Ponder and Diary

True peace and human warmth do not bloom in grand speeches or public display; they take root in the simple act of bending down to pick up litter in a neighborhood alley, sharing warm rice cakes during cold holidays, and listening attentively to local concerns. In Dong-gu, Busan, Shincheonji Church of Jesus, Andre Tribe (Andre Church) , has been exemplifying this practical philosophy of peace. Beyond simple charitable events, Andre Church’s continuous community service over the past three years has evolved into a masterclass in genuine, partner-based mutual growth. Consistency Over Showmanship: 110 Environmental Cleanups Over 3 Years The defining strength of Andre Church’s community outreach is its unwavering consistency. Over the past three years, church volunteers have conducted 110 plogging (picking up trash while jogging) sessions in Dong-gu and near the Andre Training Center. In a recent drive titled "Dong-gu Rang Jupging," over 80 students and teachers gathered to clea...

Through the "Pinky Promise (Saekisongarak) Volunteer Initiative," Volunteers Provide Regular Companionship, Housing Restoration, and Sports Event Support—Receiving 53 Awards & Commendations Since 2014 💬 "They didn't just cut my hair—sitting warm by my side and reassuring my nervous heart before surgery gave me immense strength." — Kim Deok-bae (60s, pseudonym), Beneficiary of Gyeongju Branch Haircut Outreach Under the 2026 National Day of Persons with Disabilities slogan, "An Ordinary Daily Life for Everyone," institutional support must be paired with close, compassionate local action. While the Korean government expands daytime care and independent living policies, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group has been bridging emotional and practical gaps through its long-running "Pinky Promise (Saekisongarak) Volunteer Initiative" —promising continuous, regular companionship rather than one-time events. In the first half of 2026 alone, 498 volunt...

Shincheonji Volunteer Group Celebrated the Korean Thanksgiving Season with Public Traditional Games, 13-Year Fruit Donation Drives, and Intergenerational Songpyeon Making 💬 "Making Songpyeon after all these years brought back sweet memories of my parents and childhood Chuseok holidays." — Lee Hae-yeon (91, pseudonym), Senior Resident in Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul With Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) approaching, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group launched vibrant holiday outreach campaigns across South Korea. From park cleanup drives featuring traditional folk games in Incheon to 13-year fruit sharing traditions in Daejeon and heartwarming rice-cake making in Seoul, volunteers brought holiday cheer, nostalgia, and companionship to local communities and elderly residents. Incheon Yeonsu Branch: Traditional Games Meet Green Park Cleanups On September 13, volunteers from the Yeonsu Branch gathered at Cheongryong Park in Okryeon-dong, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, combining environmental cleanup w...

Shincheonji Volunteer Group Gwangju Branch Partnered with Environmental Federation to Host "Colombia Hope Sharing Flea Market"—Donating 100% of Sales Proceeds to Honor Korean War Ties 💬 "During the Korean War, Colombia sent soldiers to fight for our nation. Remembering the aid we received, it's now our turn to offer strength to the people of Colombia." — Official from Shincheonji Volunteer Group Gwangju Branch On August 10, a devastating magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia along the Pacific "Ring of Fire," claiming over 330 lives and affecting more than 466,000 residents as homes, schools, and infrastructure collapsed. In response, on September 12, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Gwangju Branch joined hands with the Central Federation for Global Environmental Conservation at Shinyong Bitgoeul Park in Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju, hosting the "Colombia Hope Sharing Flea Market" to raise urgent relief funds and spread civic awareness. ...

In South Korea, youth social isolation has become a pressing societal challenge. According to a report published by the Korea Economic Association and the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs, the number of reclusive young adults (aged 19–34) reached approximately 538,000 in 2024—more than doubling from 244,000 in 2022. Experts warn that prolonged isolation leads to severe economic and emotional losses, costing society over 5.3 trillion KRW annually. To address this hidden crisis, Shincheonji Church of Jesus, John Tribe (Gwacheon Church) , has introduced an empathetic, community-driven solution: creating interest-based small group clubs that serve as emotional safe havens for young adults struggling with isolation. 'Loose Solidarity': Building Safe Emotional Buffer Zones Rather than imposing rigid structures, Gwacheon Church activated diverse small-group clubs centered around shared hobbies—ranging from photography, dance, and keychain crafting to outdoor trips and spo...

In Blantyre, Malawi, a quiet yet profound shift is taking place among Christian leaders seeking a deeper, clearer understanding of the Bible. On September 15, 2026, the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, Bartholomew Tribe (Malawi Region) , hosted a historic Scripture Exchange Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) ceremony attended by approximately 60 pastors and church leaders. A total of nine pastors—five renewing their existing partnerships and four joining for the first time—expressed a shared desire: "We want to learn and teach the Bible correctly." The significance of the event drew national attention, with the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) , the nation's state broadcaster, attending on-site to cover the proceedings and conduct interviews. A Structured Journey from Learning to Leadership The ceremony moved beyond formal agreements, focusing heavily on pastoral duty, biblical ministry methods, and ongoing education: Biblical Ministry Seminars: Participating pastors en...