Ponder and Diary

As Shincheonji Church of Jesus marks its 42nd anniversary in 2026, the spotlight turns to the Peter Tribe . Centered in Gwangju and the Jeonnam region—areas historically known for their spirit of justice and democracy—the Peter Tribe has grown into the largest within the organization. This growth is rooted in a "faith of action," blending deep biblical study with active social contribution and cultural engagement. From 10 Members to the Largest Tribe in South Korea The Peter Tribe’s history began in April 1986 with a humble gathering of only 10 members in a small room in Sansu-dong, Gwangju. Despite its small start, the tribe prioritized "Word-centered growth," hosting its first major Bible seminar in 1988. Today, it stands as the largest tribe in Shincheonji, overseeing eight branch churches across the Jeonnam region (including Mokpo, Yeosu, and Suncheon) and expanding its global reach to Australia, Ethiopia, Colombia, and several Middle Eastern nations. A Bridge...

In a time when traditional markets face mounting economic pressures, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group has taken a proactive stance to breathe new life into local commerce. Across the Gyeongnam region, the Changwon and Geoje branches recently spearheaded coordinated efforts to support market merchants, demonstrating a profound commitment to community solidarity and economic revitalization. Changwon: Delivering Warmth through the 'Pink Bojagi' Project On March 19, the Changwon Branch visited Sangnam Market to execute their monthly "Pink Bojagi" initiative. The term 'Bojagi' refers to a traditional Korean wrapping cloth used to gift items with utmost sincerity, symbolizing the group's heart in delivering warmth to the community. Morale Boost: Volunteers distributed handcrafted nut-based snacks and handwritten messages of encouragement to weary merchants. Emotional Connection: This project transcends a mere distribution of goods; it serves as a vital pla...

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...