Ponder and Diary

Celebrating its 42nd anniversary in 2026, Shincheonji Church of Jesus has grown into a global religious organization. Central to this growth is the John Tribe , known as the Central Hub. Based in Gwacheon, South Korea—the birthplace of Shincheonji—the John Tribe has evolved from humble beginnings into a sprawling spiritual community that connects people across borders through the study of the Book of Revelation. A Remarkable 72-Fold Growth Based on Biblical Education The history of the John Tribe mirrors the history of Shincheonji itself. Starting in 1984 in a small residential space in Anyang, the congregation has seen a staggering 72-fold increase in membership since the formal establishment of the 12-tribe system in 1995. While many traditional denominations report declining numbers, the John Tribe’s expansion is attributed to its rigorous, Bible-based curriculum. Today, the tribe operates numerous branch churches in major South Korean cities like Seongnam, Suwon, and Ansan, and ha...

National Alert: Safeguarding Forests During the Special Countermeasure Period As the "Large-Scale Forest Fire Special Countermeasure Period" (March 14 – April 19) begins in South Korea, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group has taken proactive steps to protect the nation's precious silver forests and mountain ranges. With dry weather and strong winds increasing the risk of fire, various branches of the volunteer group—including Gwangyang, Ulsan, and Gangwon—organized impactful community campaigns on March 14 to emphasize that "prevention is the best cure." Gwangyang: Community Engagement at Traditional Markets In Gwangyang, a region recently affected by forest fires, the Gwangyang Branch held a campaign at the Okgok 5-Day Market and Seocheon Athletic Park. Educational Outreach: Volunteers distributed eco-friendly shopping bags and provided guidelines on preventing illegal waste burning. Visual Awareness: A photo exhibition showcasing the devastating aftermath of pa...

Beyond Service: Honoring the Living History On March 17, the Gogyang Branch of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group visited the Gogyang City chapter of the 6.25 Veterans Association of Korea. While their monthly visits began as a simple hair-cutting (barber) service, they have evolved into a profound project: recording the legacies of local heroes. From Grooming to Heart-to-Heart Conversations The atmosphere at the veterans' office transformed as volunteers set up their equipment. After receiving haircuts, the veterans looked in the mirror with bright smiles, receiving applause from their fellow comrades. Cho Choon-sik, the head of the Gogyang City chapter, expressed his gratitude, noting that these volunteers have become "thankful regulars" who have served over 100 veterans since last year. However, the highlight of the day was the "Conversation Cards" session. Volunteers asked thought-provoking questions such as: "What was your dream in your youth?" ...

A Faith That Continues Over Time Faith is not built in a single moment. It grows over time and is passed from one generation to the next. At the 42nd anniversary service of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, this truth was clearly seen. What began as a small gathering has become a lasting journey of faith shared across generations. The Beginning: Faith in a Small Place Some believers still remember the early days. Before there was even a proper church building, members gathered in a small basement. The space was simple, but their desire to understand the Bible was strong. One long-time member shared that learning God’s word brought deep joy, even in those humble conditions. For them, the environment did not matter—the word of God did. Why Faith Continues to Grow Over the years, many people have joined this journey of faith. Another believer, who joined in the early 1990s, shared that they were searching for clear answers in the Bible. Through Bible study, they found understanding and confide...

A Small Beginning 42 Years Ago Forty-two years ago, a small group of believers began their faith life in the basement of an apartment building. The place was simple and small, but their hearts were full of passion for God’s word. They wanted to understand the Bible clearly and follow God’s will. That small beginning later became the seed of a great work of faith. Today, tens of thousands of believers from around the world gather every year. What made this growth possible was not just enthusiasm, but a strong faith centered on God’s word . Celebrating the 42nd Anniversary On March 15, Shincheonji Church of Jesus held its 42nd anniversary service at Shincheonji Cheongju Church. About 2,200 members attended in person , and many believers from Korea and overseas joined through a live online broadcast. The service was a meaningful time to look back on the past 42 years. Members expressed thanks for Jesus, the martyrs, and the believers who sacrificed before them. It was also a time to ...

Monthly Volunteer Service for Senior Veterans For the past 10 years , the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Jecheon Branch has provided free haircut and beauty services for senior veterans in Jecheon, North Chungcheong Province . The service takes place once a month at the Jecheon Veterans’ Hall , where five veterans’ organizations are based. The program, called “Donghaeng” (Walking Together) , began in September 2015 to express appreciation for veterans and encourage interaction through volunteer activities. On volunteer days, seniors gather at the hall while volunteers help them with haircuts and spend time talking and catching up. Reducing Costs and Strengthening Community According to Lee Sang-gu , head of the Jecheon branch of the Korean Agent Orange Veterans Association , the program has brought practical benefits to members. Some veterans previously found regular haircuts financially burdensome , and the monthly service has helped reduce that cost. Lee also noted that since the vol...