The Shema English Bible Recitation School (SEBRS) is a unique and creative initiative of the Korean Union Conference aimed at spiritually equipping children. Rooted in the living Word of God, the program was initially developed by Theology Professor Lee EunSup, who also serves as a local church pastor in the Middlewest Korean Conference (MWKC).
During the COVID-19 pandemic, it became increasingly difficult to maintain active children’s ministries. However, Yi JinHyun, the Children’s Ministries director of MWKC, was determined to create something meaningful for the children. After careful consideration, SEBRS was launched, and a team of young pastors was assembled to lead the initiative.
The first term began in 2021, and as of October 2024, the 12th session has been completed. Over the course of these 12 sessions, 1,403 participants joined the program. While the primary target audience was children, many of their mothers and middle school students also took part. Hundreds of children, parents, and teachers dedicated their time to memorizing over 150 Bible verses. Each session concluded with a graduation ceremony, where participants recited the verses they had memorized.
The program aims for participants to use the Bible verses they have learned in their future mission work. Deeply engraved in their hearts, these verses are expected to support their spiritual growth and help them become future leaders in God’s church.
Pastor Yi shared, “The SEBRS began with the hope that Bible memorization would foster faith growth and revival within families and strengthen and restore relationships between parents and children. I hope the 150 Bible verses memorized over the past three years will serve as a spiritual foundation for every family. I expect the verses memorized in childhood will be engraved in their hearts, helping them continue their faith journey.”
Looking ahead, he mentioned that they are planning Season 2 of SEBRS, aiming to expand it beyond a single-department project and make it a conference-wide initiative that continues to grow.