Shincheonji Church of Jesus, New Heaven New Earth (NHNE) hosted an unprecedented Bible seminar that attracted approximately 70,000 attendees in person, with thousands more joining from around the globe, including participants from Southern African countries via YouTube.
Chairman Lee Man-hee, leader of NHNE Church, delivered the keynote address, calling for unity among churches through the revealed word of God. He emphasised the importance of aligning faith with biblical teachings, stating, “We must understand the true meaning of the word and be created according to it.” His message resonated with many of the pastors present, who expressed a renewed desire to study and share the revealed word with their congregations.
Pastors who attended the seminar shared their experiences of enlightenment. Pastor Hwang from an independent denomination said, “For the Korean church to grow, the truth of God’s word must come alive,” while Pastor Choi from a Presbyterian church noted how the seminar helped him find clarity on many questions about biblical prophecy.
The seminar was part of NHNE’s ongoing efforts to engage churches and pastors in discussions on the fulfillment of the Book of Revelation. To date, NHNE has signed memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with 727 churches in South Korea, and its reach continues to grow internationally, with 13,053 churches in 84 countries engaging in similar exchanges. In Southern Africa, NHNE has established churches in major South African cities such as Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban, as well as in surrounding countries including Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Malawi.
Public interest in the event was heightened by parades featuring traditional drumming groups and military bands in Busan, creating an atmosphere of excitement throughout the city. Similar promotional efforts were conducted internationally, including in the streets of Cape Town, South Africa, where the event was also well-received by the public, drawing attention to the upcoming seminars. Those unable to attend the seminar in person could follow via a live stream on YouTube, which garnered over 73,300 views.
For those who missed the Busan event, another Bible Seminar will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2024. The seminar will be streamed live on YouTube, allowing viewers to tune in at their convenience by simply scanning the QR code.
All of these activities serve as a great precursor to the upcoming graduation ceremony towards the end of the year. This ceremony will celebrate the graduation of 110,000 students worldwide, including participants from Southern African branches, marking a significant milestone for NHNE’s global community.
An NHNE representative stated, “We believe this conference has opened up more opportunities for interaction with many pastors. If we communicate based on the biblical word and unite, it will positively impact not only the religious community but also society as a whole.”