Honoring Our Elders: How Shincheonji Volunteers Celebrated Parents' Day Across Korea
In South Korea, May 8 is Parents' Day (어버이날)—a meaningful time to thank and honor our parents and elders for their lifelong love and sacrifice. This year, Shincheonji Church of Jesus and its volunteer branches across the country marked the occasion with heartfelt community service.
From meals for Korean War veterans to lively events for seniors, Shincheonji’s volunteers put their faith into action by bringing joy to those who deserve the most respect.
🍱 Hwaseong and Osan: “Pink Bow” Meals for 6.25 War Veterans
In Hwaseong and Osan, Shincheonji Volunteers brought joy to 30 Korean War veterans through a special Parents’ Day initiative. The group organized the ‘Pink Bow’ program, a long-running initiative where volunteers prepare and deliver warm meals to elderly and marginalized groups such as veterans and senior citizens. This year, the meals were prepared especially for the veterans, to honor their sacrifices during the 6.25 War.
For two days, from May 7-8, the volunteers prepared dishes like soft beef bulgogi, quail egg jangjorim, and other easy-to-eat, nutritious dishes. The volunteers were meticulous in shopping for fresh ingredients and packing the meals with care to ensure the food wouldn’t spoil, considering the temperature fluctuations during the day. The effort was part of a larger initiative funded by the Gyeonggi Province Volunteer Center.
The veterans, who received these meals, expressed their deep appreciation, saying that even a small gesture like this warmed their hearts and reminded them that they were not forgotten. Volunteer Kim, who participated in the cooking, mentioned, "It was a little hard in the heat, but seeing the veterans smile made it all worth it."
📌 Source: https://vo.la/WrmJdH
🎁 Gangdong: “Baekse Manse” Beauty and Photo Service
In Gangdong, volunteers planned an extra special event for Parents’ Day with a service for elderly residents at the Seongnae 1-dong Senior Center. On May 8, the ‘Baekse Manse’ event provided seniors with free beauty services like haircuts, eyebrow shaping, and massages, as well as a mini photo studio to capture joyful moments.
Seniors also received handmade carnation brooches as a symbol of respect, and many were moved by the thoughtful gesture. One of the volunteers, Ms. Kim, said, "The seniors treat us like family, and seeing their happy faces makes every effort worthwhile. It was touching to see how much joy something as simple as a haircut and a photo session could bring."
The event featured a significant personal touch: the volunteers also provided a "mini photo studio" where elderly participants could take photos to preserve their cherished memories. Ms. Park, one of the seniors, recalled, "It felt like a dream to wear my school uniform and take photos like this. I will never forget today."
📌 Sources: https://vo.la/Jvxpnep
🎉 Cheonan: “Baekse Manse” Efficiency with Handcrafts and Health Services
The Cheonan branch of Shincheonji Volunteer Group also hosted a memorable Parents’ Day event. On May 8, the volunteers visited two senior centers and hosted the ‘Baekse Manse Hyo (孝) Party,’ which aimed to celebrate the love and gratitude for parents, emphasizing the culture of filial piety.
This event included beauty services, hand therapy, massages, and even blood circulation therapy for the seniors, as well as the creation and distribution of handmade carnations by the children of Shincheonji Church. Volunteers also prepared and served snacks, and there were moments of reflection and sharing across generations. One senior attendee said, "I can’t believe they came all the way here just to spend time with us. Their love really touched me."
📌 Source: https://vo.la/ENoATls
💛 Dongdaemun: “Baekse Manse” Service with Heartfelt Messages and Donations
In Dongdaemun, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group took a different approach to show care for seniors. On May 1, volunteers visited the Byeoksan and Dongbu Senior Centers to host a ‘Baekse Manse’ event, focusing on creating a welcoming environment for seniors by offering food and messages of appreciation.
During the event, the group distributed food items like rice, kimchi, and snacks to the elderly, and also read out messages from children who had written heartfelt letters. This unique event also featured a health exercise segment to promote physical well-being and combat dementia. Elderly participants, such as Mr. Jeong, expressed their deep gratitude for the warmth and respect shown by the volunteers. "I’ve never felt so respected in my life," he shared, visibly touched by the care received.
📌 Source: https://vo.la/dkFTjc
Shincheonji Volunteer Groups across Korea have shown that the spirit of caring for elders and creating a loving community can extend far beyond just Parents’ Day. Whether through preparing meals for veterans, providing beauty services for seniors, or offering heartfelt letters from children, these acts of kindness embody a broader message: respect and care for elders are important every day.
As volunteers continue to serve their communities, the hope is that these efforts will inspire others to practice respect, love, and gratitude, creating a stronger, more compassionate society for all.
댓글
댓글 쓰기