As the entire world continues to suffer under the COVID-19 pandemic, the Shincheonji Church of Jesus has remained steady in their efforts to combat the virus through thousands of plasma donations, and through an online interfaith prayer gathering for the quick end of COVID-19. These plasma donations from recovered patients contain antibodies that can aid in the recovery of infected individuals. With so little donations currently, many health research organizations are desperate for these samples to advance their development of a treatment.
California Zion Church, an affiliated church in California, gathered community members together, including those of other faiths, on September 16th to pray online for all those impacted by COVID-19 and those on the frontline fighting the California wildfires. The California wildfires, which are still in progress, have devastated millions of homes and have left many in distress.
Chairman Lee of the Shincheonji Church announced a prayer meeting on September 16th for religious people around the world to come together and pray for a swift end to the virus. Regardless of public criticism, the congregation members gathered online with their hearts united and repentful of any wrongdoings they have committed unknowingly. While various religions may have differing doctrines to follow, ultimately in these difficult times, Chairman Lee and Shincheonji are demonstrating the significance of being able to overcome personal differences for the good of all.
As mentioned by Chairman Lee, “In the situation where the world is suffering from Corona 19, we want to break down the walls of denominations, denominations, and religions to overcome the disaster, and pray for the religious people to unite and pray.”
With such a large and earnest demonstration, Chairman Lee believes even the heavens will be moved by the sound of many prayers being lifted up together in unison. Although some may remain skeptical of the usage of prayer, the prayer meeting also serves as a way to boost morale all across the globe as individuals discover they are not alone in their struggles and desire for a swift end to the pandemic.
The additional 1,100 plasma donations from the Shincheonji Church have certainly made an impact and generated hope for millions across the globe, and the Vice Minister of Health in South Korea has publicly acknowledged Shincheonji’s willingness to cooperate with the government. Being a beacon of light to the rest of the globe, Shincheonji Church is making great efforts to be a part of the solution in healing the world from the chaos and fear caused by the virus.
Aligned in goal with the Shincheonji Church in South Korea, California Zion Church also gathered their community members online for a time of heartfelt prayer for the safety of thousands of firefighters and the comfort of those suffering from the wildfires. People of various cultural, language, and religious backgrounds united together during this time. Following the direction of Shincheonji’s prayer meeting, California Zion Church also invited other religious leaders, such as from the Sikh and Cao Dai faiths, to join in their time of prayer.
These summer fires have devastated thousands of homes and have left many homeless and in distress. Therefore, California Zion Church congregation members are also donating goods, like coffee and pillows, in addition to their prayers to help the community. Acknowledging that these natural disasters affect all people regardless of gender, religion, or ethnicity, California Zion Church is making every effort to demonstrate a heart of kindness and compassion as over 50 congregation members are working with businesses for contributions and donations for front-line workers and pick them up for delivery.
A participant, Evelyn Wang, from the prayer meeting commented on the inspirational and unified efforts of the Shincheonji Church: “It’s admirable to see how a community can come together to help others in their time of need. I think with all the chaos in the world right now, we all need a little bit of hope as a reminder that there will be a better and brighter future if we all take care of each other”.
In such times of hardship, congregation members of Shincheonji are faithfully demonstrating humankind’s ability to persevere with a heart of kindness and compassion.
