I actively participate in the church’s regular volunteer services. Recently, I joined a drainage maintenance activity. I had come across news reports stating that blocked drains could cause flooding during the monsoon season, so this was a perfectly timed effort before the heavy rains arrived.
On the day of the service, about 40 volunteers gathered, wearing boots and equipped with shovels, hoes, rakes, and sacks. As we lifted the drain covers and began scraping the inside with rakes, I quickly realized it wouldn’t be a simple task. Sediment from the mountains had piled up to nearly 30 centimeters, mixed with various insects and all kinds of debris. It was clear that rakes wouldn’t be enough, so we used shovels to remove the soil.
Soon after we began working, local residents started to come out one by one. They welcomed us warmly, explaining that the drain hadn’t been cleaned in 20 years and that it had overflowed during heavy rain a few years ago. They had been worried the same thing would happen again, and they were overjoyed when we came to help.
The residents offered iced coffee to the volunteers, who were soaked in sweat from nonstop work. Although I’d participated in many volunteer activities, it was the first time I saw people this delighted, and their joy made me even happier. As the sacks of debris piled up, I couldn’t help but feel proud. When we finished and counted them, there were nearly 100 sacks.
The residents who stayed with us until the end repeatedly expressed their gratitude and said they would actively promote the Church of God. I was thankful to have brought joy to my neighbors simply by following God’s teaching to be the salt and light of the world. I will continu