Bridging Generations in the Summer Heat: Citizens in Pohang and Yangsan United to Honor Korean War Heroes

In the midsummer heat of Pohang and Yangsan, a simple cup of cold juice sparked an unforgettable intergenerational bridge between young citizens and aging war survivors. Imagine walking along a crowded beach in mid-August or rushing toward a subway entrance in 35°C (95°F) heat. You are sweating, exhausted, and focused only on reaching the next air-conditioned space. Then, someone hands you a cup of ice-cold watermelon punch or a chilled sheet mask, asking just one simple question: "Do you know whose sacrifice made this peaceful summer afternoon possible?" This August, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group took to the streets of Pohang and Yangsan . Rather than holding a formal, rigid ceremony, they transformed everyday summer relief into an emotionally charged tribute to South Korea’s Korean War veterans. Pohang: From Beachside Refreshment to a Warm Bowl of Gratitude At Pohang's iconic Yeongildae Beach, the summer waves usually bring laughter and relaxation. But on July 27 an...
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Beyond the Steering Wheel: Youth and Seniors Came Together to Make Busan’s Roads Safer

For 72-year-old Song Jun-sik, a resident of Busan, getting behind the wheel used to bring a quiet flicker of anxiety. He could feel his reflexes slowing down with age, but the thought of surrendering his driver's license felt like giving up his daily freedom and independence.

Mr. Song’s dilemma is far from unique. In Busan, South Korea's fastest-aging metropolitan city, nearly 17% of all drivers are aged 65 or older. With senior-involved traffic accidents rising, local authorities have encouraged elderly drivers to surrender their licenses. Yet, for thousands who rely on driving for their livelihoods or live in areas with limited transit options, giving up a license means choosing isolation over mobility.

When society offered only a binary choice—keep driving at risk, or give up your independence—Shincheonji Busan Church saw a third path: protecting senior mobility while actively building a safer road environment.


A Hands-On Solution Where Policies Fell Short

Rather than taking a passive approach, Shincheonji Busan Church stepped into this policy gap by launching a specialized safety initiative for 48 senior drivers among its advisory members.

The campaign began not with lectures, but with empathy and practical tools:

  • Facing Reality with Confidence: Seniors took tailored cognitive function tests to objectively assess their reaction speeds and driving skills. Empowered by self-awareness, 41 participants voluntarily signed pledges committing to responsible driving.

  • Overcoming Administrative Hurdles: Recognizing that sudden pedal misapplication is a major cause of senior accidents, church volunteers stepped in to handle the complex paperwork required to apply for pedal misapplication prevention devices.

  • Fostering Mutual Respect on the Road: Participants were equipped with magnetic vehicle stickers reading "Senior Driving" and "Thank You for Your Consideration," encouraging patience and warmth from neighboring drivers.

Youth and Elders: A Heartwarming Exchange of Care

The most inspiring chapter of this story unfolded when the church's youth members joined the effort as digital tutors. Sitting side by side with the elderly drivers, smart devices in hand, young volunteers patiently taught seniors how to navigate modern transit apps.

From calling a ride-hailing taxi with a few taps to searching for accessible bus routes, the youth gave seniors the key to alternative mobility—ensuring that even when they choose not to drive, they never lose their freedom to move.

"Quitting driving altogether felt overwhelming," shared Mr. Song with a smile. "The youth members not only helped me apply for safety technology for my car, but also taught me how to use transit apps step by step. Now, I feel confident that I can protect my own safety and the safety of others on the road."


Building a Sustainable Culture of Care

What began as a local campaign is now growing into a lasting safety net. Shincheonji Busan Church plans to expand this program across Busan by partnering with local senior welfare centers and veterans' organizations, ensuring that more elders receive both technological and emotional support.

As Tribe Leader Lee Young-no emphasized, creating safe roads is a collective responsibility. By utilizing the digital skills of its youth to serve the needs of its elders, Shincheonji is proving that true community care starts by listening to people's real-life struggles—and walking alongside them, one step at a time.


Source: https://vo.la/9WMJ9Eg

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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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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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