"Running Together, Living Together": Shincheonji Couple Found the True Meaning of Partnership on the Football Pitch

In celebration of "Married Couples' Day" in South Korea (May 21st), a unique love story from the Matthias Tribe Daejeon Church of Shincheonji is shedding light on what it truly means to walk through life as a team. For this particular husband and wife, the secrets to a harmonious marriage weren't found in a textbook, but rather on the football pitch and through their shared spiritual journey. A Match Made on the Pitch The couple's story began where they both feel most at home: the football field. The husband (referred to as A), a former professional football player in Thailand, returned to South Korea for injury treatment and tryouts. It was at a local football gathering in Daejeon that he met his future wife (B). While B had been practicing her faith at the Shincheonji Daejeon Church since 2006, A naturally joined her in 2015 after learning the Bible's teachings. For both, the Word-centered faith—which strictly emphasizes love and harmony—became the bedrock ...
댓글 쓰기

2025 Year-End Honors: Local Governments Recognize Shincheonji Volunteer Groups Across Korea

How consistent volunteer service is strengthening communities and earning public trust nationwide

Across Korea, Shincheonji Volunteer Group branches in Andong, Icheon, and Gimpo were honored with major awards at regional Volunteer Day ceremonies. Their recognition reflects not only isolated achievements but a broader pattern of steady, community-centered service—from disaster recovery to food support for vulnerable neighbors.

This article brings together the highlights from all three regions, offering an overview of why these groups were selected and what their work has meant for their communities.

Andong: Rebuilding After Disaster and Supporting Cultural Heritage

The Shincheonji Volunteer Group Andong Branch received the Korea Council of Volunteer Centers President’s Award, one of the highest recognitions given this year.

Their award was based on:

  • 45 days of continuous emergency support following the large-scale wildfire in early 2025

  • 400 volunteers mobilized through the Daegu-Gyeongbuk regional network

  • Support for displaced families, temporary housing cleanup, and debris removal

  • Direct involvement in restoring the fire-damaged cultural heritage site, Jirye Art Village

  • Ongoing meal services for socially vulnerable groups

Local officials highlighted the branch’s “sustained and essential role in restoring community life after disaster.”

Branch leader Park Jeonghwan noted that the award “belongs to every volunteer whose dedication helped Andong stand back on its feet.”


Icheon: Recognized for Flood and Snow Damage Recovery

At the 20th Yeoju Volunteer Day Ceremony, the Icheon Branch received the Mayor’s Award for its leadership in post-disaster recovery efforts.

Since 2023, volunteers have actively assisted in:

  • Flood-damaged regions such as Asan, Goesan, and Yeoju’s horticultural district

  • Snow-damaged farms including ginseng fields in Icheon

  • Ongoing environmental campaigns and senior support programs

Their work strengthened long-term recovery in areas repeatedly affected by climate-related disasters.

Branch leader Hong Gicheol said, “Just as we freely receive light, rain, and air from the Creator, it is natural for us to serve our neighbors in return.”


Gimpo: Two Years of Steady Meal Support Earns Dual Awards

The Gimpo Branch was honored with:

  • Gyeonggi Volunteer Center Chairman’s Award

  • Gimpo Volunteer Center Director’s Award

This recognition came from their dedicated participation in the “Good Meal Truck” program, which provides free lunch to low-income seniors.

Key contributions included:

  • 39 service sessions over two years

  • Serving and washing dishes across five districts: Gurae, Tongjin, Yangchon, Masan, and Gochon

  • Consistent volunteer turnout and a positive reputation among local residents

Local officials praised the branch for its “high participation rate and visible passion in every service activity.”

Branch leader Shin Dongguk remarked that when volunteers “encourage one another with joy, their hands become hope for the community.”


A Shared Message Across All Three Regions

Although the awards came from different cities, the evaluations highlighted the same strengths:

  • Consistent, long-term volunteer involvement

  • Direct assistance where communities need it most

  • Collaborative relationships with local governments

  • Service motivated by care, humility, and a desire for peace

These recognitions reflect a broader trend:
Shincheonji Volunteer Groups are becoming trusted partners in local community care across Korea.

Service That Builds Trust

The awards received by the Andong, Icheon, and Gimpo branches are more than plaques—they represent the appreciation of local residents whose lives were touched through disaster relief, meal support, and ongoing community care.

As year-end ceremonies spotlight these efforts, the heart of volunteerism remains the same: serving quietly, consistently, and with sincerity.


Source: 
https://vo.la/Nrf6gdc
https://vo.la/RpWXjsW
https://vo.la/YcZflLS

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