Ponder and Diary

The "40-Step Village": A Place Frozen in Time In Sokcho, there is a place called the "40-Step Village." Formed by refugees during the Korean War, its steep slopes and narrow alleys make daily life a challenge for its elderly residents. Here, something as simple as ordering a single bowl of noodles is nearly impossible, as delivery services often refuse to climb the exhausting incline. The "Pink Bundle" of Hope On Parents' Day (May 8th), the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Sokcho Branch didn't let the steep stairs stop them. Under their signature "Pink Bojagi (Pink Bundle)" initiative, volunteers hand-carried warm pots of Samgyetang (Ginseng Chicken Soup) to 12 households of seniors living alone. More Than Just a Meal: A Heartfelt Connection The soup was carefully wrapped in beautiful pink fabric, shaped like a flower. But the most moving gift was the handmade carnation brooches. Tears of Gratitude: One 73-year-old resident, Hong, moved th...

As Shincheonji Church of Jesus celebrates its 42nd anniversary, the Philip Tribe emerges as a remarkable success story in the Gangwon region. Despite the challenging geographical landscape and a strong traditional Buddhist presence, the Philip Tribe has grown into a spiritual landmark, bridging the Gap between local hearts and global missions. From a Family of Four to a Regional Powerhouse The history of the Philip Tribe is a journey of "small beginnings and grand expansions." The Starting Point (1989): The tribe began in July 1989 as a humble gathering of only four members in a residential home in Cheongok-dong, Donghae. Strategic Expansion: From those four seeds, the community blossomed across Gangwon. In 2004, the tribe established its headquarters in Wonju , and today it oversees 10 domestic churches in cities like Gangneung, Chuncheon, Sokcho, and even parts of Gyeonggi and Chungbuk provinces (Chungju, Jecheon, Namyangju). A Heart for the "Roof of Korea": 9...

From Grey Alleys to a Vibrant Landmark In the old downtown of Seongjeong-dong, Cheonan, a remarkable transformation has been unfolding over the past four years. What used to be a series of cracked, faded, and neglected grey walls has now become a 550-meter-long canvas of hope. The Shincheonji Volunteer Group Cheonan Branch recently celebrated the completion of the 13th "Wall Story: Becoming One Through Color" project, marking a new chapter for the local community. A 4-Year Journey of Consistency This wasn't a one-time event. The "Wall Story" project in Seongjeong-dong has been a long-term commitment to urban regeneration: 2023: 100m created 2024: 150m added 2025: 100m extended 2026: The latest 200m section completed Total Reach: A staggering 550 meters of beautiful murals now breathe life into the neighborhood. "Peace Blooming on the Wall" Under the theme "Peace Blooming on the Wall," over 200 volunteers dedicated themselves from Apr...

A Heartfelt Celebration for Family Month May is Family Month in Korea, a time to honor parents and elders. To ensure no senior feels lonely, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Masan Branch hosted a special event titled "Baekse Manse: Connecting Hearts Through Filial Piety." The event was a vibrant "Hyo (Filial Piety) Festival" designed to bring health, joy, and a sense of family to 36 local seniors. Health First: Dementia Prevention & Medical Check-ups Understanding that health is the greatest gift for the elderly, the Masan branch organized a professional health seminar. Dementia Awareness: Experts provided practical tips on preventing dementia, a growing concern in aging societies. Medical Support: A professional medical team accompanied the volunteers to conduct basic health screenings, ensuring every attendee received personalized attention regarding their physical well-being. Joy and Celebration: Carnations and Concerts The festival was filled with the sig...

As Shincheonji Church of Jesus approaches its 42nd anniversary, the Thaddaeus Tribe stands out for its extraordinary commitment to community recovery. Based in Daegu and the Gyeongbuk region—a land known for its historical "national debt compensation movement"—the Thaddaeus Tribe has inherited this spirit of self-sacrifice, becoming a "light" that shines brightest during national and regional crises. A Journey of Growth: From Shinam-dong to the Global Stage The Thaddaeus Tribe’s history began in 1987 in a small residential space in Shinam-dong, Daegu . What started as a humble gathering centered on biblical education has expanded significantly over 39 years. Domestic Expansion: Following the growth in Daegu, churches were established in major Gyeongbuk cities including Pohang (1994), Gumi (1996), and Andong/Gyeongju (2010) . Global Presence: Today, the Thaddaeus Tribe operates branch churches in 7 countries , including the USA, Brazil, Chile, India, Sri Lanka, Li...

Honoring Heroes with More Than Just Words Gratitude is most powerful when it is felt. Recently, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group branches in Namsan (Seoul) and Jecheon proved this by organizing heartfelt "Veterans’ Day" activities. Rather than one-time events, these were deep, personal encounters designed to honor the sacrifice of those who fought for the freedom Korea enjoys today. Namsan: A Warm Meal Prepared with Sincerity In Yongsan, Seoul, the Namsan branch hosted a "Monthly Luncheon" for 6.25 War veterans and their descendants. Cooking with Love: 15 volunteers arrived early to personally prepare a nutritious meal. This wasn't just catering; it was a gesture of "sincerity" that moved the local veteran association members. Living History: The highlight was the participation of youth volunteers . By listening to the first-hand accounts of the war, the younger generation realized that their daily peace is a gift from these heroes. "I learned...