Third Time’s the Charm: 4,000 Recovered Shincheonji Church Members Donate Plasma in November

As the COVID-19 pandemic persists into the holiday season, the kindhearted and recovered congregation members of Shincheonji Church will be donating their plasma in hopes of advancing the development of a vaccine.

The Chairman of the Shincheonji Church, Man Hee Lee, encouraged the congregants to help in any way possible to bring an end to this horrific sickness. Currently, the church is planning to conduct a third group plasma donation that will last for three weeks starting on the 16th of November. It is expected for at least 4,000 members to participate in the donation as many individuals have perceived the situation to be in dire need of plasma with antibodies. 

Per official request by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), the Shincheonji Church of Jesus was motivated to do another large-scale donation as the KDCA stated, “It is necessary to quickly develop plasma treatment through group plasma donation, in the current absence of an effective treatment in the midst of the continuous occurrence of COVID-19 at home and abroad.” Plasma containing antibodies is highly valued currently not only for research purposes but also for the treatment of other infected individuals. As the number of cases continues to grow at rapid speed all across the globe, it is imperative for those who have recovered from the virus to donate their blood plasma and inspire others to do their part. The courageous efforts of the Shincheonji Church are demonstrating the importance of remaining united in these times of hardship. Rather than allowing paranoia to divide the community, this church is inspiring others to unite safely and help the efforts of stopping the virus. 

Yet, this is not Shincheonji’s first time donating as they have generously donated previously in July and September with a total of 2,030 congregation members participating. Now doubling their efforts to help bring healing to this world, they remain determined and consistent in having recovered members donate their plasma. 

Their hard work has not gone unnoticed as the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters’ Deputy Director Kwon Joon-wook personally thanked the Shincheonji congregation members for their cooperation: “We are grateful for the active participation of Shincheonji, and for the cooperation of the City of Daegu and the Korean Red Cross.” With their government’s approval, Shincheonji Church is at the forefront of spreading awareness among citizens of South Korea to aid COVID-19 prevention methods. To optimize efficiency and efficacy,  the donation event will be held at the Indoor Stadium of Daegu Athletics Center, and participants have declined any travel expense assistance so as to avoid further burdening taxpayers.

Truly thinking of the greater good, the congregation members of Shincheonji have put their country before themselves. A former participant commentated on the experience saying, “Through our experience of participating in plasma donation, all the members of our congregation have realized that the power to overcome COVID-19 is tolerance, love, and unity. We will put in our utmost effort so that South Korea can overcome COVID-19 through plasma treatment.” Through all their volunteer work, the church continues to closely follow safety guidelines by holding services online regardless if any facility shutdowns are lifted, so that all congregation members may be protected and the safety of the community is ensured. 

Driven by a heartfelt determination to bring an end to the world-wide suffering, Shincheonji members all across the globe are finding safe and creative ways to assist their communities in this pandemic. From participating in local Red Cross blood drives to donating supplies to victims of the summer wildfires to sending heartfelt cards to seniors, international Shincheonji’s kindness and compassion can be felt all across the world. 

To date, over 51 mayors and 21 state congresspersons and representatives from the United States and Canada have sent their letters of gratitude and support for Shincheonji’s volunteer efforts in their communities with the hope that others may also be inspired to unite in love and healing. 

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