Noah Brown

There is a church whose entire congregation masters the Book of Revelation by taking a Bible test every week. It is Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony (hereinafter referred to as Shincheonji Church of Jesus). This is a place where only those who have completed the introductory, intermediate, and advanced curriculum at the Zion Christian Mission Centre and passed the graduation exam (consisting of about 100 questions) can enter the church. In recent years, the church has held four graduation ceremonies of over 100,000 people.

ManHee Lee, Chairman of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, has been touring church branches throughout South Korea despite being advanced in age. Every time he takes to the pulpit to preach, he cites Revelation 22:18-19, saying, “You must not add to or subtract from the Book of Revelation. Those who add to or subtract from it cannot enter heaven,” and that the Book of Revelation must be recorded in one’s hearts and mind.

In accordance with Chairman ManHee Lee’s desire to seal all members so that they are eligible to enter heaven, the Education Department of the Shincheonji General Assembly is currently conducting a ‘Sealing Verification Exam’ for Shincheonji members around the world. This test, which began online when the world was enduring COVID-19, is now conducted in person at the church and internationally on a weekly basis, so that members of Shincheonji Church of Jesus around the world can become walking Bibles.

A Shincheonji Church of Jesus official said, “The only way to know the true meaning and reality of the Book of Revelation is to receive testimony from the witness who saw and heard the actual events of Revelation when it was fulfilled. Today, Christians worldwide have never seen or heard the reality of the Book of Revelation fulfilled, so everyone from pastors to members has added to or subtracted from the Book of Revelation.”

“Excluding Shincheonji members, there is not a single Christian in the world who has not added to or subtracted from it. Revelation 22:18-19 says that if you add or subtract from the Book of Revelation, you will not be able to enter heaven, but pastors and members of the church do not even worry about adding or subtracting from the Book of Revelation. How can this be called true faith?” He continued, “Shincheonji Church of Jesus, which is considered a heresy by Catholics and Protestants, has every one of its members master the Book of Revelation. However, Catholics and Protestants have added to the Book of Revelation, including their pastors and followers. So, judge for yourself who is truly orthodox and who is truly heretical according to the Bible.”

The Bible test that every member of Shincheonji Church of Jesus takes every week is centred on the prophecies of the four gospels of the New Testament and the entire Book of Revelation. Shincheonji Church of Jesus explained that this test is a training to seal God’s word in one’s heart and to keep the New Covenant Book of Revelation.

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On April 9th, the French branch of Shincheonji Church of Jesus strongly refuted an article published by Le Parisien on April 7th, criticising it as a biased and sensational portrayal of the church. The article, titled “They Treated Us Like Animals,” labelled Shincheonji a “problematic evangelical group” and was largely based on the testimony of an anonymous former member. The church stated that it severely misrepresented their faith community.

The church explained it had submitted detailed responses to 12 questions from the journalist, totalling thousands of words, but only two sentences were included in the article. A church spokesperson said this selective reporting deprived readers of a fair view and suggested the article was a pre-planned smear.

“If more information was needed, the journalist could have visited us directly,” the church noted, emphasising its openness to transparent communication.

To share genuine experiences, the church released member testimonies. Teresa, a member for six years, said faith was a personal choice, while Axel shared that the church gave him meaning and fulfilment, including meeting his wife through church activities.

The church condemned the article’s title as sensational and misleading, insisting that no one has ever been treated in the way described. It also denied influencing a couple’s breakup, explaining that the relationship ended due to personal differences, not church pressure.

A photo cited in the article as evidence of corporal punishment was also refuted. The individual in the photo, still a member, claimed it was taken in jest before he joined and plans legal action for misrepresentation.

The article’s mention of a “training camp” was clarified as a voluntary short-term programme for spiritual growth, which has since been discontinued to prevent misunderstanding. The church also rejected claims of data collection, internet restrictions, or encouraging family disconnection.

Regarding the “ECA Academy,” the church said it was a temporary name for a Bible course, with participants informed it was affiliated with Shincheonji from the outset.

Shincheonji has urged the media to report responsibly, include diverse perspectives, and avoid sensationalism that fosters prejudice. “Biased reporting harms religious freedom and human rights,” the church stated, calling for higher journalistic standards and ongoing dialogue for better understanding.

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From left: Nonjabulo Manzini, uMngeni Chief Whip, Councillor Thembelani Sikhakhane, Philisiwe Memela, from the uMngeni Mayor's Office, Dinkwe Nonyana, uMngeni Speaker, Councillor Janis Holmes, Shincheonji Volunteers Team Lead Credit: Village Talk

“Our mission is to make a positive impact across Southern Africa by offering hope, love, and care to those in need through a variety of initiatives.”

With this spirit, the Shincheonji Youth Volunteers South Africa Branch continues to provide a range of community-based services, including community clean-ups; disaster management and relief efforts; orphanage visits; youth development and women empowerment programmes; various other community-centric projects; and soup kitchens.

Earlier this month, in partnership with the uMngeni Municipality, the Shincheonji Youth Volunteers hosted a 'Meals of Hope' soup kitchen in Howick to assist people who are unemployed and in need of food, especially children.

uMngeni Council Speaker, Councillor Janis Holmes, hands out juice to some of the children Credit: Village Talk

Food for the feeding scheme was supplied by local businesses, while the Speaker of the uMngeni Council, Councillor Janis Holmes, brought along apples for the children and their carers.

Also present was Councillor Thembelani Sikhakhane, who helped prepare hotdogs.

Children in Siphumelele, Howick West, enjoying their meals Credit: Village Talk

Explaining the motivation behind the Shincheonji Volunteers, the Shincheonji Volunteers team lead said, “We aim to create a lasting impact by collaborating with government, schools and civil society leaders and members to run needs-based projects,” and, “We also aim to provide hope and spread love within the communities we work with, as well empower societies to take ownership of their environments and shape a brighter and better future for all.”

Meanwhile, Shincheonji Volunteers is the volunteer branch of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, which was established in 1984 in Seoul, South Korea. The South African branch of Shincheonji Church of Jesus was established in 2013 in Cape Town. Shincheonji Church of Jesus has branches in more than 100 countries. In Southern Africa, there are branches in 5 provinces, as well as in Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Source: https://witness.co.za/news/kzn/2025/04/02/children-benefit-from-feeding-scheme/

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Matthew: Killed by the sword in Ethiopia

Philip: Beheaded in the city of Hierapolis

Simon: Said to have died from being cut in half with a saw

John: Amid a wave of fierce persecution in Rome, John miraculously survived immersion in a vat of boiling oil. He was later sentenced to a political prison on the island of Patmos, where he recorded the prophetic book of Revelation. He is the only apostle who died of natural means in old age

Peter: Crucified upside down on an x-shaped cross. According to church tradition, Peter had informed his tormentors that he felt unworthy to die in the same way as the Lord

James: Led the church in Jerusalem where he was thrown 100 feet down from the southeast pinnacle of the Temple for refusing to deny his faith in Christ. When his persecutors discovered that James had survived the fall, they beat him to death with a "fuller's club"

James, son of Zebedee: A fisherman by trade who was called by Jesus to a lifetime of ministry, James went on to become a leader of the Church. As he was being accompanied by a Roman officer to the place of execution, the officer was imbued with conviction, professed his faith to the judge and knelt beside James to accept the same fate of beheading

Bartholomew: Equally known as Nathaniel, Bartholomew was a missionary in Asia/present-day Turkey and was flayed to death with a whip for preaching the Gospel in Armenia

Andrew: Tradition has it that as he was being led towards the cross, he said the following: "I have long desired and expected this happy hour. The Cross has been consecrated by the body of Christ hanging on it". He fervently preached the Gospel to his tormentors, and after being severely whipped by seven soldiers, his body was tied to the x-shaped cross with cords to prolong agony. He was crucified in Patras, Greece

Thomas: Stabbed with a spear during a missionary trip in India where he sought to establish the church in the subcontinent

Jude: Killed with arrows for refusing to renounce his faith in Christ

Matthias: An apostle chosen to replace Judas Iscariot. He was stoned and beheaded

Paul: Tortured and beheaded by Emperor Nero in Rome in AD67. Paul endured a lengthy imprisonment, which allowed him to write numerous epistles to the various churches he had helped establish throughout the Roman Empire. These letters, which form the foundational doctrines of Christianity, form a large portion of the New Testament

"You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved." (Matthew 10:22)

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Why do we fall asleep in prayer and devote minimal time to reading God's Word, yet comfortably sit through a two-hour documentary?

Let us be wise with our time and make every effort to understand the New Testament promise that Jesus and his disciples shed their blood for, as recorded in the Holy scriptures.

This is the covenant I will establish with the people of Israel

after that time, declares the Lord.
I will put my laws in their minds
and write them on their hearts.
I will be their God,
and they will be my people. (Hebrews 8:10)

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Shincheonji John Tribe members receiving training

As many churches in Korea face declining membership, a significant number of church members express a deep spiritual thirst, seeking to strengthen their faith through proper Bible education. Recent reports indicate that many believers feel the need for structured and meaningful learning, and Shincheonji Church of Jesus is at the forefront of providing such education. The impact of these teachings is evident, as countless testimonies highlight personal transformation, renewed faith, and deeper biblical understanding.

According to a survey conducted by the Pastoral Data Research Institute in April last year, targeting 1000 adult men and women nationwide, 65% of churchgoers felt a spiritual thirst. Amid this thirst, 7 out of 10 churchgoers wanted to receive Bible education and faith training.

On the other hand, according to data released by the John Tribe of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony, on the 18th of last month, the Shincheonji John Tribe conducted approximately 600 training sessions last year alone. Impressively, 97.8% of the congregation attended at least one training programme.

Shincheonji John Tribe members receiving training

Many young believers have experienced profound personal growth through Shincheonji’s Bible courses. They have gained confidence, peace of mind, and a deeper understanding of their faith, which they actively apply to their daily lives.

Seo-jun Song (26) shared that people around him have noticed a positive change in him. “I used to struggle with self-doubt, but the Bible teachings helped me understand how to apply God’s Word in my daily life. As a result, my confidence has increased, and I feel more at peace.”

For many, Shincheonji’s structured Bible education has provided clarity and direction in their faith journey. Some have even been inspired to become instructors themselves, dedicating their lives to teaching others.

Seung-il Kim (39) recounted how he found purpose through Bible study. “Before, I was unsure about my faith. But through these lessons, I gained a clear vision of God’s work and felt called to become a Bible instructor.” Now, with 10 years of teaching experience, he confidently shares the Word with others.

“Shincheonji’s education is logical, systematic, and entirely based on the Bible. Because of this, it provides clear and undeniable understanding,” Kim stated. His goal is to help others grow in faith by equipping them with the same deep knowledge he has received.

Shincheonji’s commitment to Bible education is not limited by age. Even elderly members dedicate themselves to continuous learning, demonstrating a deep commitment to living according to God’s Word.

Choong-gi Lee (73) continues to challenge herself to memorise the scriptures. “It’s not easy at my age, but I keep reviewing the lessons and watching educational videos to strengthen my understanding. My dream is to be someone who can confidently share the Word with others.”

Shincheonji’s dedication to Bible education is setting a new standard for faith communities worldwide. The John Tribe’s commitment to structured learning not only strengthens individual believers but also provides a model for churches seeking to deepen their engagement with scripture.

A representative from the John Tribe stated, “We hope that these examples will inspire other churches to prioritise Bible education and rekindle the faith of believers. Our goal is to remain a church that never loses sight of the essence of faith.”

Source: https://vo.la/YEbZCx

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On the 17th, at a church in Seoul, an ‘MOU agreement and church signage unveiling ceremony’ was held, and Shincheonji Hwajeong Church leader (left) and the senior pastor of the church are conducting the signboard ceremony

As many churches face declining membership, a growing number of pastors are finding hope through collaboration with Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony (Shincheonji Church of Jesus). With over 110,000 Bible course graduates in 2024, more churches are experiencing transformation through Revelation-based teachings and MOU agreements with Shincheonji Church of Jesus.

Pastors who experience these changes are encouraging fellow church leaders to join, fostering an interdenominational network focused on truth and cooperation.

Pastor Oh, who had been running a church in Seoul for over 20 years, said that he was heartbroken by the reality that his fellow pastors in the same denomination were having difficulties in their ministry and has found deep enlightenment on the Book of Revelation.

Pastor Oh was initially introduced to the Word from Shincheonji Church of Jesus. After realising that a sizeable chunk of the prophecies of the Book of Revelation had already been fulfilled in South Korea, he found the answer to the path that the Korean church should take for growth and unity. He then applied for the Zion Christian Mission Centre course for pastors run by the Simon tribe of Shincheonji Church of Jesus.

On the 17th, he held an ‘MOU agreement and church signage unveiling ceremony’ with Shincheonji Church of Jesus at the church where he serves.

Pastor Oh said, “While interacting with Shincheonji Church of Jesus, I realised the excellence of the revealed word and could not stay still,” and pledged, “I will connect many pastors with Shincheonji Church of Jesus and make them one.”

In the present climate where many churches struggle to regain public trust and engagement, pastors are exploring new solutions. The growth of Shincheonji Church of Jesus has sparked interest in Shincheonji’s teachings, leading to growing MOU agreements with pastors seeking church revival. Following collaboration with Shincheonji, pastors report revitalised congregations - brighter faces, stronger worship engagement, and renewed enthusiasm for evangelism. The transformative impact of Revelation-based teachings has also helped with sermon preparation. Evidently, a clear vision for unity and growth for the Church is emerging.

Meanwhile, the MOU agreement and church signage change movement with Shincheonji Church of Jesus is not limited to Korea. To date, a total of 13,467 churches in 88 countries have signed MOUs, with the number of affiliated church members recorded at 1.1 million, and 1535 churches in 44 countries have replaced their signs, with the number of affiliated church members recorded at 105,704.

Source: https://vo.la/nIZazh

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On the 16th, the Gwangyang branch of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group held an environmental campaign in the Jung-dong Mi-gwan Tourist Complex in Gwangyang City. A citizen is experiencing a seed ball made from coffee ground

“I drink coffee often, but I have never thought deeply about how to utilise coffee grounds. Through this experience, I realised that small practices of utilising coffee grounds in daily life can lead to environmental protection. I would like to try this at home in the future.”

The Shincheonji Volunteer Group Gwangyang Branch conducted an environmental clean-up service and carbon neutrality campaign in the Jung-dong Mi-gwan Tourist Complex area of Gwangyang City on the 16th. A citizen who participated in the carbon neutrality practice campaign of Shincheonji Volunteer Group Gwangyang Branch booth expressed the above.

The nationwide carbon neutrality campaign, which was launched to inform citizens of the dangers of abnormal climate issues and to encourage the practice of carbon neutrality, falls in line with the carbon neutral lifestyle practice event conducted by Gwangyang City until the 30th.

On that day, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Gwangyang branch operated various experiential booths.

In particular, the resource recycling campaign to recycle coffee grounds drew great interest from citizens. The Seed Bomb Experience Booth promoted the recycling of coffee grounds to help reduce waste disposal costs and greatly reduce carbon emissions. The volunteer from the Booth encouraged citizens to actively participate by saying, “Please join us in protecting the environment by making seed bombs or using coffee grounds as compost at home.”

Meanwhile, the carbon neutrality campaign is part of Shincheonji Volunteer Group's 'Green Nature' environmental programme, which 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/pcSAGa

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Chairman ManHee Lee of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony, is delivering a sermon at the noon service held at the Simon Tribe Paju Church in Paju, Gyeonggi Province on the 19th

“I was praying to understand the Book of Revelation, and I think I received an answer today after meeting the Word from Shincheonji Church of Jesus... I will do my best to fulfil my duty as a pastor until the end.”

Following the midweek worship service led by Chairman ManHee Lee at the Simon Tribe Paju Church of Shincheonji Church of Jesus on the 19th, Pastor Choi (73, male) expressed his deep appreciation for the Word he received.

Pastor Choi is one of 47 pastors who gathered at the midweek service to hear the testimony on the fulfilment of the Book of Revelation, the last prophecy of the New Testament, through Chairman ManHee Lee of Shincheonji Church of Jesus.

Following a time of praise and worship and prayer, Chairman Lee took to the pulpit to a warm and thunderous round of applause from the 1200 faithful in attendance.

During his sermon, Chairman Lee emphasised the importance of living out the teachings of the Book of Revelation in the present day. He spoke about the fulfillment of prophecy and urged everyone to examine their faith deeply, stressing that true believers must recognise and witness the realisation of biblical prophecy.

Chairman Lee pointed out that the fulfilment of the prophecies in Revelation is not a distant event but one happening in our time. He called for believers to embrace this truth and become “real” believers - those who not only understand but also live by the teachings of the Bible.

He explained that the “first resurrection” mentioned in Revelation 20 refers to a process of spiritual transformation. Believers, through their understanding of God's word, can undergo a change to become more like God in character and spirit.

The event also had a profound impact on local pastors who were present. Many of them had long sought understanding of the Book of Revelation and shared how attending the service allowed them to see the fulfilment of prophecy in a new light. One pastor said, “It is impossible for him to deliver such a strong and powerful sermon at the age of nearly 95 without God.”

The participation of foreign believers was also noticeable in the worship service that day. Gaga Buyolwetu, a young man in his 30s from South Africa, said, “I came to Korea and searched for the word of God here and there, and was deeply moved by the word of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, and began to believe.” He continued, “When I heard that this chairman was coming, I couldn’t just sit still, so I came. I am so grateful that he helped me understand the Bible from Genesis to Revelation.”

Meanwhile, the city of Paju borders North Korea, and is well-known as the “city of peace” with places symbolising peace and unification on the Korean Peninsula, such as Panmunjom and Odusan Unification Observatory. Shincheonji Church of Jesus previously held two graduation ceremonies for the Zion Christian Mission Centre at Imjingak Peace Nuri Park in 2012 and 2016.

After finishing the thanksgiving service for the visit of Chairman ManHee Lee at the Shincheonji Paju Church in Paju City, the congregation is giving glory to God

Pastors listen to the sermon of Chairman ManHee Lee at the noon service held at the Simon Tribe Paju Church in Paju, Gyeonggi Province on the 19th

Source: vo.la/mqhssh

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On the 10th, at a church in Gyeonggi Province, an 'MOU agreement and church signage unveiling ceremony' was held. The Shincheonji Hwajeong Church leader and the senior pastor of the church are shaking hands after signing the sign replacement agreement

According to recent church statistics, major Korean denominations - including the Presbyterian Church of Korea (PCK), the Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea (PROK), the Korean Methodist Church, and others - have seen continuous membership decline, due in no small part to the lack of deep scriptural teaching that fails to address believers' spiritual thirst.

In such a climate, the growth of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony (Shincheonji Church of Jesus), which has produced over 100,000 graduates consecutively in recent years, is drawing the attention of many church leaders and pastors who are now seeking to satisfy their congregations' spiritual needs through a wave of MOU (Memorandums of Understanding) agreements made with Shincheonji Church of Jesus.

The MOU is an agreement that fosters mutual growth of the church, because it enables churches to have the revealed theology (Word) from Shincheonji Church of Jesus taught to respective church congregations through Bible-based material provided by Shincheonji Church of Jesus. This is sometimes achieved by lecturers of Shincheonji Church of Jesus being dispatched to the respective church, or at other times, by respective church pastors who study and complete the Word from the Zion Mission Center of Shincheonji Church of Jesus through an intensive six-month Bible course from Genesis to Revelation inclusive, and then go on to teach their congregation the revealed word.

Pastor Kim, who serves at a church in Gyeonggi Province and has focused on ‘family ministry’ for over 30 years, but struggled with stagnant growth and a depressed atmosphere in recent years, was introduced to the Word from Shincheonji Church of Jesus. He then began to study an intensive six-month Bible study course, which covers the entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation inclusive, through the Zion Mission Centre run by the Simon tribe of Shincheonji Church of Jesus.

Following completion of the study, Pastor Kim held an 'MOU agreement and church signage unveiling ceremony' at the church where he serves on the 10th of this month. Explaining his motivation for doing so, Pastor Kim said, “I realised that today, the true family of God, created through the ‘Word of Revelation,’ the true seed of God, is being born, and this gave me great hope,” and pledged, “I will create a family that becomes one in the love of truth together with Shincheonji Church of Jesus so that God can come to this earth quickly.”

The changing of a church name to Shincheonji Church of Jesus reflects the deep and sincere desire among leaders to transform and unite the Church. It also represents a commitment to conduct one's pedagogical ministry centred on the prophecies and fulfilled realities of the New Testament Book of Revelation for the purpose of learning and keeping God's promise. Churches which have are experiencing transformation through Revelation-based teachings and MOU agreements.

Meanwhile, the MOU agreement and church signage change movement with Shincheonji Church of Jesus is not confined to Korea. To date, a total of 13,467 churches in 88 countries have signed MOUs, with the number of affiliated church members recorded at 1.1 million, and 1535 churches in 44 countries have replaced their signs, with the number of affiliated church members recorded at 105,704.

Source: https://vo.la/izeXnX

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Chairman ManHee Lee is giving a sermon at the Gumi Church of the Thaddaeus Tribe of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony, on the 12th

“I have been a Presbyterian since I was young and studied theology in college, but I have never heard a word as complete as the one I heard here. This is a word of life that truly saves the soul.”

On the 12th, Chairman ManHee Lee of Shincheonji Church of Jesus led Wednesday worship service at the Shincheonji Gumi Church of the Thaddaeus Tribe in Gumi City to 2500 faithful in attendance, including 100 religious leaders and pastors who were invited so they could directly experience and understand Shincheonji’s faith and worship style. Among the invited guests in attendance, one pastor who listened to the sermon by Chairman Lee said the above.

Following a time of praise and worship and prayer, Chairman Lee took to the pulpit amid thunderous applause and cheers, and began his sermon with a sincere testimony of faith and repeatedly appealed that we must confirm the reality that has come true according to the prophecies of the Bible. Chairman Lee emphasised, “If the words of the Book of Revelation have come true today, I should think about whether I am truly believing according to the Word.”

He challenged the pastors who had gathered at the church's invitation with a direct question, asking, “Pastors, have you been believing according to the natural order of the Bible? Aren’t you believing in your own way without any relation to the Bible?”

He repeatedly emphasised that the path of true faith can be pursued by confirming the prophecies and fulfilment, saying, “We must confirm the reality of the fulfilment of the prophecies God spoke through the Bible.”

Chairman Lee also emphasised the importance of the Book of Revelation, saying, “Only those who saw the prophecies recorded in chapters 1 through 22 of the Book of Revelation come true can testify,” and warned, “Those who did not see or hear cannot help but add or subtract.”

The Chairman pointed out that “when the prophecy of the Book of Revelation is revealed in reality and proven, we must confirm through the Bible whether the testimony is correct,” and “if we cannot see and believe the reality that was revealed as prophesied, then our faith is in vain.”

He repeatedly emphasised, “Believers must be able to discern the truth and correctly understand the prophecies and fulfilment of the Bible.”

Pastor Kim, in his 70s and a member of a large Presbyterian church in Korea, could not hide his emotions during the service. He said, “I am so grateful for the beauty and kindness of everyone here,” and “If I were to describe the atmosphere in words, it felt like heaven had come to earth.” He continued, “More pastors need to confirm the truth of Shincheonji’s Revelation.”

Chairman ManHee Lee’s continued dedication to spreading the fulfilled word of God is awakening many to the true meaning of faith. As he visits churches across the country, his message remains the same: Know the Word, understand the fulfilment, and live according to God’s promise.

Source: vo.la/KhQlxV

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