The highly anticipated Shincheonji Church of Jesus, New Heaven New Earth (NHNE), graduation ceremony will be hosted across several Southern African cities later this year. Cities such as Johannesburg, Cape Town, Gqeberha, Durban, Pietermaritzburg, Rustenburg, Windhoek, Harare, Lilongwe, Blantyre, Mzuzu, and Gaborone will see civil society leaders, religious leaders, and media practitioners gathering for this momentous event, marking a new chapter of unity under the Word.
The announcement comes on the heels of a historic visit by the Chairman of NHNE to the Cheongju branch in South Korea on September 8, 2024. The Chairman’s visit drew a massive crowd of 80,000 people, including congregants from across the country and 100 pastors from various local churches. In a show of support, the attendees formed a 4 km-long human barrier to welcome him.
The excitement surrounding the Chairman’s visit stems from his ability to clearly explain the entire Bible, offering believers a deeper understanding of their faith.
“We should be truly thankful that God has revealed to us the words of Revelation, which no one knew for 6,000 years. This Word is life. We must have faith that is 100% aligned with this Word, and this is what it means to be one with God,” the Chairman stated during his address.
He further emphasised the responsibility to share the Word, saying, “We can present the reality of the prophecies in the Book of Revelation. However, we were once in the same position as those who did not know. Therefore, we must humble ourselves and explain the truth to help others understand.”
Since its founding, NHNE has been devoted to spreading a Bible-centered faith. This year, the Chairman has visited more than 40 churches both in South Korea and internationally, sharing teachings rooted in the six principles of journalism—who, what, when, where, why, and how.
A 2023 Pastoral Data Research Institute survey found that 65% of Protestant churchgoers in South Korea felt a “spiritual thirst.” Additionally, 55% expressed a desire for a “systematic Bible education” from their pastors, reflecting a widespread need for more structured and in-depth religious instruction.
NHNE, however, is reversing the trend of young adults in their 20s and 30s leaving religion. With more than 100,000 members completing NHNE’s 8-month Bible course annually, the church’s growth is driven by its Bible-centered teachings and the excellence of the revealed Word.
A church representative remarked, “The prophecies in the Book of Revelation, which many believed were just stories, have been fulfilled and have physical realities. This truth is at the core of NHNE’s teachings, supported by a systematic curriculum that resonates with people of all ages.”
As Southern Africa prepares for the upcoming graduation ceremony later this year, the event is set to unite leaders and believers across the region, continuing the global mission of NHNE to spread the Word and bring clarity to the lives of believers while nurturing peace and unity between different faith communities.
