Despite an unexpected last-minute venue cancellation in South Korea, Durban, South Africa, stood out as a proud host in Shincheonji Church of Jesus’s record-breaking graduation for 111,628 students worldwide. The historic event, originally planned for the expansive Imjingak Pyeonghwanuri Park in Paju, South Korea, pivoted quickly to local branches worldwide after the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization canceled the venue, citing security concerns related to North Korean military activity. For Durban, the occasion was an inspiring gathering of 160 graduates, part of 1,125 Southern African participants, celebrating years of intensive Bible study.
In Durban, graduates and their families came together in a momentous ceremony, underscoring the growth of Shincheonji’s Bible education in South Africa and the neighboring countries of Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, and Malawi. The atmosphere was vibrant, filled with hope and community pride, as graduates from diverse backgrounds received their certificates, marking a significant spiritual milestone. Many spoke about how the program profoundly impacted their faith and personal lives, emphasizing how the intensive scriptural studies deepened their understanding and strengthened their convictions.
“We could have let the change in plans dampen our spirits, but instead, we witnessed a powerful display of faith and resilience,” remarked Andre van der Westhuizen, a Shincheonji Church representative in South Africa. “In Durban, we saw firsthand how our graduates have bonded as a community and are committed to making a positive impact with the values they’ve learned.”
For many graduates, this ceremony was about more than receiving a certificate; it was about embodying the principles of faith, unity, and hope. Friends, family, and supporters in Durban celebrated alongside the graduates, inspired by their journey and dedication. The event’s livestream connected Durban to celebrations worldwide, bridging borders and fostering a sense of shared purpose within the Shincheonji global community.
Encouraging the graduates, Chairman Man-Hee Lee shared his vision for spreading positive change, urging, “We must be able to share this good news with others. The appointed task that each of us has to carry out is actually God’s will. Let us become a nation that shines light to all the world.”
This unprecedented graduation has also reignited international discussions on religious freedom, with calls from Shincheonji and other organizations for the South Korean government to prevent undue restrictions on religious gatherings. For graduates in Durban and around the world, however, the day was a celebration of accomplishment and resilience, demonstrating that faith and unity can triumph over any challenge.
