Parenting in today's world is often a difficult and solitary journey. Despite the many resources available, many parents still find themselves overwhelmed, isolated, and unsure of how to navigate the complexities of raising children. This is particularly true in South Korea, where the nation faces a concerning low birth rate, which poses long-term social and economic challenges. With fewer children being born, the need for strong family support systems has never been more urgent.

In today’s era of nuclear families and dual-income households, "childcare" often focuses primarily on physical management—meals, schedules, and academic progress. However, the Simon Tribe Children’s Group of Shincheonji is presenting a new paradigm of care that extends into the realms of faith, emotions, and character through its unique programme, "Yedambit Family Worship."

The name "Yedambit" carries a profound meaning: "Let us resemble Jesus and become a light to the world." Designed to celebrate the Month of Families in May, this programme encourages parents and children to lead their own worship sessions at home.

In its most recent session, 110 children from 30 households participated, spending 10 to 20 minutes together in prayer, praise, and sharing Bible stories. The goal is simple yet powerful: to move beyond daily chores and focus on the child's inner thoughts and spiritual direction.

The programme focuses on helping children establish their own values by reflecting on biblical figures. For example:

The Story of King Saul: One young participant, Si-hyeon No, reflected on how King Saul prioritised his own thoughts over God's word. Through this story, she realised that insisting only on one's own will can hurt others and God.

Self-Driven Change: “I realised that doing only what I want makes others uncomfortable. I want to choose good actions from now on,” the child shared, proving that spiritual growth happens best through self-reflection.

What makes this programme truly effective is the collaborative feedback loop between parents and teachers:

As one parent noted, “Caring for a child is more than just checking if they ate or did their homework; it’s about looking into their heart.” The Shincheonji Simon Tribe plans to expand this programme into a regular system, providing discussion guides and counselling to help families build a lasting culture of faith. By bridging the gap between home and church, they are ensuring that the next generation grows up not just well-managed, but well-loved and spiritually grounded.

Source:

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