Serving Through the Heat: Shincheonji Volunteers Support Their Community in Crisis

As summer temperatures soar and recovery continues from devastating floods, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group in Gwangju is stepping forward—replacing vacations with service, and discomfort with care.

Custom Cooling Kits for Mobile Workers

On July 31, members of the youth volunteer group We Are One (Gwangju–Jeonnam Region), affiliated with Shincheonji Church of Jesus, visited a local delivery agency in Yongbong-dong, Gwangju. Their mission: to deliver customized heat-relief kits to mobile workers who must endure extreme outdoor heat without proper shelter or rest breaks.

Unlike one-size-fits-all donations, these kits were prepared after directly consulting with delivery riders and couriers. Each kit included:

• Cool arm sleeves

• UV-protective balaclavas

• Cooling sports towels

These items were chosen for their ability to reduce heat stress and prevent heat-related illness—real risks for workers who spend hours on motorcycles and bikes in the scorching sun.

A local rider, Mr. Kim Il-hyuk (36), expressed his gratitude:

“When the heat is at its worst, the demand for deliveries increases, and our strength quickly runs out. This kit is exactly what we needed. I feel seen and supported.”

Flood Recovery in Full Force

Meanwhile, another team of 60 Shincheonji volunteers headed to the flood-damaged Buk-gu Park Golf Course in Gwangju on July 30. After torrential rains caused the nearby Yeongsan River to overflow on July 17, the entire 18-hole course was submerged. Volunteers worked under the blazing sun, clearing debris, removing rocks from turf, and restoring safety features. Despite 35°C temperatures, they pressed on—some postponing family vacations to serve.

One volunteer, Mr. Lee Hyung-hwan (34), shared:

“I had planned a summer trip with friends, but after seeing the news, I knew I had to help. I hope our small efforts will speed up recovery.”

Another participant, Ms. Kim Mi-sook (50), added:

“Many seniors use this golf course for their health and leisure. I hope it can reopen soon so people can enjoy it again.”

Restoring Homes and Hope

Since mid-July, the Gwangju branch has also assisted individual households, including an elderly resident in Buk-gu whose home was filled with waist-high floodwater. Volunteers helped clean out mud, rescue salvageable items, and dispose of debris—often carrying trash out by hand through narrow alleys in sweltering heat.

The effort has extended to other affected areas in Jeonnam Province, including flood-damaged hardware stores in Damyang. From drying waterlogged tools to organizing chaotic spaces, volunteers worked meticulously to help small businesses resume operations.

One store owner shared:

“I didn’t know where to begin. The volunteers came in like family—fast, thorough, and with such genuine hearts. I was truly moved.”

 

Long-Term Commitment to Community

The Gwangju branch has declared July 31 as the end of their official “emergency flood recovery period,” but their efforts will continue. From partnering with local governments to offering personalized aid, they aim to restore not just property, but dignity and stability to those affected.

“We believe helping disaster victims is not just about quick responses but long-term presence,” a representative said. “Anyone in need can always reach out to us.”

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