Il-ja Kim, 85, from Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi Province, looks forward to volunteers who visit three times a week. Alongside monitoring her health, they provide companionship and homemade side dishes, bringing warmth to her daily life.

As the number of older adults living alone grows, community-based care is increasingly important in addressing needs beyond medical treatment.

Since August last year, the Bartholomew Tribe of Shincheonji Church of Jesus has operated a Health Support Programme. Initially launched at Yeongdeungpo Church, it has expanded to five churches, involving approximately 400 participants and 70 volunteers.

Medical staff provide blood pressure and blood glucose checks, basic dementia screenings, and health consultations. At Gwangmyeong Church, 40 volunteers support 150 seniors through home visits, health monitoring, companionship, and meal preparation.

Myeong-ja Ba, 83, from Cheolsan-dong, shared how the programme has helped her manage high blood pressure.

“It can sometimes be difficult to visit the hospital on weekends, but having my blood pressure checked regularly at the church helps me keep track of my health,” she said. “I can also feel the sincerity and care that go into preparing side dishes with my health in mind.”

Source: vo.la/dVwp0O6

The Chungju and Nonsan branches of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group organised customised volunteer activities to support athletes with disabilities, help prepare lawn bowls stadiums for competition, and strengthen community ties.

Through meal sharing, hands-on programmes, and environmental cleanup, volunteers provided practical assistance while building meaningful relationships with athletes.

On the 8th, the Chungju Branch held its ‘Pinky Promise’ volunteer activity at the disabled lawn bowls stadium in Chungju, North Chungcheong Province. Volunteers served samgyetang, a traditional Korean chicken soup, to encourage athletes ahead of competition and cleaned the surrounding areas to create a more pleasant environment.

Sang-yong Lee, 62, president of the Chungbuk Lawn Bowls Federation for the Disabled, said, “I am grateful for the nourishing samgyetang.”

He added, “I offered Jeju tangerines as a token of appreciation for the kindness shown to us every year. I hope we can continue working together on meaningful activities in the future.”

The Nonsan Branch recently held its regular ‘Pinky Promise’ volunteer programme at the Nonsan Lawn Bowls Association for the Disabled, with 12 volunteers participating. Building on two years of stadium maintenance activities, the branch expanded its programme in response to athletes’ requests.

Activities included health clapping exercises, hand massages, and clay-making designed to encourage finger movement. Volunteers and athletes participated together, sharing conversations and laughter while strengthening their connections.

Ji-hoon Park, head of the Nonsan Branch, said, “Through volunteering in the local community, I hope to share warm and meaningful moments with athletes with disabilities.”

He added, “We will continue to organise a variety of activities and put the spirit of sharing into practice throughout the community.”

The Chuncheon Branch of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group conducted its “Let Nature Be Green” volunteer activity on the 16th in Hakgok-ri, Dongnae-myeon, Chuncheon-si, focusing on environmental cleanup and roadside reflector maintenance.

Approximately 50 volunteers, divided into three groups, cleaned major roadsides and alleyways, collecting around 300 litres of household waste, including cigarette butts, discarded banners, and plastic bottles. They also removed dust and contaminants from roadside reflectors to improve visibility and help create safer roads for residents.

The initiative is part of the organisation’s “Let Nature Be Green” programme, which promotes environmental protection through activities such as wetland conservation, disaster recovery, community cleanups, and the creation of flower paths.

Sang-yoon Park, a 47-year-old volunteer from Hupyeong-dong, Chuncheon, said, “I felt a sense of fulfilment because the elderly people I met during the activity expressed gratitude and shared warm conversations with me.” She added that seeing the clean surroundings made her proud and that it was meaningful to see how a small act could bring great joy.

Jeong-hee Gong, vice branch manager of the Chuncheon Branch, said, “We will continue to work towards creating a safe and comfortable living environment for residents through various volunteer activities that benefit the local community.”

Source: vo.la/FjwdKtQ

The Donghae Branch of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group conducted its “Heroic Tales” volunteer initiative on the 10th and 14th, honouring the sacrifices and contributions of national merit recipients.

During the initiative, branch representatives met with leaders of veterans’ organisations to hear firsthand accounts of those who dedicated themselves to the nation. They also called for security education to help strengthen national security awareness among young people.

The initiative aimed to express gratitude to veterans of the Korean and Vietnam wars for their dedication to the nation and peace, while bringing comfort and companionship to those experiencing social isolation.

On the 14th, volunteers visited the Donghae City Veterans Welfare Centre and shared pumpkin porridge, rice cakes, and fruit with 30 members.

Preparations began the day before, with volunteers carefully preparing ingredients for the pumpkin porridge. On the day of the visit, they started cooking early in the morning to ensure the meals were freshly prepared and delivered with care.

Earlier, on the 10th, volunteers organised an outing to Jeongseon Weekend Market for four elderly national merit recipients. The participants enjoyed exploring the traditional market, sharing lunch, taking part in recreational activities, and singing together. The outing provided an opportunity to enjoy a change of scenery, build connections, and share meaningful moments.

One elderly veteran who joined the outing said, “This was a truly meaningful experience,” adding, “I hope another event can be arranged so that more members will have the opportunity to participate.”

The Donghae Branch of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group is conducting cultural, leisure, and recreational activities for national merit recipients who are members of the Veterans Hall in Jeongseon on 10th October.

The chairman of the Donghae City Branch of the Association of Meritorious Service Medal Recipients of the Republic of Korea expressed his appreciation, saying, “I felt deeply moved and grateful to see the Donghae Branch express its appreciation towards those who have dedicated themselves to the nation and peace.”

Joo-myung Yoon, head of the Donghae Branch, said, “We will continue listening to the stories and needs of those who have dedicated themselves to our nation and organise tailored volunteer activities that provide practical and meaningful support.”

Source: vo.la/B4AlBIL

The Gangseo Branch of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group distributed 25 potted chrysanthemums to members of the Vietnam War Veterans Association’s Gangseo Branch earlier this week, near Balsan Station in Gangseo District, Seoul.

The activity was part of the Heroic Tales veterans’ welfare project, which aims to express gratitude for veterans’ service and strengthen relationships through ongoing community engagement.

As part of its monthly Dadaikseon ('More the Better') initiative, the volunteer group selected chrysanthemums for their seasonal appeal and ease of care. Volunteers distributed the flowers following a joint neighbourhood cleanup and provided guidance on watering, sunlight, and plant maintenance.

One recipient remarked, “As I carefully grow and tend to my plants, I often reflect on the preciousness of life.”

Source: vo.la/ToV3Zsl

International religious scholars and human rights advocates are urging the South Korean judiciary to consider conditional release, citing Chairman Lee’s advanced age, health concerns, and the potentially lengthy trial.

According to Shincheonji Church of Jesus, 18 international religious scholars plan to submit a joint petition requesting bail. The signatories include Professor Eileen Barker of the London School of Economics, Professor Emeritus J. Gordon Melton of Baylor University, and Massimo Introvigne, director of  Center for Studies on New Religions (CESNUR). The petition follows the CESNUR international conference held in Taiwan from 10th to 12th October.

The scholars expressed concern that repeated short-term extensions of the detention suspension could disrupt medical treatment and trial preparation. They called for arrangements that would allow Chairman Lee to attend court while receiving appropriate medical care.

Calls for conditional release have also come from legal professionals and human rights organisations. Ugandan lawyer and human rights activist Hamza Sekide proposed alternatives such as regular reporting requirements and surrendering travel documents.

Hans Noot, deputy director of Human Rights Without Frontiers, also called for detention to be reassessed and legally available alternatives to be considered. Bishop Elias Elijah Changa of Zambia proposed release subject to residential restrictions and medical care, while pastors from five countries, including Liberia, urged consideration of both criminal proceedings and religious freedom.

In September, the French human rights organisation Coalition for Freedom of Conscience (CAP-LC) called for an independent medical assessment and a review of alternatives to detention during the 63rd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council.

At a preliminary hearing on 6th October, the 27th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court estimated that the trial could take approximately a year, even with weekly hearings, given the roughly 190 requested witnesses.

Chairman Lee’s legal team requested bail, arguing that he requires continued treatment and care following surgery. The court deferred its decision and extended the suspension of the arrest warrant until 6th November.

The suspension has reportedly been extended four times, with extensions ranging from one day to one month. On 11th September, Chairman Lee was returned to detention after a further extension was denied.

Supporters have cited a 2020 ruling in which the Suwon District Court granted Chairman Lee bail while he faced charges of obstructing infectious disease control measures. Conditions included a 100 million won bond, residence restrictions, and electronic monitoring. The court considered his health and record of attending proceedings. The Supreme Court subsequently upheld his acquittal on those charges.

Article 98 of South Korea’s Criminal Procedure Act allows conditions such as residence restrictions, bail payments, and restrictions on overseas travel to help ensure defendants attend court.

However, international petitions and previous rulings do not determine the outcome of the current case. The court must independently assess Chairman Lee’s health, the risk of flight, potential evidence-related concerns, and the circumstances of the proceedings.

With the suspension set to expire on 6th November, attention remains focused on how the court will balance health concerns against the requirements of the ongoing trial when deciding whether to grant bail.

The Chungju Branch of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group conducted a wildfire prevention campaign and environmental cleanup at Hoamji Ecological Park in Chungju, North Chungcheong Province, on 16th October. The activities were part of its regular environmental initiative, Let Nature Be Green, ahead of Mountain Day on 18th October.

During the campaign, volunteers informed park visitors about autumn wildfire prevention guidelines, including avoiding restricted areas and closed trails, refraining from burning agricultural waste or rubbish, not smoking while hiking, and avoiding cooking or camping outside designated areas.

To encourage environmental awareness, volunteers also held a Scandia moss pot-making activity and distributed 50 flower pots. Participants received commemorative Polaroid photos. Volunteers subsequently collected approximately 130 litres of rubbish from Hoamji Ecological Park and the nearby Hoam-dong commercial district, helping create a cleaner environment for residents and visitors.

A 30-year-old female resident of Hoam-dong who participated in the campaign said, “Through this wildfire prevention campaign, I realised that even a moment of carelessness can lead to a major disaster, which made me more vigilant. I will share the importance of wildfire prevention with those around me and continue to remain mindful of protecting our forests.”

Eun-ja Lee, 54, a resident of Yongsan-dong who joined the cleanup, said, “Participating in the cleanup made me realise how small thoughts like ‘It’s okay if I leave just one piece of rubbish’ can add up and create a much bigger problem. I want to continue taking small steps myself and contribute to keeping Chungju clean.”

The Chungju Branch plans to continue working with the local community to promote forest conservation and environmental protection, encouraging greater citizen participation and a sustainable environmental culture.

Meanwhile, Let Nature Be Green is an environmental volunteer initiative focused on preserving nature for future generations through wetland conservation, disaster recovery, cleanup activities around public facilities and cultural heritage sites, environmental awareness campaigns, and flower planting in areas affected by illegal dumping.

Source: vo.la/kdIh20O

— Official from the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Goyang Branch

A single cleanup session is rarely enough to achieve lasting environmental improvements along urban waterways. Invasive plants can quickly regrow, while seeds continue to spread downstream, making regular maintenance essential to long-term ecological restoration.

Recognising this challenge, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Goyang Branch has adopted a sustained, repeat-visit approach to caring for Changneungcheon Stream in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province. Guided by ecological management principles that emphasise repeated removal and follow-up monitoring, the branch is working to support the stream’s long-term environmental health.

On 3rd October 2026, volunteers from the Goyang Branch returned to the Dongsonggyo Bridge area along Changneungcheon Stream for their Make Nature Green environmental initiative.

Targeted Removal of Invasive Plants: Volunteers manually removed invasive species, including Sicyos angulatus (burcucumber) and Ambrosia trifida (giant ragweed), from riverbanks, walking paths, and tree trunks. The effort yielded approximately 1800 litres of collected plant waste.

Follow-Up to a Major Cleanup: The activity followed a large-scale cleanup on 19th September, when 80 volunteers used mowers and scythes to remove approximately 14,000 litres of invasive vegetation from the same area.

Complementing Municipal Efforts: Goyang City and local organisations had also mobilised 230 participants for a cleanup on 17th September. Recognising that invasive vines could quickly regrow, the Goyang Branch continued its work through additional visits to maintain the cleared areas.

The Goyang Branch’s work at Changneungcheon Stream reflects a multi-year commitment to local environmental conservation.

Expanding Environmental Initiatives: Last year, volunteers conducted water quality improvement activities using effective microorganism (EM) mud balls. This year, they expanded their efforts to include the removal of invasive plant species that threaten local ecosystems.

Working Alongside Long-Time Conservationists: Following the 3rd October cleanup, a local environmental advocate who has cared for Changneungcheon Stream for more than 30 years inspected the site. The advocate praised the thorough work and highlighted the importance of volunteer participation in supporting conservation efforts, particularly when municipal resources are limited.

For the Goyang Branch, the recent cleanup activities mark another step in an ongoing commitment rather than the completion of the project.

Ongoing Site Monitoring: Throughout October, volunteers plan to revisit cleared areas, monitor the regrowth of invasive plants, and extend removal efforts to neighbouring sections of Changneungcheon Stream.

Strengthening Community Partnerships: The branch also intends to deepen cooperation with long-time environmental stewards and local authorities to develop a consistent, community-led approach to river conservation.

Through regular maintenance, continued volunteer participation, and collaboration with local stakeholders, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Goyang Branch aims to help protect Changneungcheon Stream and promote a cleaner, healthier environment for the surrounding community.

Source: https://vo.la/nJ55sLa

As language continues to evolve through modern slang and abbreviations, communication between younger and older generations has become an increasingly important social issue.

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of Hangul Day (Korean Alphabet Day) in October 2026, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group organised interactive Nationwide Communication ON campaigns in several cities, including Bucheon, Gwangmyeong, and Pohang. The activities encouraged participants to reflect on the importance of kind words, empathy, and mutual understanding.

On 14th October, near Sangdong Station, the Bucheon Branch held an interactive event aimed at bridging communication gaps among grandparents, parents, and young people.

Participants tested their knowledge of youth slang through a quiz, while teenagers took part in challenges involving four-character idioms (saja-seongeo). At the Wish Communication Tree, participants attached notes expressing heartfelt apologies, appreciation, and encouragement that they had not previously put into words.

Seo-rin Jang, 15, from Bucheon, said, “Writing down feelings I usually keep to myself made me feel relieved. Today, I want to express my gratitude to my parents directly.”

Doo-seok Kang, 69, from Bucheon, shared, “Sometimes, it was difficult to communicate with my grandchildren because we use different expressions. Learning their slang today helped me realise that making an effort to understand the language young people use is the first step towards meaningful communication.”

On 12th October, near Cheolsan Station, the Gwangmyeong Branch invited residents to reflect on how everyday words can affect others emotionally.

Participants placed stickers beside encouraging expressions such as “Thank you” and “You did great.” They also wrote down hurtful words they had heard or used and symbolically discarded them in an “Emotional Trash Can” by tossing tennis balls into it.

To celebrate the legacy of King Sejong the Great, participants also made personalized Hangul keyrings using letter beads to spell positive words, including “Love” and “Compromise.”

Yu-chan Seol, 13, from Gwangmyeong, said, “Even when we encounter unfamiliar accents or expressions, making an effort to understand one another is important. I made a keyring with the word ‘Compromise’ to remind myself of the importance of thoughtful communication.”

On 9th October, at Yeongildae Beach, the Pohang Branch held a Kind and Beautiful Words Campaign, welcoming families, beachgoers, and international visitors.

Participants wrote heartfelt messages on a Gentle Words Heart Tree. In one touching moment, a young child placed a note reading “Mum, I love you” beside her mother. An international participant also wrote Korean consonants (ㄱㄴㄷㄹ) on a note and exchanged hand-heart gestures with volunteers.

Reflecting on the campaign, Nam-soon Kim, Vice Director of the Bucheon Branch, said, “Although the expressions we use may differ from one generation to another, communication begins with a willingness to understand each other. We hope this campaign encourages people to respect one another’s words and share warmth through active listening.”

By turning Hangul Day into an opportunity to promote empathy, connection, and thoughtful communication, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group continues its efforts to build more understanding and harmonious communities across South Korea.

Source:

- https://vo.la/kdtdXFF

- https://vo.la/Y0iECKM

- https://vo.la/ER2Fcc8

As population ageing accelerates in Yangpyeong District, Gyeonggi Province, and Gangwon Province, South Korea ,the Philip Tribe of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony, is promoting accessible activities to help seniors maintain healthy, active lifestyles.

Through its Yangpyeong and Gangneung churches, the Philip Tribe is encouraging older adults to take an active role in their health through gentle exercise, social activities, and health-awareness initiatives.

Yangpyeong Church holds five-minute exercise sessions before Sunday and Wednesday worship services, helping seniors incorporate gentle movement into their routines.

Young-sook Kim (pseudonym, 72) said, “I always think I should exercise, but it is not easy to do so alone at home. Exercising together when we come to worship makes it easier and more enjoyable.”

“It’s rewarding to use my experience to help others as I grow older, and exercising together gives me more energy and vitality,” Lee said.

Soon-ja Park (69), a participant, added, “I look forward to visiting the bowling alley because I can exercise, laugh, and talk with others.”

The activity allows seniors to build friendships while sharing their abilities and taking on meaningful roles within the community.

In Gangneung, the local church provides opportunities for seniors to learn more about their physical condition through activities such as pulse wave examinations.

Jeong-suk Choi (73) reflected, “After getting a check-up, I realised I should pay more attention to my health and began re-evaluating my daily habits.”

A church representative emphasised, “Health management begins with taking an interest in your own body.”

Although the initiatives differ, they share a common goal: empowering seniors to manage their health, remain socially connected, and support one another.

A Philip Tribe representative said, “It is important for our members not only to receive care but also to take responsibility for their own health and share their experiences and talents with one another.”

Through simple, sustainable activities, the Philip Tribe aims to help seniors lead healthier, more active, and fulfilling lives.

Source: vo.la/S3kd8Z8

At 77, Nam-sun Kim has a remarkable story of perseverance and faith. After losing her parents at a young age, she never had the opportunity to learn Hangul, the Korean alphabet. For decades, everyday tasks such as reading street signs, checking bus routes, and completing official documents required help from others. Even at church, she relied on someone beside her to find Bible verses.

At age 60, she developed a heartfelt desire: “I want to read and understand the Bible with my own eyes.”

Kim began studying at the Zion Christian Mission Center through her child, who attends Shincheonji Church of Jesus, Gwangju Church. Inspired by the systematic Bible lessons, she attended lectures morning and evening, listening to cassette recordings and repeatedly reading Scripture aloud.

Using the Book of Revelation as her starting point, she gradually learned to recognise letters, understand words, and read sentences.

“As each letter became clearer and the words began to make sense, it felt like a miracle,” Kim recalled. “Worship and reading the Bible became experiences filled with tremendous joy.”

Learning to read transformed Kim’s daily life and spiritual journey. She can now read street signs, check bus destinations, and handle administrative tasks more independently.

She is also handwriting the entire Book of Revelation and preparing for the church’s Level 1 “Heavenly Kingdom Exam” in November 2026.

Initially, her other children were concerned about her joining Shincheonji Church. However, witnessing her progress in reading, writing, and studying Scripture helped ease their concerns and inspired their admiration and support.

Reflecting on her journey, Kim encourages others not to let age prevent them from pursuing new goals.

On Hangul Day, Kim’s story serves as a powerful reminder that it is never too late to learn. Through determination and Bible study, she has gained greater independence, strengthened her faith, and discovered the joy of reading Scripture for herself.

Source: https://vo.la/XaFBJzz

The Shincheonji Volunteer Group Songha Branch held a tick prevention campaign on the 11th at Bongseon Neighbourhood Park in Gwangju, raising awareness of scrub typhus and severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) ahead of the autumn outdoor activity season.

Volunteers shared prevention tips through mobile quizzes and Q&A sessions, advising citizens to wear long sleeves and trousers, use repellent, avoid direct contact with grass, and shower and wash clothes after outdoor activities. They also distributed prevention leaflets and repellent sticks.

The campaign highlighted symptoms such as fever and rashes, urging citizens to seek medical attention if they develop. A participant who had previously found ticks on their arm and collar while hiking thanked volunteers for their advice and repellent.

Jin Park, president of the International Association of Artists with Disabilities, added to the event with a caricature drawing booth, making health information more accessible through interactive activities.

A Songha Branch official said, “Prevention is the best approach to tick-borne diseases in the autumn,” adding, “We will continue various volunteer activities and campaigns to protect the health and safety of local citizens.”

Source: vo.la/aDbuYUw

The Shincheonji Volunteer Group Yeonsu Branch held a wildfire prevention campaign at Cheongnyong Park in Yeonsu District, Incheon, on the 11th, raising awareness among hikers and local residents as the dry autumn season approaches.

As part of its “Let Nature Flourish” environmental initiative, 17 volunteers distributed wildfire prevention information and collected litter throughout the park. Posters and placards highlighted common causes of wildfires, safety guidelines, evacuation procedures, and precautions such as not discarding cigarette butts or carrying flammable materials while hiking.

The campaign also featured a “Forest Fire Prevention OX Quiz” to help citizens test their knowledge, with eco-friendly seed pencils given to participants.

Seong-eun Choi (54), a local resident, said, “Although I hike often, I wasn't familiar with the specific guidelines for preventing forest fires. This campaign has made me more aware of the dangers.”

Yong-wook Moon, vice branch manager, said, “We organised this campaign to help citizens learn wildfire prevention guidelines in an accessible way as the risk of wildfires increases during this season.” He added, “We will continue our prevention and cleanup activities to help keep the local community safe and protect the environment.”

Source: vo.la/wcreZwh

The Gwangju Branch of Shincheonji Volunteer Group collected 800 litres of waste during a cleanup at Malbau Market on the 9th, as part of its “Let Nature Be Green” initiative.

Volunteers removed illegally dumped rubbish, promoted proper waste disposal and held a “Hello Campaign”, engaging 200 citizens to hear merchants’ concerns and encourage more considerate customer interactions.

Merchant Jin-young Kim said, “There is a lot of illegally dumped waste, and few people take responsibility for it.”

Another merchant, Tae-kyu Lee, shared, “If customers were a little more polite in their expressions, I think I would feel much better doing business.”

A branch representative said, “We hope that Malbau Market will become a more pleasant space through continuous environmental cleanup activities and the promotion of proper waste disposal practices,” adding that the branch would continue listening to local merchants and citizens.

Source: vo.la/contNwk

The Bucheon Branch of Shincheonji Volunteer Group provided free wallpapering services for a resident with a disability in Ojeong-dong, Bucheon, on the 12th, helping create a cleaner, more comfortable home.

Four volunteers, including one with 15 years of professional wallpapering experience, removed old, mouldy wallpaper, prepared the walls and installed new wallpaper before restoring the furniture and cleaning the home.

Ki-ho Kim, chairman of the Bucheon Branch of the Gyeonggi Provincial Association for the Welfare of the Disabled, said, “For over three years, the Bucheon Branch has continuously worked to improve living conditions for elderly residents, building a relationship based on trust,” providing services such as insulation installation, insect screen replacement and bathroom faucet installation.

He added, “To protect the health of vulnerable elderly people, creating a clean and comfortable living environment must be a priority.”

Nam-soon Kim, vice branch manager of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Bucheon Branch, said, “Improving living environments goes beyond transforming spaces; it helps restore healthy, comfortable daily lives for marginalised members of the community.”

Meanwhile, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group’s Bucheon Branch plans to strengthen its cooperation with local governments and community organisations to provide ongoing support to neighbours in need.

Source: vo.la/SZdmvjt

The volunteers displayed safety notices explaining wildfire causes, prevention measures and emergency responses. They also reminded hikers and park visitors not to discard cigarette butts or carry flammable materials, hosted an OX quiz on fire prevention, distributed seed pencils and collected litter around the park.

Seong-eun Choi, 54, who took part, said, “I climb mountains often, but I didn’t know the proper rules for preventing forest fires. Through this campaign, I realised that I need to be more careful.”

Yong-wook Moon, vice branch manager of the Yeonsu Branch, said, “We have organised a campaign to help citizens easily understand wildfire prevention guidelines and practise them in their daily lives.” He added, “We will continue our prevention activities in line with the high risk of wildfires.”

Around 200 volunteers participated in the two-and-a-half-hour cleanup, collecting litter to create a cleaner environment for festivalgoers. Gongju City Hall supplied 50 75-litre waste bags, while Ryu Young-ho, president of the Chungnam Leaders Volunteer Group, also joined the effort.

Festival officials expressed their appreciation, with one remarking, “It was a difficult situation because there was so much litter, so we are grateful for your support.”

A Gongju branch representative said, “We hope this activity helped citizens and tourists visiting the festival grounds enjoy the festival in a more pleasant environment,” adding, “We will continue to carry out volunteer activities needed by the community.”

Source: vo.la/d3zb8PF

The Shincheonji Volunteer Group Chungju Branch held a samgyetang-sharing and environmental cleanup event on 18th October at a lawn bowls venue in Chungju, North Chungcheong Province. The event was part of its Little Finger programme, which promotes inclusion and supports people with disabilities.

Volunteers provided warm bowls of traditional Korean chicken soup to help athletes replenish their energy ahead of their tournament, offering encouragement: “We are rooting for you all to achieve good results.”

After the meal, volunteers cleaned the lawn bowls office, stadium perimeter, entrances and athletes’ walkways, creating a cleaner and more welcoming environment.

Sang-yong Lee, 62, president of the Chungbuk Federation for Disabled Lawn Bowls, expressed his gratitude: “I am grateful for the delicious samgyetang that helped nourish our bodies.” He also shared Jeju tangerines with volunteers in appreciation of their continued kindness and expressed hope for further collaboration.

Volunteer Yang-ji Lee, 53, said, “It was meaningful to provide warm meals and encouragement to the athletes ahead of their competition. I hope they achieve results that reflect all the effort and dedication they have put in.”

A branch representative added, “It is especially meaningful to support athletes with whom we have built relationships over many years. We will continue sharing kindness and volunteering to support the lawn bowls community.”

The Chungju branch has supported athletes with disabilities since 2016, regularly organising volunteer activities around their annual tournaments. Through Little Finger, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group seeks to break down barriers between people with and without disabilities and foster greater understanding, mutual respect and inclusion.

Source: vo.la/7S6NYDA