Spreading Chuseok Warmth Across South Korea: Shincheonji Volunteer Group Honors Veterans and Supports Local Neighbors in Daejeon, Gunsan, and Mokpo

As South Korea prepares for Chuseok —the nation's mid-autumn harvest festival dedicated to family, reflection, and gratitude—the Shincheonji Volunteer Group engaged in heartfelt community outreach across the country. From cleaning national cemetery gravesites to delivering home-cooked holiday meals and comforting traditional market vendors, branches in Daejeon, Gunsan, and Mokpo demonstrated how faith translates into practical love and patriotism. Daejeon: Honoring 2,000 Fallen Heroes at National Cemetery On September 17, 33 volunteers—including 13 young adults—from the Daejeon Branch gathered at the Daejeon National Cemetery under the theme "Hero Stories: Let’s Remember Our Heroes!" Over two dedicated hours, volunteers carefully polished 2,000 gravestones in Soldiers' Cemetery Section 3, tidying the surrounding grounds before paying solemn respects to fallen service members. A visiting family member from Cheonan expressed deep appreciation: "Thank you for taki...
댓글 쓰기

3 Years, 110 Plogging Drives: How Shincheonji Andre Church Cultivates Four-Seasons Community Warmth and True Partnership in Busan

True peace and human warmth do not bloom in grand speeches or public display; they take root in the simple act of bending down to pick up litter in a neighborhood alley, sharing warm rice cakes during cold holidays, and listening attentively to local concerns.

In Dong-gu, Busan, Shincheonji Church of Jesus, Andre Tribe (Andre Church), has been exemplifying this practical philosophy of peace. Beyond simple charitable events, Andre Church’s continuous community service over the past three years has evolved into a masterclass in genuine, partner-based mutual growth.


Consistency Over Showmanship: 110 Environmental Cleanups Over 3 Years

The defining strength of Andre Church’s community outreach is its unwavering consistency. Over the past three years, church volunteers have conducted 110 plogging (picking up trash while jogging) sessions in Dong-gu and near the Andre Training Center.

In a recent drive titled "Dong-gu Rang Jupging," over 80 students and teachers gathered to clean neighborhood living spaces, collecting 500 liters of household trash. Rather than selecting convenient locations, volunteers prioritized areas specifically pointed out by local residents as neglected or prone to trash buildup.

This environmental commitment is complemented by a four-seasons sharing program tailored to local needs:

  • Spring: Distributing vibrant potted flowers alongside New Year greetings to bring seasonal warmth.

  • Summer & Family Month: Gift-giving for local children, including custom balloon art and snacks.

  • Chuseok & Lunar New Year: Delivering traditional rice cakes to local senior centers and merchant shops.

  • Late Autumn: Youth members personally baked cookies and treats to hand-deliver to over 30 local merchants and hardworking city bus drivers.


Moving Beyond Charity to True Mutual Growth

This steady, heartfelt presence has melted social barriers. Local shopkeepers who were initially hesitant now greet volunteers warmly with cold drinks and even offer space for community-sharing activities.

To elevate this relationship, Andre Church is organizing a Local Merchants' Roundtable scheduled for late 2026. Rather than offering one-sided assistance, this initiative aims to create an open forum where local business owners can share their daily operational challenges, working together with the church to find practical ways to revitalize the alley economy.

Furthermore, following a resident survey conducted in May 2026, the church integrated direct neighborhood feedback into its operating model. By consulting with local authorities and residents prior to every cleanup drive, the church ensures that its activities directly address community priorities without causing foot traffic inconvenience.

Serving as Partners in Community Peace

Shincheonji Andre Church’s philosophy is simple: true service is not about chasing numbers or hosting one-time events, but about showing up consistently, building trust, and breathing alongside the local community.

By treating neighbors as partners rather than passive recipients, Andre Church continues to shine a warm light on the streets of Busan, proving that sincere dedication and open dialogue can break down prejudices and build a brighter future for all.


Source: https://vo.la/1uIJMSl

댓글

댓글 쓰기

이 블로그의 인기 게시물

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

이미지
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...
자세한 내용 보기

Winter Break Program Opens Career Exploration Opportunities for Youth in Gwangju

이미지
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...
자세한 내용 보기

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

이미지
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...
자세한 내용 보기