Noah Brown

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.”

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Pastor Ok-soon Im of Zion Church is holding a one-person protest in front of the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho District, Seoul, on the morning of 8th September, holding a picket sign urging for bail and leniency for Shincheonji Church of Jesus Chairman ManHee Lee.

A one-person protest calling for bail and leniency for Shincheonji Chairman ManHee Lee continued on the 8th.

On the morning of the 8th, Pastor Ok-soon Im of Zion Church protested in front of the Seoul Central District Court, holding a sign that read: “Please consider the human rights of the extremely elderly. I request bail and leniency for Chairman ManHee Lee.”

Pastor Im said she decided to protest after hearing of Chairman Lee’s arrest, explaining, “I was shocked to hear the news of his arrest. I felt it was unfortunate and unfair that an elderly person was being detained.”

She added, “I decided to stage a one-person protest because I wanted to do something that would be of even a little help,” while acknowledging that she was also concerned about his own health.

While standing outside the courthouse, Pastor Im reflected on the people passing by. “I believe that God’s work is accomplished through people,” she said, adding that she hoped “at least one passerby would see the message on the picket sign and reflect on this matter once again.”

The main focus of her appeal was the human rights and health of the extremely elderly, emphasising that these considerations should be taken into account alongside the judicial proceedings.

After the protest, Pastor Im said, “I hope the Chairman comes out as soon as possible,” adding, “It is very regrettable and heartbreaking to think that he is suffering at his advanced age.”

She concluded, “I will continue to pray that you return soon to your family and the congregation in good health.”

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Pastor Jung-wook Park of Hosanna Church is holding a one-person protest in front of the Seoul Central District Court on 11th September, holding a picket sign that reads, "Please respect the life, health, and human rights of the 95-year-old super-elderly Shincheonji Chairman ManHee Lee and grant him bail as soon as possible."

“To catch a tiger, you have to enter the tiger’s den. I have come to do what naturally must be done.”

On 11th September, Pastor Jung-wook Park of Hosanna Church held a one-person protest outside the Seoul Central District Court, calling for medical bail for 95-year-old Chairman ManHee Lee.

Holding a sign that read, “Please consider the health and human rights of the 95-year-old Chairman ManHee Lee and grant him release on bail as soon as possible,” Pastor Park said the protest was a duty he felt compelled to fulfil as a person of faith.

“The Republic of Korea is a liberal democratic nation,” he said. “I believed that protecting and safeguarding religious freedom and human rights so that religion is not persecuted is a duty that I, as a religious person, naturally ought to fulfil.”

Expressing concern that Chairman Lee’s contributions have not been properly recognised in Korea, he said, “It pains me that the work the Chairman has done so far does not seem to be properly recognised in his homeland, the Republic of Korea.”

He also called on religious leaders to speak out, saying, “It is very regrettable that religious people do not realise that what is currently happening is a sign of religious persecution.”

Referring to Chairman Lee’s age and service as a Korean War veteran, Pastor Park said, “It is heartbreaking to see how a 95-year-old veteran and patriot who has elevated the status of the Republic of Korea in the world is being treated.”

Describing the protest as “a battle between David and Goliath,” he added, “I believe that the truth will surely prevail.”

He concluded with a final appeal: “Health and life, once lost, cannot be restored. Please consider the health and human rights of the 95-year-old Chairman ManHee Lee and grant him medical bail as soon as possible.”

Source: vo.la/viwP4CX

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Pastor Geum-seop Jeong of Haneulmun Church is holding a one-person protest in front of the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho District, Seoul, on the afternoon of 9th September, holding a picket sign appealing for humanitarian bail for Shincheonji Church of Jesus Chairman ManHee Lee.

Pastor Geum-seop Jeong of Hanulmun Church held a one-person protest outside the Seoul Central District Court on the afternoon of the 9th, appealing for humanitarian bail for Chairman ManHee Lee (95).

Holding a picket sign, Pastor Jeong urged the court to consider Chairman Lee’s age and health, saying: “Your Honour, please consider the value of human life alongside the weight of the law. I earnestly appeal for humanitarian bail for Chairman ManHee Lee, who is 95 years old and in very advanced age.”

Pastor Jeong said he felt compelled to act as both a religious leader and citizen after seeing the difficulties faced by elderly war veterans.

“I wanted to ask whether it is right for the state to treat someone this way—someone who once risked his life to defend and save the country, and who has continued to put his beliefs into practice as a person of faith,” he said.

He also questioned whether such treatment reflected the values of a modern Korea.

“I felt a sense of shame as I wondered whether it was appropriate for a modern Korea, a country at the forefront of the global Korean Wave, to show this side of itself,” he said.

Pastor Jeong stressed that the judiciary should not be unduly influenced by public opinion.

“If prosecutors and the courts become too conscious of public opinion, they may ultimately undermine their own authority and standing,” he said. “If we want to build a society that will not be ashamed before history or future generations, we must first approach these matters with conscience, a broad perspective, and respect for human dignity.”

He appealed to the court to consider the circumstances from a human perspective.

“I hope that everyone will take the time to look deeply into this situation by imagining themselves in the same position,” he said. “I sincerely hope the court will grant bail while considering not only the seriousness of the law, but also the value of a person’s life and health.”

Pastor Jeong said he was encouraged by the response of citizens who passed the protest site, noting that many stopped to read his signs.

“Seeing their warm and understanding expressions, I felt hopeful that a positive outcome might be possible,” he said.

He concluded by emphasising the importance of empathy and dialogue in overcoming social divisions.

“To lessen the unnecessary burden caused by conflict, we need to talk with one another more, try to see things from each other’s perspective, and find ways to grow together,” he said.

“As I watched the warm and compassionate looks of the citizens at the protest site, I felt a great sense of hope. I eagerly look forward to the day when God’s love fills the entire world and joyful hymns can be heard everywhere.”

Source: https://vo.la/giNEw84

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Pastor Jae-heung Lee of Juburusim Church is holding a one-person protest in front of the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho District, Seoul, on the 10th, holding a picket sign urging the bail of Shincheonji Church of Jesus Chairman ManHee Lee

“Your Honour, once health and life are lost, they cannot be restored. Please consider the health and human rights of 95-year-old Chairman ManHee Lee and grant his release on bail as soon as possible.”

On the 10th, Pastor Jae-heung Lee of Juburusim Church stood outside the Seoul Central District Court holding a picket sign calling for the release on bail of Shincheonji Chairman ManHee Lee.

Wearing the badge of his Presbyterian denomination, Pastor Lee acknowledged that his actions could draw criticism or even disciplinary consequences.

“I came because I believe this is ‘God’s work and work for God’s shepherd,’” he said. “If the denomination sees me, I might be expelled. But since this is God’s work, I came with the mindset of risking my life for God’s shepherd.”

His decision followed his attendance at the Shincheonji Bible Seminar, where he heard Chairman Lee speak.

“After hearing the message in Cheongju, I realised that the Chairman is a religious leader of global stature,” Pastor Lee said. He also recalled being deeply moved by the words, “We are one in the Lord,” delivered at the Yeongdeungpo Great Word Assembly.

“After hearing those words, I made up my mind to become one with Shincheonji,” he said. “A one-person protest may not be effective, but I came because I believed it was what ought to be done.”

Standing firmly before the courthouse, Pastor Lee hoped his presence would draw the court’s attention to Chairman Lee’s circumstances.

“I did not allow my resolve to waver for a single moment,” he said. “I hoped the court officials would sense my earnestness and that it would help with the Chairman's release.”

After completing the protest, he said, “I was grateful that I was able to finish safely to the end, and I felt proud knowing that I had done what I ought to have done.”

Pastor Lee concluded with a final appeal: “Given Chairman Lee’s advanced age, and because health and life, once lost, cannot be restored, I ask the court to consider his health and human rights and grant him release on bail as soon as possible.”

Source: https://vo.la/WbaWxh3

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Volunteers from the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Ulsan Branch are conducting an environmental protection campaign at a bus stop in Mugeo-dong, Nam District on 7th September, informing citizens of the importance of clean air.

The Shincheonji Volunteer Group Ulsan Branch held a ‘Protecting Clean Air’ campaign on the 7th around Ulsan University and Babo Intersection in Mugeo-dong, Nam District, Ulsan, to mark the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies.

Observed annually on 7th September, the international day was designated by the United Nations in 2019 following a proposal from South Korea to raise awareness of air pollution and promote the importance of clean air.

Volunteers encouraged citizens and local businesses to adopt simple environmental practices, including using public transportation, walking or cycling, saving energy, and reducing disposable products. A parade around Ulsan University featured placards encouraging the use of public transportation and efforts to reduce fine dust.

A local billiard hall owner who participated said, “I learned for the first time that a day like this exists. I think the main thing I can do is to properly separate and dispose of the waste left behind by customers. If even this small action can make a difference, I will pay more attention in the future.”

The branch also distributed Capri keyrings sponsored by ‘Ulsan Forest Love’ and invited citizens to take commemorative photographs featuring environmental messages.

Branch Manager Han-su Kim said, “We organised this campaign with the hope that awareness of environmental protection would lead to practical action in people’s daily lives.”

He added, “As citizens and volunteers came together to reflect on the importance of environmental protection and commit to putting it into practice, I hope this campaign will become an opportunity to bring about positive change in our local community.”

Meanwhile, the ‘Let Nature Bloom’ campaign is a flagship environmental initiative of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group, promoting environmental protection and restoration and encouraging efforts to preserve a greener planet for future generations.

Source: vo.la/Voxcnw2

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Participants are shouting slogans at a joint press conference of representatives from 235 organisations nationwide held in front of the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho District, Seoul on 10th September, under the slogan, "Judge! Please show leniency to Chairman ManHee Lee, who has enhanced the national prestige through his world peace activities."

A coalition of 235 civic organisations has urged the Seoul Central District Court to grant medical bail to ManHee Lee, the 95-year-old leader of Shincheonji Church, citing his age, deteriorating health and the need to uphold human dignity.

Led by the North Chungcheong Provincial Companion Promotion Committee, the groups held a press conference outside the court on Thursday, calling for Chairman Lee’s release after more than two months in detention.

Chairman Lee was granted a temporary suspension of imprisonment on 1st September for urgent medical treatment. The suspension, originally due to end on 6th September, was extended to 11th September to allow continued hospital care.

Speakers stressed that determining Chairman Lee’s guilt or innocence remains solely the responsibility of the judiciary. However, they argued that his advanced age and serious health condition warrant humanitarian consideration and a non-custodial trial.

The groups’ appeal focused on three points:

- Recognising the seriousness of Chairman Lee’s health at age 95

- Considering his reported contributions to international peace and Korea’s national prestige

- Granting bail in accordance with respect for life and human dignity

Ki-geun Park, chairman of the Yongsan District Senior Group and himself over 90 years old, spoke about the physical challenges faced by elderly people based on his own experience.

He said, “Once you reach your 90s, there is hardly a part of the body that doesn’t hurt. When elderly people become less active, they quickly lose weight and muscle, and regaining that strength can be very difficult.”

He continued, “Please enforce the law as prescribed, but allow him to remain out of detention.” He made an emotional appeal, asking, “How much hardship must a person of that age endure?”

Yang-hoon Kim, who operates the media outlet Reporters' Eye and personally met Chairma ManHee Lee during a reporting trip to the Philippines four years ago, highlighted the peace mediation efforts and civilian diplomacy achievements he said he had witnessed firsthand.

Kim stated, “While personally interviewing the Chief Minister of Mindanao and 14 prominent figures from various sectors, I confirmed that Chairman ManHee Lee had played a mediating role in bringing an end to the 40-year conflict in Mindanao.”

He continued, “It is deeply regrettable that a 95-year-old man, nearing 100, must remain detained and unable to fully exercise his right to defend himself, particularly when people in other countries recognise differences and work towards peace.” He appealed to the court, saying, “Please grant him bail so that he can fully exercise his legal rights, freely explain his position regarding the charges, and stand trial. The appeal from 235 organisations is ultimately a request to protect fundamental rights, and I sincerely ask the court for humanitarian consideration.”

Source: vo.la/IT6p1rc

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