[12 Tribes Series] The Philip Tribe: Standing Tall as Gangwon’s Largest Church Through Service and the "Light of the Word"

As Shincheonji Church of Jesus celebrates its 42nd anniversary, the Philip Tribe emerges as a remarkable success story in the Gangwon region. Despite the challenging geographical landscape and a strong traditional Buddhist presence, the Philip Tribe has grown into a spiritual landmark, bridging the Gap between local hearts and global missions. From a Family of Four to a Regional Powerhouse The history of the Philip Tribe is a journey of "small beginnings and grand expansions." The Starting Point (1989): The tribe began in July 1989 as a humble gathering of only four members in a residential home in Cheongok-dong, Donghae. Strategic Expansion: From those four seeds, the community blossomed across Gangwon. In 2004, the tribe established its headquarters in Wonju , and today it oversees 10 domestic churches in cities like Gangneung, Chuncheon, Sokcho, and even parts of Gyeonggi and Chungbuk provinces (Chungju, Jecheon, Namyangju). A Heart for the "Roof of Korea": 9...
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[12 Tribes Series] The Thaddaeus Tribe: Transforming Regional Pain into Shared Hope Through Resilience and Service

As Shincheonji Church of Jesus approaches its 42nd anniversary, the Thaddaeus Tribe stands out for its extraordinary commitment to community recovery. Based in Daegu and the Gyeongbuk region—a land known for its historical "national debt compensation movement"—the Thaddaeus Tribe has inherited this spirit of self-sacrifice, becoming a "light" that shines brightest during national and regional crises.

A Journey of Growth: From Shinam-dong to the Global Stage

The Thaddaeus Tribe’s history began in 1987 in a small residential space in Shinam-dong, Daegu. What started as a humble gathering centered on biblical education has expanded significantly over 39 years.

  • Domestic Expansion: Following the growth in Daegu, churches were established in major Gyeongbuk cities including Pohang (1994), Gumi (1996), and Andong/Gyeongju (2010).

  • Global Presence: Today, the Thaddaeus Tribe operates branch churches in 7 countries, including the USA, Brazil, Chile, India, Sri Lanka, Liberia, and Canada, sharing the Word of Revelation with the world.


National Crisis Hero: The 91% Plasma Donation Record

One of the most defining moments for the Thaddaeus Tribe occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, while the nation struggled with a lack of treatments, 3,741 members who had recovered from the virus volunteered for plasma donation. Remarkably, this accounted for 91.3% of the total plasma donations in South Korea at the time. This massive contribution was instrumental in developing treatments and researching virus variants, earning praise from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).


On the Frontlines of Disaster Relief

Whenever the Gyeongbuk region faced natural disasters, Thaddaeus volunteers were the first to arrive:

  • Pohang Earthquake (2017): 500 volunteers served for 35 days, providing relief supplies and environmental cleanup, earning a Commendation from the Minister of the Interior and Safety.

  • Typhoon Hinnamnor (2022): Over 200 volunteers worked in flooded markets and residential areas in Pohang to restore livelihoods, receiving the Pohang Mayor’s Commendation.

  • Gyeongbuk Wildfires (2025): 470 volunteers spent 61 days restoring 69 affected sites in Andong and Uiseong, further solidifying their role as a vital social safety net.


A Bridge for Inter-denominational Harmony

The Thaddaeus Tribe is also pioneering a culture of open communication. Through "Open House" events and "Heart-Sharing Gratitude Festivals," they have welcomed nearly 3,000 citizens and 170 religious leaders to experience their community. Notably, the Tribe Leader, Kim Su-jin, was officially invited to preach at a Presbyterian church in Daegu in July 2025, marking a historic moment of theological exchange and mutual respect between denominations.

Thaddaeus Tribe at a Glance

| Primary Region | Daegu & Gyeongbuk Province, South Korea | 

| Global Network | 7 Countries (USA, Brazil, India, etc.) | 

| Crisis Response | Contributed 91.3% of national COVID-19 plasma donations | 

|  Key Achievement | Received Minister’s Commendation for Pohang Earthquake relief |

Source: https://vo.la/wCtV3gJ

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

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