Global News

Church of God in Peru Takes the Lead in Climate Change Response by Planting Trees

Throughout September, members of God's Church in Peru engaged in large-scale tree planting to commemorate Tree Day, which falls on September 1, Peru's national holiday. This initiative was carried out in about 30 locations across the country, including Lima, Arequipa, Chimbote, Jaén, Ferreñafe, Trujillo, Huánuco, Oxapampa, Ayacucho, and more. A diverse group of around 1,500 participants, including ASEZ (Church of God University Student Volunteer Group) and ASEZ WAO (Church of God Young Adult Worker Volunteer Group) members, church members, and citizens, collectively planted approximately 6,420 trees. By planting trees suited to the climate and vegetation of each region, the memers not only beautified the environment but also aroused citizens' interest in environmental issues. Local media outlet reported their planting of…

Peru

Sep 30, 2023

Donations to Flood and Wildfire Victims and Food for Neighbors in Need for Chuseok

As the frequency of wildfires and floods is rapidly increasing around the world due to climate change, the damage is increasing in Korea, too. The victims lost their livelihood overnight and live in pain and anguish every day. The Church of God delivered love to the neighbors who had been impacted by wildfires and floods that occurred throughout the country this year, hoping that they would gain hope and return to their normal lives as soon as possible. Officials and pastoral staff members from the Church of God Headquarters visited the Hope Bridge Korea Disaster Relief Association in Mapo-gu, Seoul, on September 4, and donated a total of 200 million KRW (100 million KRW each) to help the victims of…

Korea

Sep 13, 2023

Dedication Services for Seven Churches in the Metropolitan Area

For about ten days from the end of August, the dedication services for seven churches in Gangwon Province and Honam Region were held one after another in a row. More than 30 churches in Incheon, Suwon, Hwaseong, Jinju, and Jejudo have been built and waiting for a dedication service to be held. It shows how rapidly the gospel is being accomplished not only overseas but also in Korea. Starting with the Hongcheon Church and the Wonju Church in Gangwon Province on August 29, the dedication services were held in various places. In the Honam Region on September 8, the Yeosu Church, the Shingi Church in Yeosu, and the Maegok Church in Suncheon had the dedication services. The following day on…

Korea

Sep 9, 2023

Education & Training for Teachers for Children, Students, Young Adults 2023

On September 7, with a sunny weather in autumn, the “Education & Training for Teachers for Children, Students, and Young Adults 2023” was held at the Okcheon Go&Come Training Institute. The Church of God operates a teacher system for each age group so that children, students, and young adults can set the right values in accordance with God’s teachings. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, online education has been vitalized, and teachers have frequently accessed education apps to improve their qualifications and acquire knowledge. This day, approximately 3,700 teachers and pastoral staff members from all over the nation participated in the education, which was held for the first time in four years. They strengthened their sense of responsibility as educators established by…

Korea

Sep 7, 2023

Student Camp for the Second Half of 2023

Vacation is a fun time for students to get away from the everyday routines at school and explore various experiences. The Church of God holds the student camp every year, so that the students can spend their vacation more meaningfully. The student camp for the second half of 2023 was held in Korea, the U.S., Peru, and Mongolia from July to August according to the schedule of each church. It consisted of various programs: field trips, cooking competitions, character education, volunteer services, etc. The students participated in the camp with excitement and anticipation, and spent a meaningful vacation, making good memories. Nurturing the Heart Through Bible Study and Character Education The words of the Bible are a guide that helps…

Aug 31, 2023

2nd Chamber Orchestra Concert for Students

On August 27, when summer was not over yet, the Church of God held the 2nd Chamber Orchestra Concert for Student. The Messiah Orchestra members prepared the event to encourage students to start their new semester with excitement after their short summer vacation. The concert, which was held at the New Jerusalem Pangyo Temple, Korea, was a great success, being attended by more than 2,100 audiences, including students, parents, and teachers in the metropolitan area. It was also broadcast live nationwide on YouTube, and more than 4,400 people watched it. The students who arrived early before the concert had a happy time taking photos by using props and picking out calligraphy postcards. There was a long line for each booth,…

Korea

Aug 27, 2023

ASEZ Signs an MOU With Tshwane Municipality

On August 21, ASEZ (Church of God University Student Volunteer Group) signed a Memorandum of Understanding [MOU] with the Tshwane Municipality in the Republic of South Africa. City officials closely observed ASEZ’s environmental efforts in various parts of South Africa, including Pretoria [Tshwane], and signed an MOU with ASEZ to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals [SDGs]. About 70 people, including 40 ASEZ members, a Member of Mayoral Committee [MMC] Kingsley Wakelin, Speaker of Tshwane Council Mncedi Ndzwanana, City Councilor Shaun Wilkinson, City Councilor Leanne De Jager, and City Councilor Katlego Makgaleng, attended the signing ceremony held at the Tshwane City Council. ASEZ members in South Africa have been carrying out various volunteer activities over the past five years, including cleanups,…

South Africa

Aug 21, 2023

ASEZ Members From the National Autonomous University of Mexico Planted Trees Around the National Canal

On August 20, the Church of God University Student Volunteer Group [ASEZ] members from the National Autonomous University of Mexico volunteered to plant trees around the National Canal. For about 2,000 years, the National Canal was a major transportation route connecting cities. However, in the 20th century, rapid urban development led to the cessation of boat operations, and it has been transformed into an urban ecological park. The Mexican government has been making significant efforts to protect the canal’s natural environment. To further green the National Canal, around 50 participants, including Korean and local ASEZ members and officials from the Mexico City Government Secretariat, joined the activity. ASEZ provided saplings, while the Secretariat provided the necessary tools such as shovels…

Mexico

Aug 20, 2023

ASEZ STAR Environmental Cleanup at Gungpyeong-ri Beach

The World Mission Society Church of God Student Volunteer Group [ASEZ STAR] from South Gyeong Province Chapter members carried out the environmental cleanup as part of the “Student Camp for the Second Half of 2023.” On August 20, more than 800 volunteers, including ASEZ Star members, their families and friends, participated in the environmental cleanup at Gungpyeong-ri Beach in Hwaseong, Gyeongg Province, Korea. Hwaseong City Council Vice Chairman Oh Mun-seop, Councilor Kim Sang-gyun, and Executive Director of Pyeongtaek Youth Foundation Yoo Myung-gyu joined the event to protect the environment with the students. Hwaseong Municipality provided waste bags to the volunteers. The volunteers, wearing green vests, collected waste from the beach, holding waste bags and tongs. Not only plastic wastes, but…

Korea

Aug 20, 2023

ASEZ Members from Malawi Lead Green Campus Cleanup

On August 20, ASEZ (Church of God University Student Volunteer Group) members in Malawi performed the Green Campus cleanup at Lilongwe University of Agricultural and Natural Resources. Around 70 members, including Korean members who were carrying out various hands-on activities in that country, Malawi members, and citizens, collected fallen leaves to reduce the risk of clogging the drainage, and cleaned the area to create a pleasant campus environment. The cleanup was performed for about two hours from 9 a.m. The members picked up trash such as fallen leaves, snack bags, and soda bottles near the on-campus cafeteria, and filled 25 sacks of trash. The members’ volunteering with bright smiles were reported throughout Malawi via the local private broadcaster, ZBS Radio.…

Malawi

Aug 20, 2023

ASEZ Members of the University of Pretoria Hold the ABC Movement at the Walkerspruit Canal

On August 13, the Church of God University Student Volunteer Group [ASEZ] members from the University of Pretoria held the ASEZ Blue Carbon [ABC] Movement in the Wackerspruit Canal in Sunnyside, Pretoria, South Africa. The ABC Movement is an activity of ASEZ to protect the marine ecosystem and raise citizens’ awareness of blue carbon to achieve carbon neutrality. ASEZ members are making every effort to protect the marine ecosystem by purifying water quality not only in beaches but also in rivers and canals. More than 90 volunteers, including ASEZ local members and Korean members who visited South Africa, and the Tshwane City Council members, participated in the volunteer service at the request of the Tshwane City Council. The Walkerspruit Canal…

South Africa

Aug 13, 2023

ASEZ Members From the U.K. and Korea Clean at Green Park in Richmond, London

On August 13, the Church of God University Student Volunteer Group [ASEZ] members from the University of Surrey in the U.K. and members from Korea who actively engaged in international exchange and volunteer activities during their vacation, engaged in an environmental cleanup at Green Park in Richmond, London. This initiative aims to provide a pleasant environment and raises environmental awareness for the citizens who frequently visit the park. London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and city council officials also agreed with the initiative and offered their active support. More than 80 people, including ASEZ members, citizens, and Deputy Mayor of Richmond upon Thames Fiona Sacks, participated in the cleanup. Starting at 11 a.m., the members collected a total of 220…

U.K.

Aug 13, 2023

ASEZ Members Clean the Polomolok River in the Philippines

The Philippines, with its more than 7,000 islands, has stunning natural scenery, attracting numerous tourists. As tourism has grown, the Philippine government is working hard to manage marine debris and prevent trash from land-based sources from entering the sea through rivers. Understanding these environmental issues, ASEZ, the Church of God University Student Volunteer Group, members took action on August 13 by organizing a cleanup of the Polomolok River in South Cotabato, the Philippines. This effort was part of ASEZ’s Blue Carbon [ABC] Movement. Around 90 participants joined, including Korean members who are involved in cultural exchange and volunteer programs, local ASEZ members, and other community members. Before the cleanup, members conducted a Blue Carbon Awareness Campaign at a civic center…

Philippines

Aug 13, 2023

ASEZ Members From the University of Connecticut, U.S., Conducts the ABC Movement at Ocean Beach Park

On August 13, ASEZ, the Church of God University Student Volunteer Group, members from the University of Connecticut conducted the ASEZ Blue Carbon (ABC) Movement at Ocean Beach Park in New London County, Connecticut. The ABC Movement is a marine ecosystem cleanup and awareness campaign aimed at protecting marine ecosystems and raising public awareness about blue carbon. Around 40 participants took part in the cleanup, including Connecticut State Representative Christine Conley, Mayor of City of Groton Juan Melendez, and ASEZ members from Korea who are engaging in global culture exchange and volunteer activities during their vacation. The members cleaned every corner of the park for about two hours from 7:30 a.m., collecting trash such as tents, chairs, and slippers. Representative…

U.S.

Aug 13, 2023

ASEZ Members Clean Tanjung Lipat Beach in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Tanjung Lipat Beach, a popular destination for both tourists and locals in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, requires continuous management to maintain its cleanliness and beauty. On August 13, ASEZ, the Church of God University Student Volunteer Group, conducted the ASEZ Blue Carbon [ABC] Movement at Tanjung Lipat Beach. This initiative aims to protect marine ecosystems and raise awareness about blue carbon to achieve carbon neutrality. Approximately 60 participants, including ASEZ members from Korea and Malaysia, as well as officials from the Kota Kinabalu Municipality, took part in the event. Starting at 7 a.m., the volunteers spent an hour and a half cleaning the beach, collecting a total of 900 kg (1,984 lbs) of trash. In addition to the cleanup, ASEZ members…

Malaysia

Aug 13, 2023

ASEZ Members of the Cavite State University, Philippines, Clean the Imus Campus

On August 13, members of the Church of God University Student Volunteer Group [ASEZ] at Cavite State University in the Philippines carried out the “Green Campus Cleanup” on Imus Campus. Approximately 100 people, including ASEZ members and officials from the Imus Municipality took part in the event. The cleanup was carried out for about an hour from 7 a.m. The volunteers picked up scattered trash around the campus, including deeply buried plastic and rain-soaked paper. Despite the sweltering weather, the volunteers served with bright smiles, cleaning every nook and cranny around the Imus Campus. Nerea Crisostomo Defensor, Information Education Campaign [IEC] Supervisor from City Environmental & Natural Resource Office [CENRO] said, “ASEZ’s environmental activities contribute significantly to maintaining the cleanliness…

Philippines

Aug 13, 2023

Coast of Cinta Costera in Panama City, Panama

On July 27, members of ASEZ WAO (World Mission Society Church of God’s Young Adult Worker Volunteer Group) engaged in a beach cleanup at Cinta Costera Beach in Panama City in collaboration with the Panamanian Ministry of Environment. This initiative was part of the No More GPGP Project, focusing on collecting plastic waste to safeguard the marine ecosystems. Approximately 90 participants, including local and Korean members, took part in the cleanup. Digna Barsallo, Director of the Coastal and Marine Department of the Ministry of Environment, joined the activity, providing encouragement to the participants. Cinta Costera Beach, a prominent tourist destination in Panama, experiences consistent foot traffic, necessitating regular cleaning and maintenance. It serves as an excellent venue for raising environmental…

Panama

Aug 8, 2023

The Church of God in Lima, Peru, Donates Supplies to the Ministry of Development and Social Inclusion

On August 8, the Church of God in Lima, Peru, donated clothing and blankets to the Ministry of Development and Social Inclusion in order to help vulnerable groups. Collected by church members in the Lima area throughout the month of July, the supplies included approximately 3,700 pieces of clothing, 230 pairs of shoes, and 60 blankets. The Ministry announced that these items would be distributed to 150 households, including single-parent families, in the Pamplona Alta residential complex through a soup kitchen in San Juan de Miraflores. The delivery ceremony, held at the Nuestra Señora del Carmen soup kitchen, was attended by around 110 members from the Church of God in Lima, including Julio Javier Demartini Montes, the Minister of Development…

Peru

Aug 8, 2023

Global Volunteer Activities and Cultural Exchanges by ASEZ, ASEZ WAO, and Headquarters in Summer 2023

At the end of July, a total of about 920 members, including the Church of God University Student Volunteer Group [ASEZ] members, ASEZ WAO members, and the workers for the Headquarters of the Church of God went to 117 cities in 49 countries in order to preach the holy love of God Elohim and the gospel of the new covenant to people around the world and to share culture with local people. By using their vacations and time off, they carried out various volunteer activities and shared culture in many parts of the world for one to three weeks. ASEZ Taking a Step to Create a Better World ASEZ members carried out projects such as Reduce Crime Together [RCT] program…

Jul 31, 2023

ASEZ WAO Kuching Chapter in Malaysia Cleans Batu Kawah Riverbank Park

On July 30, members of the Church of God Young Adult Worker Volunteer Group [ASEZ WAO] from the Kuching chapter in Malaysia carried out a cleanup at the Batu Kawah Riverbank Park. This park is famous for its scenic view of the Sarawak River. The cleanup was performed in cooperation with the Padawan City Council. Over 40 participants joined the activity, including chapter members, visiting Korean members, and Padawan City Councilor Tan Kai. At 10 a.m., members, wearing light green vests, equipped themselves with gloves and trash bags provided by the city council. With cheerful smiles, they thoroughly cleaned the park for about an hour, collecting 300 kg [660 lbs] of trash and 50 liters [13 gal] of plastic. Councilor…

Malaysia

Jul 30, 2023