Putting Down Smartphones to Make Eye Contact: Shincheonji Gwacheon Church Hosts "Daddy, Let’s Play!" Family Picnic

In an age dominated by standardized toys and digital screens, a heartwarming scene unfolded at Chomakgol Ecological Park in Gyeonggi Province. On May 23rd, the Gwacheon Church of the John Tribe of Shincheonji successfully hosted "Daddy, Let’s Play!"—a special family picnic designed to strengthen the bonds between fathers and their children through raw, screen-free interaction. Screen-Free Joy in the Great Outdoors The event welcomed approximately 30 families , including preschoolers and elementary students, who stepped away from their busy routines to embrace nature. The program was carefully curated to encourage physical touch and teamwork: The Treasure Hunt: Children and fathers navigated forest paths and bushes hand-in-hand, fostering a shared sense of achievement as they uncovered hidden slips of paper. "Catch Daddy!": A high-energy game of tag across a wide lawn that left both fathers and children delightfully out of breath, resting side-by-side on the grass...
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Faith Burning Like a Bonfire: Shincheonji Netherlands Church’s ‘Bornfire’ Event

On March 9, Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony, Netherlands Church (Bartholomew Tribe) successfully held its ‘Bornfire’ event. With 122 participants in attendance, this gathering aimed to help believers reflect on the sacrifices of the prophets and apostles and to unite as one under God’s grace.

Christianity in the Netherlands: A Growing Challenge

While the Netherlands has historically been a Christian nation, modern trends show a decline in religious affiliation among young people. A 2018 study by St. Mary’s University in the UK and the Benedict XVI Research Institute in France found that 72% of Dutch youth identified as non-religious. However, Shincheonji Netherlands Church is experiencing remarkable growth despite these trends. According to church records, the congregation grew from 371 members in December 2023 to 435 in just one year—an increase of 14%. Notably, the ‘Bornfire’ event attracted many young participants, highlighting the church’s increasing appeal to the next generation.

A Spiritual Awakening Through Reflection and Worship

The event was structured to provide attendees with an opportunity for deep self-reflection and spiritual growth. Over two hours, participants engaged in various activities, including hymns, prayer, and discussion sessions focused on self-examination. The highlight of the event was the symbolic bonfire around which attendees gathered to share their thoughts on faith in a warm and reflective atmosphere.

Shai Supijan (28, Rotterdam), one of the attendees, shared his experience: “I joined to reflect on my faith through God’s Word. Watching the video content helped me better understand God’s heart, which I had previously only known through text. I also enjoyed the group discussions on ‘dedication’ and realized the importance of caring for those entrusted to me.”

Similarly, Priscilla Dark (23, Amsterdam), a district leader in the church, expressed her appreciation for the sense of unity she felt during the event. “Singing praises together and becoming one in heart was the most memorable moment for me. As a leader, I sometimes feel discouraged, but this event helped me think about how I can develop my faith.”


A Thoughtfully Designed Event for Spiritual Growth

A representative from Shincheonji Netherlands Church emphasized the careful planning that went into creating a meaningful experience for participants. “We wanted to ensure that members received grace and inspiration, so we carefully selected worship songs and video content. Seeing how much attendees needed this time for self-reflection made us more committed to supporting their spiritual growth.”


Shincheonji Netherlands Church: A Growing Presence

Shincheonji Netherlands Church was first established in Rotterdam’s Blaak district in 2002 and officially became a church in January 2021. It later moved to Schiedam, where it continues to expand its presence. As Christianity faces challenges in Europe, Shincheonji Netherlands Church stands out as a beacon of faith, drawing in young believers and strengthening their commitment to God.

The success of the ‘Bornfire’ event highlights the church’s dedication to fostering faith through reflection, worship, and community building. With its continuous growth and inspiring initiatives, Shincheonji Netherlands Church is proving that faith, like a bonfire, can burn brightly even in challenging times.


Source: https://vo.la/WJYjJv

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