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony’s Philip Tribe (headed by Tribe Leader Jeong-su Lee) organised a large-scale CPR training session for congregation members at the Wonju Church.

Why CPR Matters More Than Ever

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a life-saving technique used when a person’s heart stops beating or they stop breathing. By maintaining blood circulation until professional medical help arrives, CPR can delay brain damage and dramatically improve survival rates.

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, performing CPR can increase a cardiac arrest patient’s survival rate by 1.7 times and brain recovery rate by 2.2 times compared to doing nothing.

Recent incidents have shown its importance—such as in Gwangju, where a collapsed delivery worker regained consciousness within five minutes thanks to quick CPR from nearby customers.

Shincheonji Wonju Church is regularly conducting CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) training for its members.

Hands-On Learning with Realistic Practice

The two-hour training was led by the Philip Tribe’s medical team and covered:

- CPR theory and practice

- How to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

- The Heimlich manoeuvre for choking emergencies

Participants practiced on individual CPR mannequins, learning how to check responsiveness, call emergency services, perform effective chest compressions, and use an AED. The repetitive, realistic practice helped build confidence and readiness.

Building Confidence to Act in an Emergency

One participant shared,

“Through the life-saving CPR training, I realised that it is very important to receive training in advance to prepare for emergency situations that may occur someday.”

Another added,

“I realised the importance of first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation after a family member collapsed from a cerebral haemorrhage and suffered a lower-body disability after missing the golden hour, which led me to start working as an instructor.”

The head of the public relations department who holds the certification, is serving as an instructor during CPR training conducted by Shincheonji Chuncheon Church for its members.

CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) training in progress.

Commitment to Ongoing Safety Education

A representative from the tribe’s Health and Welfare Department emphasised,

“With the belief that small actions change the world, we will strive to spread a culture of respect for life and instil the courage and confidence to act in critical moments.”

The Philip Tribe makes CPR training at all churches an annual programme so members are always prepared to respond to emergencies—promoting a culture of safety, preparedness, and respect for life both inside and outside the church.

Source: vo.la/SG0Ejlw

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The Shincheonji Volunteer Group Daegu-Gyeongbuk Branch and local veterans' organisations are signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

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.

Source: https://www.kbsm.net/news/view.php?idx=523988

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Citizens are writing messages of gratitude to war veterans at the 'Gratitude Post Office' event organised by the Gangseo Branch of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group on 18th June.

Bridging Local Communities and Veterans Through Tangible Thanks

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.

On 18th June, volunteers from the Gangseo Branch of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group are delivering thank-you messages and plants to war veterans.

Collecting Citizen Messages via World Environment and Memorial Day Booths

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

The "Gratitude Post Office" Station: On 6th June, the anniversary of Memorial Day, the Gangseo Branch operated an interactive street booth where commuters and families could pause to learn about the historical significance of defence and veterans.

Handwritten Outreach: Through this public station, the branch successfully gathered approximately 100 handwritten letters and supportive sticky notes from passing citizens, including individuals like Eun-soo Lee (30), who noted that the campaign prompted him to view Memorial Day as a day of active remembrance rather than a mere public holiday.

Personal Home Deliveries and Emotional Responses from Veteran Leaders

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:

Direct Presentation: Volunteers delivered the 100+ citizen letters alongside living plants to the veterans, using the presentation sessions to formally query after their physical health and personal well-being.

Recipient Feedback: Wan-chae Jeong, the Head of the Yangcheon District Branch of the Korean Vietnam War Veterans Association, expressed deep emotion upon receiving the package. “I want to hang these in my office and cherish them for a long time,” Jeong shared, adding that receiving a citizen-driven gift of this nature was an unprecedented and highly encouraging experience for him.

Sustained Local Commitments to Civic Values

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.

Source: https://vo.la/3as0TR0

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On 15th June, the Gwangju Branch of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group paid respects at the Gwangju-Jeonnam Student Martyrs Memorial Tower in Buk District, Gwangju, together with patriots and bereaved families of veterans.

Preserving the Spirit of Veterans in Local Communities

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.

Gwangju: Fostering Historical Awareness Through Memorial Service and Wreath-Laying

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.”

Dongjak: Commemorating the Fallen Through Headstone Cleanup

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.

A volunteer from the Dongjak Branch of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group is cleaning the information board of the Memorial Tower for Unnamed Student Volunteer Soldiers.

Volunteers from the Dongjak Branch of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group are observing a moment of silence in front of the Memorial Tower for Unnamed Student Volunteer Soldiers

Volunteers from the Dongjak Branch of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group are cleaning the Memorial Tower for Unnamed Student Volunteer Soldiers.

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.”

Cultivating a Continuous Culture of Remembrance

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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On 9th June, volunteers are collecting litter while the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Geoje Branch is conducting the 'Nature, Be Green!' environmental clean-up campaign at Okpo Market in Geoje.

Enhancing Traditional Market Environment to Revitalise Foot Traffic

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.

Systematic Infrastructure Cleanup: 200 Litres of Debris Collected

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:

Targeted Operations: Starting at 10:00 AM, 28 branch members spent approximately 3 hours combing through the market alleys and adjacent roadsides.

Waste Management: The volunteers collected a total of 200 liters of discarded waste, including cigarette butts, plastics, and vinyl wrappers that block public pathways.

Public Campaign: Parallel to the physical cleanup, the volunteers conducted the "Healthy Our Neighbourhood" Campaign to directly communicate the importance of environmental preservation to visiting citizens.

Direct Economic Support Through On-Site Market Purchases

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:

Consumer Integration: The volunteers actively purchased local food ingredients, daily necessities, and household supplies across various market stalls to stimulate the alleyway economy.

Vendor Feedback: Local shop owners expressed gratitude for the dual-purpose initiative, with one merchant noting that the volunteers not only thoroughly cleaned the market streets but also provided tangible financial support to the sellers by purchasing goods.

Commitment to Sustained Regional Mutual Prosperity

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.

Source: vo.la/WZJO658

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The Andrew Church of the Andrew Tribe of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony, held a gathering emphasising the importance of communication and love for family in celebration of Family Month. The photo shows the original musical "Dad's Language" being performed at the "Cool Happiness Gathering" held at the Andrew Training Centre on 31st May.

As scorching heat and tropical nights sweep across Korea, many find themselves worn out from the relentless weather. But on 31st May, something refreshing happened in Busan: a summer performance titled “Cool Happiness” brought joy, laughter, and heartfelt emotion to the community, drawing more than 5000 citizens to the main sanctuary of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, Andrew Tribe.

This event was held in celebration of Family Month, which emphasises the importance of communication and love for family. In particular, this event, held across two sessions on that day, was organised to enable believers to strengthen harmony with their families and continue a more steadfast life of faith.

A Wave of Energy and Emotion

Despite outdoor temperatures soaring to 30°C, the venue remained cool and inviting as the stage opened with an impactful and poignant performance of a musical titled "Father's Language." Emphasising the importance of communication and understanding within the family, the work portrays the process of a once-harmonious family coming to experience conflict, and then undergoing a process of restoration by seeking to understand each other's hearts and ways of expression. Ultimately, the relationship is restored by coming to understand the 'Father's language'.

A Healing Space for All Ages

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.

The Andrew Church of the Andrew Tribe of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of Testimony, held a gathering emphasising the importance of communication and love for family in celebration of Family Month. The photo shows Tribe Leader Jung-woo Lee (right) smiling brightly after answering a question from the moderator at the 'Cool Happiness Gathering' held at the Andrew Training Centre on 31st May.

Talk Show Format Focused on Questions About Faith and Communication

The main seminar was conducted in a talk show format, led by Jung-woo Lee, head of the Andrew Tribe.

Instead of a traditional lecture, the session was based on questions from attendees, allowing participants to discuss topics related to the Bible, faith, and the value of communication in a conversational atmosphere.

In line with the theme of the musical performance, Lee opened the seminar by emphasising the importance of dialogue aimed at understanding one another, particularly in light of the reality of people's varied thoughts, feelings, and ways of expressing themselves.

Lee stated that “Conversation is not achieved through the effort of just one person, but is possible when we open our hearts to each other and share stories.”

Finally, Lee expressed hope that the open house would help remove misunderstandings and foster mutual coexistence and goodwill within families and the wider community.

A Message of Hope and Community

Deep impressions were left among the participants. Dong-hyun Kim (40s, male), a member who attended the event, said, “Watching the musical made me realise again how important conversation with family is,” adding, “It made me want to convey to my family the feelings I usually couldn’t express.”

A representative from Shincheonji Andrew Church shared:

“We prepared this event to celebrate Family Month so that members can reaffirm the importance of one another and build a happy faith culture.”

To close, the church emphasised its continued commitment to outreach through cultural and volunteer programmes, offering future opportunities for communication, care, and joy within the local society.

Source: https://www.newscj.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=3405953

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Head lecturer Han-soo Kim is introducing the Ulsan Church to attendees at the family open house held at the church on 31st May.

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.

Programme Included Performances & Church Introduction

The event was structured in several stages, including:

- A pre-event performance

- A lecture

- A group photo

- Consultation and discussion tables

The opening programme featured a performance by the Andrew Choir. Following the performance, organisers introduced the meaning of the church's name, the background of its establishment, and the structure of the 12 tribes of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, including information about the Andrew Tribe.

Community-Focused Experience Booths

Multiple interactive booths were prepared for visitors. These included:

- Food booths prepared by the Women's Group of Shincheonji Ulsan Church, offering dishes such as raw fish rice bowls, Korean pancakes, fried chicken, acorn jelly soup, pork belly, corn, and other snacks

- 'Flex Day' bazaar, where household goods and clothing were shared

- Health consultation services

The various booths enabled family participation, filling the venue with laughter and conversation.

One attendee shared that she initially felt awkward because it was a church event, but added there were various programmes that the family could enjoy together, so it felt like a local festival. She remarked, “I was able to participate happily and made good memories.”

Attendees are enjoying programmes and spending time in harmony at the Open House: Family Invitation held at Shincheonji Ulsan Church on 31st May.

A Church That Grew 225 Times in Size

During the lecture, head lecturer Han-soo Kim underlined the essence of the Ulsan Church's vision: “We aim to become an open church that communicates and shares with the local community, going beyond just a faith community,” adding, “We will continue to grow into a church that spreads positive influence to families and the local community and puts God’s word into practice.”

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.

Regional Activities of the Andrew Tribe

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.

Source: vo.la/5B9T8uZ

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The scene of the join worship service held at Shincheonji Seodaemun Church on 6th June

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.

Creating Three Axis of Generational Connection

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 Adults & The Youth (Adult Men's Group & Student Group): This axis focused on joint worship and meal exchanges. The students prepared performances and food, while the adults focused entirely on active listening. Through "Question Cards," they asked deep, meaningful questions rather than superficial ones.

The Mothers & The Children (Women's Group & Children's Group): Children interviewed the mothers about their own childhood memories, while the mothers asked the children what words they most wished to hear at home.

The Elders & The Young Adults (Seniors Group & Youth Group): The elders prepared snacks to encourage the hardworking youth, and the young adults responded by pinning carnations and reading handwritten letters of gratitude, soaking in the life wisdom of the older generation.

A member of Seodaemun Church is pinning a carnation on a member of the Senior Group attending worship ahead of Parents' Day.

From Church Buddies to Household Healing

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.”

A Continuous Blueprint, Not a One-time Event

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.”

Source: https://vo.la/ZKIk9cq

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