When the Flowers Reappeared: Gapyeong Solved Its Tourist Boom and Labor Shortage Crisis

Amid Rapid Aging and 3.7 Million Annual Visitors, Shincheonji Volunteer Group Cheongpyeong Branch Partners with Local Villages to Build a Sustainable Model of Civic Care 💬 “The weeds had grown so tall that our flower garden was completely hidden. Now that the flowers are alive again, our whole village feels brighter.” — Lee Gun-seon (70, female), a resident of Yumyeongsan Village in Gapyeong Gapyeong County, famous for Cheongpyeong Lake and Mount Yumyeong, presents a striking contrast. According to local government statistics, over 3.69 million tourists flooded into Gapyeong’s picturesque sites in 2025 alone . Yet behind this bustling tourism lies a quiet crisis. Designated as a population decline zone, Gapyeong's elderly population (aged 65 and over) has passed 34% of the total population . In the hot summer months, wild weeds and kudzu vines spread rapidly along roadside flower beds and village entrances—the very first spots tourists see. With most local residents in their late ...

United in Peace and Scripture: 10 Zambian Pastors Sign Landmark MOU with Shincheonji Church to Serve Local Communities

When religious leaders cross denominational boundaries to focus on shared values and community care, real transformation begins. On August 10, 2026, a inspiring chapter of interfaith harmony unfolded at the Zion Christian Mission Center in Lusaka, Zambia, as ten local pastors signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Shincheonji Church of Jesus, Bartholomew Tribe.

This MOU was not merely a symbolic gesture; it represented a firm, mutual commitment to fostering peace, deepening Biblical education, and advancing humanitarian efforts throughout local Zambian communities.


A Foundation Built on Scripture and Peace Education

The signing ceremony began with a warm welcome from Pastor Albert Colombo, who highlighted that true unity starts with the Word of God. The ten participating pastors had previously completed specialized peace education courses hosted by Shincheonji Church, establishing a solid foundation of mutual respect and trust.

Pastor Colombo reflected on the significance of the event: "We have taken the first step of trust and cooperation based on the shared value of Scripture. I look forward to working together through actions that bring real benefits to our local communities, rather than just words of unity."

Under the agreement, both parties will pursue joint initiatives rooted in religious freedom and respect for individual identity, leveraging faith to promote social integration and long-term peace.

Voices from the Field: Why Local Pastors Are Joining Hands

The event concluded with warm fellowship among the spiritual leaders, who shared their enthusiasm for this newfound alliance.

  • Pastor Harriet Tembo (Serving in Lusaka): "It is vital for leaders to gather together in peace. Through this MOU, I am thrilled that we can share the message of peace and Scripture-based teachings together."

  • Pastor Joseph Mutombo (Mount Sinai Pentecostal Church): "I am actively encouraging other pastors to join us and share in this beautiful mission of peace and unity."

  • Pastor Omali Sakala: "I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to collaborate in peace activities that uplift our people."

Translating Faith into Action Across Africa

A representative from Shincheonji Zambia Church emphasized that this MOU marks the beginning of turning shared trust into tangible community service. Moving forward, the church will continue working alongside Zambian faith leaders to introduce tailored peace programs and charitable initiatives.

By bringing pastors together under the light of Scripture, Shincheonji Church is proving that when faith leaders unite in truth and love, they create a powerful legacy of hope and harmony for generations to come.


Source: https://vo.la/kAJ5SJn

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