Every winter in Korea, kimjang—the traditional preparation of kimchi—becomes a symbol of warmth, community, and care. This year, that warm tradition grew even brighter as graduates of the 116th class of the Zion Christian Mission Center joined together across multiple cities to prepare kimchi for Korea’s national heroes.
In Paju, Yeongdeungpo, and other regions, newly graduated members of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus gathered with one heart to honor the sacrifice of Korean War veterans and national merit recipients. Their message was clear:
“What we learned through the Word, we now practice through love.”
A Unified First Step After Graduation
For the 116th graduates, this kimjang was more than a volunteer event—it was their first step in living out the teachings they studied for months during their Bible education.
Across the country, graduates came together under the theme “A Warm First Step Toward the World.”
🔹 Paju (Simon Tribe)
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200+ graduates participated
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1 ton of kimchi (200 boxes) prepared
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Delivered to the 6.25 Korean War Veterans Association (Goyang & Seoul branches) and local offices
Participants shared heartfelt reasons for joining.
One graduate said she came because:
“Service is love and joy. I wanted our veterans to have food that feels gentle and comforting.”
Another participant from Africa expressed gratitude for the sacrifices made during the Korean War and said that sharing kimchi felt like giving back the joy received through the Word.
🔹 Yeongdeungpo (Bartholomew Tribe)
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Graduates prepared 100 boxes of kimchi (5kg each)
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Delivered to 10 veterans’ organizations across Seoul, including
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the Korean War Veterans Association
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the Disabled Veterans Association
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the Bereaved Families Association
Many participants mentioned personal connections to veterans.
One graduate said she thought of her grandfather, a Korean War veteran, while preparing kimchi:
“To honor those who protected our country with their youth—this is the least I can do.”
Volunteers of all ages worked side by side, sharing techniques like cutting the cabbage roots for better flavor and packing each box with care.
Honoring Those Who Built Today’s Korea
Both regions emphasized the same message:
The freedom and peace Korea enjoys today were built on the sacrifice of veterans.
Local veterans’ associations expressed deep gratitude:
“If kindness like this continues, it will truly strengthen our country.”
Leaders of the volunteer groups shared that this service is an extension of the biblical teaching to love and serve others, emphasizing that the graduates’ efforts represent a small light that can warm the local community.
The Cultural Meaning of Kimjang
Kimjang is more than food preparation—it is:
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A UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage
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A tradition of sharing with neighbors
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A way communities support one another during winter
By joining this tradition, graduates connected Korean culture with their desire to put faith into action.
A First Step, With More to Come
Across Korea, the 116th graduates carried out kimjang with one purpose:
To begin their new journey as believers by serving others first.
They expressed their commitment to continue supporting veterans, neighbors in need, and their local communities.
As one participant beautifully said:
“Love we learned through the Word becomes complete when shared.”
This nationwide kimchi-making service reflects the heart of the 116th graduates—a heart that chooses gratitude, service, and warmth as they step into their next chapter.
Source: https://vo.la/XYFmZ9l & https://vo.la/2lJ2Yd5
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