Beyond Words of Thanks: Delivering Hands-On Care to Korea’s Aging War Veterans Amid Record Heatwaves

How Shincheonji Volunteer Group Stepped into the Living Spaces of National Heroes in Uijeongbu, Gwangju, and Cheonan "The war ended decades ago, but for me, it has never truly ended..." — Lim Jae-cheon (77), Vietnam War Veteran & Army Medic in Uijeongbu As record-breaking heatwaves swept across South Korea in late July 2026—with feel-like temperatures soaring near 38°C (100°F)—elderly war veterans faced severe health risks. Moving beyond public awareness rallies on city streets, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group took a direct, hands-on approach: entering the homes, offices, and veterans' halls of aging heroes to provide tailored living support, summer health meals, and deep emotional companionship. Here is a look at how volunteers delivered practical care and honor to veterans in Uijeongbu, Gwangju, and Cheonan . 1. Uijeongbu Branch: Living Space Care & Personalized Honor On July 25, volunteers from the Uijeongbu Branch personally visited the homes of elderly Viet...
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Beyond Barriers: Shincheonji Peter Tribe is Building a Truly Inclusive Faith Community

In a world where 80% of people with disabilities still report feeling social discrimination, a religious community in Gwangju, South Korea, is showing what true "unity in truth" looks like. In honor of the 46th Persons with Disabilities Day, the Shincheonji Peter Tribe (Gwangju Church) is being recognized for breaking down both physical and social walls to create a "Barrier-Free" spiritual home.


More Than Accessibility: A Place of Role and Purpose

While many organizations focus solely on physical ramps, the Peter Tribe goes further by ensuring every member has a meaningful role in the community. Here, a disability doesn't define a member's capacity to serve.

  • Leading with Faith: Take Kim Myung-sook (pseudonym), who has lived with the effects of polio since infancy. Today, she doesn't just attend services—she serves as a District Leader, guiding and serving other church members.

  • Equal Identity: "The church believed in my potential rather than my inconvenience," she shares. "In this community, I am a colleague and a fellow believer first."

Practical "Barrier-Free" Environment

To support this inclusive vision, the Gwangju Church has implemented extensive physical and systemic upgrades:

  • Infrastructure: Installation of automatic doors, wheelchair ramps, and specialized elevators.

  • Communication: Dedicated sign language interpretation services for deaf members.

  • Safety: Medical staff are stationed during all services to ensure a safe environment for everyone.


The Power of Social Connection

Data from the 2023 Disability Survey shows that active social participation significantly increases life satisfaction. This is evident in the church's "Small Groups" (Districts).

Lee Ji-yoon (pseudonym), a wheelchair user, found her happiness in being the one to wake up her group members every morning with encouraging Bible verses. For her, the feeling of being a "comrade" chasing the same spiritual hope has erased the invisible walls in her heart.

One Truth, Zero Discrimination

A representative of the Shincheonji Peter Tribe stated, "God and Jesus shared the love of truth with everyone without discrimination. Our goal is to ensure every member can focus on the Word in a comfortable environment."

By fostering a culture where non-disabled members learn from the resilience and dedication of their disabled peers, the Peter Tribe is proving that true maturity in faith comes from seeing the soul, not the body.

Source: https://vo.la/vTfv9oy

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

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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...
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Winter Break Program Opens Career Exploration Opportunities for Youth in Gwangju

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

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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...
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