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...
댓글 쓰기

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.”

Source: https://vo.la/dPtzXaH/ https://vo.la/jsfGhnW/ https://vo.la/rvBLaWm


댓글

댓글 쓰기

이 블로그의 인기 게시물

Shincheonji Netherlands Church and Class 116 Graduates Carry Out Environmental Cleanup in Rotterdam

이미지
On December 6, members of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus Netherlands Church gathered at Kralingse Bos , one of Rotterdam’s largest lake parks, for a meaningful volunteer activity. The event was part of the church’s “1st Graduation Commemoration Volunteer Program,” bringing together 27 participants , including newly graduated Class 116 students of the Zion Christian Mission Center . Their goal was simple but sincere: to practice the teachings of Jesus by caring for their neighbors and protecting the local environment. Cleaning Kralingse Bos: A Park Loved by the City Kralingse Bos is a large urban lake park located on the eastern side of Rotterdam. Much like Seoul’s Hangang Park, it is a popular place for walking, running, and enjoying nature. Because so many people pass through every day, litter often gathers around the lakeside paths. A representative from Shincheonji Netherlands Church , part of the Bartholomew Tribe , explained that the city also recognized the need for clean...
자세한 내용 보기

Winter Break Program Opens Career Exploration Opportunities for Youth in Gwangju

이미지
Peter Heaven Culture Academy launches its 3rd term with 39 hands-on courses across culture, sports, and media As winter break approaches, a new youth program in Gwangju is offering students a chance to explore their interests, talents, and possible career paths through structured, hands-on learning. The Shincheonji Gwangju Church has opened enrollment for the 3rd term of the Peter Heaven Culture Academy (PHCA) , a seasonal program designed for children and teenagers during the winter vacation period. The program is organized for youth members of its children and student groups and focuses on experiential learning rather than classroom-only instruction. A program built around exploration and experience PHCA is designed to help young people better understand themselves by trying a wide range of activities in a supportive group environment. Instead of focusing solely on academic outcomes, the program emphasizes cooperation, creativity, and personal growth through shared experiences. Ahea...
자세한 내용 보기

Class 116 Graduates Share Warmth Through Kimchi: A Winter of Giving in the Peter and Andre Tribes

이미지
As winter settles in and the year comes to a close, many people begin to feel the cold more deeply—especially seniors living alone, neighbors with disabilities, and those who have served the nation. To bring warmth and comfort to these communities, graduates of Zion Christian Mission Center Class 116 from both the Andre Tribe and the Peter Tribe stepped forward for a special act of love: kimchi sharing. Though the two events took place in different cities, the heart behind them was the same. The graduates wanted to celebrate their learning, express gratitude, and start their new journey of faith by serving others with their own hands. Andre Tribe: A Celebration of Graduation Through Giving At the Andre Training Center, more than two hundred volunteers gathered with bright smiles, including one hundred new graduates who had recently completed their study of the Word. Together, they prepared a remarkable amount of kimchi—carefully seasoning and mixing each batch with sincerity. This w...
자세한 내용 보기