In a winter marked by cold weather and rising living costs, a warm story of service quietly spread across communities in Korea and around the world.
More than 5,200 graduates who recently completed a Bible education course chose to begin their next chapter not with celebration—but with service.
Graduation as a New Beginning
From November 25 to December 14, a large-scale volunteer initiative titled “Graduation Special Service – First Step” was carried out by graduates of the Zion Christian Mission Center’s 116th class, along with church members.
In total, about 12,200 participants took part in volunteer activities both in Korea and overseas.
According to Shincheonji Church of Jesus, graduation is not seen as the end of learning, but as the starting point of practicing faith—especially the teaching of Jesus to love one’s neighbor through action.
15 Tons of Kimchi for Veterans and Their Families
The main focus of the domestic volunteer work was a large-scale kimjang (kimchi-making) service for national merit recipients, including war veterans and their families.
15 tons of kimchi were prepared by the graduates themselves
Delivered to 3,672 veterans and bereaved families nationwide
Each box included a handwritten letter expressing respect and gratitude
Beyond food support, the volunteers also prepared meals such as boiled pork and kimchi pancakes, and hosted traditional activities like rice-cake pounding. These moments created meaningful intergenerational connection, not just aid.
Many participants from veterans’ organizations shared that the experience felt deeply personal, noting that the sincerity of the younger generation left a lasting impression.
More Than One-Time Help
What stood out was the intention behind the service.
The organizers emphasized that those who sacrificed for the country deserve remembrance—not only through policy, but through genuine human care passed down to the next generation.
The service site became a place of conversation, shared meals, and mutual respect, with over 1,300 people, including veterans and related organization members, participating together.
Global Service, Local Care
The spirit of service extended far beyond Korea.
Graduates overseas led more than 170 volunteer activities, tailored to local needs, including:
Food support for low-income families
Free meal services
Disaster relief and recovery work
Blood donation campaigns
Visits to senior care facilities and orphanages
Environmental cleanup activities
In places such as Washington, D.C., the Philippines, and Kenya, partnerships were formed with local governments and institutions to support ongoing volunteer efforts, not just one-time events.
“The First Step of Real Faith”
One graduate shared that practicing the biblical teaching from Matthew 5:16—“Let your light shine before others”—helped them truly understand what graduation meant.
Church representatives also stated that helping graduates grow into responsible members of society through service is a core goal of their education, and that they plan to continue supporting communities often overlooked.
A Quiet but Meaningful Message
This story is not about numbers alone, but about direction.
For these graduates, learning the Bible led naturally to caring for neighbors, honoring those who came before them, and responding to real needs around the world.
In a season often focused on endings, they chose to take a first step—one rooted in gratitude, action, and responsibility.
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