As maritime tourism expands, national fishing ports across South Korea increasingly face ecological challenges, including illegally dumped garbage and marine debris caused by car camping and influxes of tourists. While individual community efforts often fall short of managing these large-scale environmental issues, institutional collaborations offer a viable path forward. On 30th May, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Busan-Gyeongnam Western Branch established a formal framework for coastal preservation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Cheonseong Fishing Village on Gadeok Island, Busan. The partnership aims to institutionalise marine purification and revitalise the local fishing community.

Cheonseong Port on Gadeok Island is a state-designated national fishing port currently being developed as a multi-functional complex integrating fisheries, disaster prevention, and tourism. Under the newly signed agreement, the two organisations will launch coordinated, systematic initiatives to protect this vital coastal infrastructure:

A key highlight of the partnership is a joint mural project designed to visually upgrade the fishing village. By painting the unique history, local heritage, and community stories of Cheonseong Port onto the village walls, the project aims to create an aesthetically pleasing environment befitted a national fishing port. The initiative is expected to establish Cheonseong Port as a highly approachable, sustainable tourism destination steeped in local storytelling.

Jong-seong Gu, the head of the Cheonseong Fishing Village, expressed gratitude during the ceremony, noting that managing environmental issues solely through the local fishing community had reached its limits. “Having the Shincheonji Volunteer Group systematically cooperate on both environmental cleanup and the village mural project provides tremendous reassurance,” Gu shared.

On the day of the MOU signing, the Busan-Gyeongnam Western Branch carried out an Ocean's Day campaign as part of the "Nature, Be Green!" project, targetting tourists and residents visiting Cheonseong Port. To raise awareness about the importance of marine protection, the event featured live busking performances and a traditional Korean Tuho (arrow-throwing) play experience booth.

Regarding the initiative, Yo-han Kim, the Vice Branch Head of the Busan-Gyeongnam Western Branch, stated, “This will be an important first step in protecting the beautiful nature of Cheonseong Port and easing the worries of local fishermen.” He added that the branch aims to take the lead in transforming Cheonseong Port into a clean, story-driven national fishing port by combining regular purification activities, mural projects, and cultural campaigns.

True faith is often measured not by words spoken inside a church, but by the actions and love one demonstrates in the world. On 27th May, the Malawi Branch of the Bartholomew Tribe of Shincheonji recently celebrated the one-year anniversary of its dedicated environmental cleanup initiative through the completion of its 17th "Day of Light and Salt" street purification campaign in the Mbayani area of Blantyre.

In June 2025, the public waste management system in Blantyre had reached a breaking point. For years, the Central Business District struggled with neglected waste, posing a threat to both public health and the city’s image. While many saw a problem, the Shincheonji Church of Jesus Malawi Branch saw an opportunity to practise the core Christian values of being "Light and Salt", and took collective action. Over the past year, they have consistently gathered twice a month to restore the cleanliness of Blantyre’s streets, turning their faith into a reliable pillar of civic support.

For this milestone 17th cleanup, approximately 70 congregation members rolled up their sleeves to clear waste from major roadsides and narrow alleyways. Their efforts resulted in the collection of 56 litter bags, each with a 25-litre capacity, significantly improving the sanitation of the neighbourhood.

The long-term consistency of the programme has done something even more profound: it has shifted the mindset of the local citizens. Daniel Jim (27), a resident of Mbayani who participated in the volunteer work, shared his journey:

An official from the Shincheonji Malawi branch highlighted that the ultimate goal goes beyond just picking up litter: “Moving forward, we want to continue these activities not only to solve immediate environmental problems but also to foster a shared sense of community ownership and responsible civic culture among the public.”

The church has no plans of slowing down. To scale up its positive impact, Shincheonji Malawi plans to expand the cleanup workforce to over 100 volunteers for larger-scale operations. Furthermore, looking ahead to next year, the branch is preparing to launch a major blood donation campaign in collaboration with the national hospital, cementing its role as a vital contributor to Malawi's public welfare.

In the '2024 Social Indicators of Korea' report published by Statistics Korea, a significant 51.8% of respondents answered that interreligious conflict is at a grave situation. This figure marks a substantial increase of 9.5 points from 42.3% in 2023.

As a solution to this conflict, the Shincheonji Thomas Tribe has been conducting a 'handwritten letter exchange' directed at the domestic religious community since 2019. To date, roughly 400,000 letters containing transcriptions and meditations on biblical texts have resulted in 5317 substantive conversations with church leaders and pastors based on the Word.

The response from pastors has been overwhelming, resulting in direct visits and regular exchanges. Presbyterian Pastor Jeong, who has been ministering for 15 years in the Jeonju region, recalled the letter he received and said, “If it had been a printed document, I might have passed it by, but seeing the handwritten Bible verses and meditations, I read it to the end.” He added, “The process of seriously sharing thoughts over a single Bible verse was impressive in itself.”

To date, there have been a total of 66 instances of joint activities centred in the Jeonbuk region, including joint Bible study meetings, seminars, pulpit exchanges and a Pastors' Peace Forum.

This method of interreligious harmony, purposed not to “proselytise" but to understand one another and share communion within the Bible, is a novel approach that is expected to transcend interreligious and interdenominational boundaries.

For individuals with severe physical disabilities, everyday tasks such as visiting a hairdressers can pose significant mobility challenges. This lack of access often extends beyond personal grooming, inadvertently contributing to social isolation and a sense of disconnection from the local community. To address this gap and offer practical assistance, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Eastern Seoul Branch conducted its regular "Pinky Promise" (Saekki-sonkarak) Hair-Grooming Service—a specialised talent-donation initiative designed to provide physical convenience and vital emotional support.

On 22nd May, the emergency welfare operation took place in the open lot in front of the Gongneung Branch of the Seoul Association of the Physically Challenged in Nowon district, Seoul.

The true value of the "Pinky Promise" initiative lay in the mutual dialogue and emotional connection shared between the volunteers and the recipients. Rather than treating the service as a mechanical task, volunteers spent time conversing, checking on the seniors' well-being, and listening to their stories.

The immediate impact was reflected in the bright smiles and high satisfaction of the participants.

One association member expressed immense joy, joking, “They are so skilled! When I look around later, I’ll probably hear that I’m the most beautiful person here. Have a wonderful day!”

Another participant shared with a smile, “Thank you for never forgetting us and coming back. My hair looks so beautiful, I feel like I could enter the Miss Korea pageant.”

A representative from the Gongneung Branch officially conveyed their gratitude, stating, “Seeing our members gather, chat, and get their hair trimmed brings immense life to our center. We are deeply grateful to the volunteers who consistently take the time to visit.”

The Eastern Seoul Branch has established this grooming service as a reliable, long-term talent-donation platform. By focusing on integrated care that encompasses both physical grooming and psychological comfort, the volunteer group successfully fosters social inclusion. A representative from the branch noted, "This grooming service is fundamentally about connecting human hearts rather than simply trimming hair. We remain committed to developing diverse talent-sharing programs where disabled neighbours and local residents can naturally mingle and thrive together."

In an age dominated by standardised toys and digital screens, a heartwarming scene unfolded at Chomakgol Ecological Park in Gyeonggi Province. On 23rd May, the Gwacheon Church of the John Tribe of Shincheonji successfully hosted "Daddy, Let’s Play!"—a special family picnic designed to strengthen the bonds between fathers and their children through raw, screen-free interaction.

The event welcomed approximately 30 families, including pre-schoolers and primary school students, who stepped away from their busy routines to embrace nature. The programme was carefully curated to encourage physical touch and teamwork:

Seven-year-old Na-yoon Kim expressed her joy: “Daddy always said he was too tired, but playing and running with him today was so much fun. He felt like Superman to me.”

For many participating fathers, the picnic served as a profound turning point to reflect on their parental roles, especially in a society where heavy workloads often leave mothers to handle childcare alone.

Se-jung Oh (38), whose frequent business trips previously kept him at a distance, opened up about his experience: “I think I used to be a strict father who only watched from afar. Today, by locking eyes and physically interacting with my child, I feel like the walls we had built are finally crumbling down.”

Another participant, Wang-sun Park (40), highlighted the practical relief the event provided: “Taking young children out on your own is incredibly challenging. Having a structured programme and dedicated space provided for us was a massive help in actively participating in childcare. It allowed us to heal as a family and connect with other parents facing similar realities.”

The philosophy behind the event reflects Shincheonji Gwacheon Church’s commitment to healthy, stable families as the foundation of a thriving society.

An official from the church emphasised the lasting impact of raw connection: “Knowledge may fade over time, but the warmth and laughter shared with a father during childhood remain forever. We designed this event hoping children would learn love and stability through vivid interaction with their fathers, rather than through rigid toys or smartphones.”

The representative added, “The busier we get, the more consciously we must protect quality family time. We hope this event allows fathers to rediscover their essential calling and realign the emotional centre of their homes.”

Environmental preservation is most effective when it directly addresses the specific vulnerabilities of a local area. Rather than conducting generic cleanups, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group focuses on practical, site-specific issues—whether resolving urban infrastructure blockages or restoring local aquatic ecosystems. In late May, the Uijeongbu Branch executed targeted environmental purification initiatives designed to improve public safety and foster ecological awareness among residents.

On 23rd May, the Uijeongbu Branch conducted a targeted infrastructure cleanup in residential areas near Baekseokcheon Stream in Ganeung neighbourhood, Uijeongbu, focusing entirely on chronic water-pooling sectors to prevent potential urban flooding ahead of the upcoming rainy season.

15th May is Teachers' Day in South Korea, a day established to honour and express appreciation for educators across the country. Within the religious community, one church gave homage to its true teacher: Heaven.

On Sunday 17th May, the Shincheonji Matthias Tribe Cheongju Church held a 'Year 43 Teachers' Day Thanksgiving Service' in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, Republic of Korea.

The service was attended by Chairman ManHee Lee and the twelve tribe leaders, as well as roughly 1000 believers from the 12 tribes across the country, with thousands more joining the service via live stream from their respective churches.

Chairman Lee emphasised that today is the time of the fulfilment of the Book of Revelation and that we must reflect on the 6000-year history of the Bible, which began in the time of Adam. He emphasised that the one book we must read and observe is the Book of Revelation, which we are told not to add to or subtract from. Chapter 21 of Revelation records that God is coming to this earth bringing the Kingdom of Heaven. The message is that we must understand the contents of the Book of Revelation, which records the time of rest without death and suffering that both heaven and earth have desired.

Chairman Lee stated that the Book of Revelation is “a prophecy that God promised to fulfil,” adding that “it will certainly be fulfilled when the time comes.” He repeatedly emphasised that this is precisely why John 14:29 states, “I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe,” and that Revelation 22:18-19 even records, “If anyone adds to or takes away from the contents of this book, he will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven and will be cursed.”

Chairman Lee emphasised that the realities of the words of prophecy recorded in the Book of Revelation have come to pass today, saying, “Now is the time of the fulfilment of the Book of Revelation, and a time when the words recorded in prophecy are appearing as reality and being testified to.” He added, “In order not to add to or subtract from the Book of Revelation (Rev 22:18–19), one must know the reality in which this prophecy has appeared and fully understand it.”

He stressed, “For the sake of God, we must correctly testify even to the reality of the Word,” adding, “Acting according to God’s will will be true filial piety offered to God.”

As the global influence of South Korean faith movements—often dubbed "K-Religion"—continues to expand, the Malawi Branch of Shincheonji Church of Jesus recently hosted a deeply moving community event. On 16th May, the church opened its doors to the families of its members, offering a space where faith, culture, and familial love could intersect during a time of regional hardship.

The event was organised at a critical juncture for local residents. Malawi is currently grappling with severe economic strain, driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East that have caused local fuel prices to skyrocket by 50% alongside chronic energy shortages.

Recognising that socioeconomic instability directly impacts domestic happiness, the church launched this initiative to remind families of their core values, expand mutual dialogue, and foster a spirit of gratitude and love.

A total of 87 members and their families gathered at the Malawi church. To dismantle any prior misconceptions or cultural barriers regarding the church, the programme was meticulously designed to be transparent and welcoming:

The wave of spiritual awakening is crossing continents. Recently, the Bartholomew Tribe Netherlands Church made headlines by hosting a Pastors' Conference, drawing attention from religious leaders across Western Europe. This event marks a significant step in fostering open dialogue and scriptural exchange between Shincheonji Church of Jesus and the established Christian community in the Netherlands.

On 16th May, the Netherlands Church brought together over 20 attendees, including several local pastors and church leaders, for the "2026 Shincheonji Pastors Conference." The program was meticulously designed to redefine the role of pastors and find solutions for spreading the Gospel in the wake of the trends of Christian decline and secularisation.

The highlight of the event was a lecture held under the theme, 'The Mission of Jesus Christ Today.' The official from the Domestic Missions Department of the Shincheonji Netherlands Church, who delivered the lecture, explained the pressing need to “restore the church through the Word” and underlined the importance of “cooperation between pastors for proper education in the Word.” His message resonated deeply with the European audience.

The reaction from the participating pastors was both humble and enthusiastic. After watching the lecture, many leaders took the time to reflect on their own roles and expressed a strong desire for continued interaction.

Established in 2002 and centred in Rotterdam , the Netherlands Church has been at the forefront of local mission work for over two decades. Their goal is clear: to move beyond traditional boundaries and share the message of Revelation with Christians throughout Western Europe.

Meanwhile, the Shincheonji Netherlands Church plans to hold its second Pastors’ Conference on the 30th.

Source: vo.la/SLmmgey

According to the latest "Family Status Survey" by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, approximately 52.5% of married couples in South Korea spend less than one hour a day communicating with each other. While this shows a slight improvement from three years ago (58.5%), lack of meaningful connection remains a pressing social issue. In light of "Couples' Day" (May 21st), the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Hanam Branch organised a unique initiative designed to foster marital communication while practising environmental stewardship.

On 16th May, the Hanam Branch hosted a couple's plogging (jogging while picking up litter) and environmental purification event. The activity provided a rare opportunity for busy spouses to reconnect, converse, and actively participate in local climate and environmental protection.

The participants walked from the Misa Cultural Street through the Mangwolcheon Stream area for about an hour, achieving tangible ecological results:

Waste Reduction: Collected 50 litres of discarded litter.

Water Restoration: Threw 100 Eco-friendly Effective Microorganism (EM) mudballs into the stream to naturally purify the water.

The event proved to be an effective catalyst for marital harmony. Participants Seok-jin Lim (57) and Hyun-ju Shin (57) shared their heartwarming experience, noting that the event felt like a nostalgic date from their courtship days.

“Due to our hectic daily routines, we rarely find time to share together,” Lim reflected. “But today, laughing, talking, and cleaning the environment alongside my spouse has genuinely refreshed both my mind and my marriage.”

Hanam Branch Head Kyung-bok Ko, who also participated in the cleanup with his wife, emphasised the broader societal impact of the event: “As the core foundation of a family, when married couples communicate smoothly and collaborate, it generates a highly positive wave across the entire local community.” Moving forward, the Hanam Branch plans to establish more diverse, inclusive volunteer platforms where couples, youth, and local residents can communicate effectively to foster a collaborative community culture.

As South Korea transitions into a super-ageing society, emotional isolation and relationship breakdown among the elderly have emerged as critical social challenges. While public administrative systems provide financial and physical infrastructure support, minor gaps in emotional care often remain unaddressed. To bridge this divide, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group has been operating "Baekse Manse" (meaning "Long Live One Hundred Years")—a nationwide, participation-oriented silver programme designed to promote cognitive health, physical well-being, and genuine emotional stability for seniors.

The true value of volunteer work lies in consistency rather than one-time events. The Dongdaemun Branch stands as a primary exemplar of this dedication, marking 11 years of continuous service with 134 visits, supporting a total of 4019 seniors at the Byeoksan and Dongbu Senior Centers.

On 12th May, the Daejeon Branch conducted its "Baekse Manse" programme at the Geombae Senior Centre in Samseong-dong, focusing heavily on dementia prevention and deep emotional interaction.

Other regional branches also executed tailored activities under the "Baekse Manse" banner, matching the specific needs of their local senior populations.

The couple's story began where they both feel most at home: the football field. The husband (referred to as A), a former professional football player in Thailand, returned to South Korea for injury treatment and tryouts. It was at a local football gathering in Daejeon that he met his future wife (B).

While B had been practising her faith at the Shincheonji Daejeon Church since 2006, A naturally joined her in 2015 after learning the Bible's teachings. For both, the Word-centred faith—which strictly emphasises love and harmony—became the bedrock of their mutual understanding.

As a former pro athlete, A’s life had always been defined by ruthless competition and constant comparison. However, his perspective shifted dramatically through both his marriage and his faith.

“When playing professionally, I never had peace of mind because I was always competing,” A reflected. “But through our faith community and church life, my capacity to understand others grew. I learned the immense value of walking together rather than running alone.”

Like a football match where a goal cannot be scored without seamless teamwork, the couple realised that marriage and faith require the same synchronised effort. “You have to understand, love, and become one within the Word to make it to the finish line,” they shared.

Their journey hasn't been without its lighthearted disagreements. A jokingly shares how hard it is to receive "cold, objective feedback" from his wife after a tough match, while B recalls feeling slightly slighted when her husband didn't hold back his powerful shots during a futsal game.

Yet, the field is also where they fall in love all over again. During a severe slump when A struggled to score, he finally found the back of the net during a crucial match. He immediately dropped to his knees on the grass to pray. Watching that moment, B recalled feeling deeply moved: “I felt a profound sense that we were enduring the hard times together as one.”

The couple’s dynamic lifestyle is a direct reflection of the robust sports culture within the Shincheonji Daejeon Church. The church actively hosts generational sports programmes including men’s and women’s football, baseball, basketball, martial arts (Taekwondo), and track events.

“On the field, age and titles don't matter; cooperation and encouragement do,” the couple explained. “Sweating together naturally breaks down any emotional walls. We fall, we get back up, and we become closer.”

On this Couples' Day, the duo expressed a simple yet profound wish: to continue looking in the exact same direction. Football and faith taught them how to live together before learning how to win. Today, they continue to sprint down the field of life, side by side, bound by a shared goal and an unbreakable faith.

While city festivals across South Korea celebrated 56th Earth Day on 22nd April, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group commemorated it with a series of powerful, synchronised campaigns. Thousands of volunteers across Korea headed to "blind spots"—the neglected basins, steep cliffs, and silent bird sanctuaries—proving that no area is too small or too polluted to be restored. Organised by the Shincheonji Volunteer Group– Seoul, Gyeonggi Southern Division, the campaign turned Earth Day into a national movement of action.

In the capital region, the focus was on high-impact action and public awareness.

The Giant Cleanup (Gimpo/Bucheon/Gangseo): 200 volunteers converged on the Ara Bridge in Gimpo. They cleared a staggering 98,000 liters (approx. 3 tonnes) of waste from steep cliffs and hidden thickets that had been neglected for years.

The Walk for Earth (Dongjak/Gwangmyeong): 100 volunteers held a "Walking Performance" at Boramae Park, reminding citizens of the 8:10pm "Lights Out" initiative to reduce carbon emissions.

2. Incheon & Gunsan: Battles Against Coastal Waste

Gunsan (Saemangeum Seawall): For the 3rd consecutive year, the Gunsan branch cleared the gateway to the Gogunsan Islands. 60 volunteers recovered 2800 litres of marine litter, specifically targeting plastic waste, which now accounts for over 80% of marine debris.

In the south, the campaigns turned environmental protection into an interactive experience.

Creative Recycling (Changwon): At Hanseo Hospital Square, citizens learned to turn plastic bottles into cactus pots. The "Ladder Game" and tumbler surveys made sustainability feel like a fun daily habit rather than a chore.

The Transit Docents (Busan): 150 volunteers at Busan's Jin Market acted as "Environmental Docents," explaining the carbon-reducing benefits of public transportation through flash mobs and street parades.

At Hwajeong Station, five branches (Goyang, Seodaemun, Paju, Namsan, Eunpyeong) focused on the details.

Cigarette Butt Crisis: Volunteers collected 6170 cigarette butts alone, showing the severity of micro-pollution in urban centres.

Upcycling Craft: Citizens were drawn to the booth by socks-neck (waste fabric) crafts, leading to deep conversations about reducing plastic in everyday life.