Shincheonji Marks 42nd Anniversary: From a Basement to a Denomination Growing by Tens of Thousands Annually
The Californer/10341983

CANBERRA, Australia - Californer -- The dedication of the early believers started in an apartment basement 42 years ago became the seed of a revival that today draws tens of thousands of faithful globally annually. At the heart of that growth lies a steadfast principle of faith rooted in the Word — the essence of true belief.

Shincheonji, Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony, held a commemorative service on March 15th at Cheongju Church to mark its 42nd founding anniversary. The service was prepared to look back on 42 years since its founding, to express gratitude for the sacrifices of Jesus, the martyrs, and to reaffirm the principle of "Word-centered faith."

Over 2,000 members attended in person, while believers from South Korea and abroad, adding further significance to the occasion.

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In his proclamation of the Word, Chairman Lee urged the congregation toward true faith, stating: " John 1:1 declares that the Word itself is God, there can be no faith apart from the Word. As we mark our 42nd founding anniversary, let's gather our hearts once more and strive to have a faith that is recognized even before God and the angels."

Chairman Lee emphasized the importance of Revelation, saying: "Revelation 22 states that anyone who adds to or takes away from this book will not enter heaven and will receive a curse. If one truly believes in the Word of God, one must examine whether they have added to or taken away from Revelation."

Early Believers Reflect: "The Secret to Growth Is the Overwhelming Power of the Word"

Shincheonji has dedicated itself to proclaiming the fulfilled realities of Revelation throughout the world. This spread of the Word is reflected in the work of Zion Christian Mission Center. Beginning with the Graduation for Class 1 of Zion Christian Mission Center in 1991, the Center produced over 100,000 graduates in a single year in 2019 — a milestone unprecedented in religious history. Last year, 59,192 graduates of Class 116 gathered at Cheongju Church, Shincheonji.

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Now in its middle years of faith, Shincheonji is expanding its engagement with the wider world. The church has been building relationships through Word exchange MOUs and sign change MOAs with pastoral communities at home and abroad. In addition, the church continues to carry out everyday care activities for marginalized members of local communities practicing the value of "love" as taught by Jesus.

Shincheonji stated: "The past 42 years have been a remarkable journey brought about by the dedication of our members alongside the unchanging essence of God's Word. Going forward, we will do our utmost to spread the value of unwavering truth, rooted in the faith with which we began."

https://www.shincheonji.org/