Yoido Full Gospel Church shares hope with needy neighbors

Lee Young-hoon, sixth from right, senior pastor of Yoido Full Gospel Church, and church members take part in Salvation Army’s street fundraising event in Myeong-dong, central Seoul, Wednesday. Courtesy of Yoido Full Gospel Church

Yoido Full Gospel Church, together with its affiliated non-governmental organization Good People, offered a series of charitable events to support vulnerable communities and spread a message of hope as the year comes to an end, the church said Thursday.

On Wednesday, senior pastor Lee Young-hoon visited Myeong-dong in central Seoul with church members to participate in the Salvation Army’s street fundraising campaign. During the event, the church members made a donation to help the organization's nationwide efforts for the underprivileged.

Following the donation ceremony, the group moved to Donui-dong in Jongno District where many residents live in tiny one-room units. The church members delivered Hope Boxes filled with daily necessities to people facing a difficult winter.

Lee Young-hoon, right, senior pastor of Yoido Full Gospel Church, delivers daily necessities and groceries to a resident in Donui-dong, Jongno District, Seoul, Wednesday. Courtesy of Yoido Full Gospel Church

According to the church, a total of 800 Hope Boxes, valued at approximately 80 million won ($54,163), were distributed.

The church has a long history of reaching out to people directly. Rather than making one-off donations, Yoido Full Gospel Church emphasizes visiting those in need to understand their hardships firsthand and offer consistent support.

"Christianity is about love, but that love only matters when we act on it," the senior pastor said during the visit. "We will stay by the side of those who are struggling to make sure they are not lonely this winter."