Global News

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

ASEZ WAO 2nd Mexico City Branch Cleans Up Xochimilco City Hall Area

On July 30, members of ASEZ WAO (Church of God Young Adult Worker Volunteer Group) 2nd Mexico City Branch, cleaned the streets near Xochimilco City Hall. Around 30 people, including local members, Korean members who visited Mexico for international cooperation, and officials from Xochimilco City Hall, participated in the volunteer activity. On Xochimilco Street, one of the main tourist attractions in Mexico City, there was a lot of litter carelessly left by tourists. The members began the cleanup at 11 a.m. and diligently cleaned the area around Xochimilco City Hall for about two hours. The trash collected by the members that day amounted to the equivalent of six 100-liter garbage bags. Citizens who watched the members said, “It’s great to…

Mexico

Jul 30, 2023

ASEZ WAO Members in Northern Luzon, Philippines, Launch “Mother’s Forest” Project

On July 30, members of ASEZ WAO (Church of God Young Adult Worker Volunteer Group) in the North Luzon region of the Philippines participated in tree planting as part of the “Mother’s Forest” project. This activity, held at Wright Park in Baguio City, involved about 100 participants, including local and Korean members, the chief and officers from the Baguio Police Station, and officials from the Baguio City Hall. 200 seedlings were provided by the Baguio City Hall. The Philippines is prone to landslides and sinkholes due to heavy rainfall. The Philippine government strongly encourages people to plant trees to prepare for natural disasters. On the day of the activity, despite heavy rainfall, the members remained focused on tree planting, wearing…

Philippines

Jul 30, 2023

ASEZ WAO Cleans Up the Bokmakierie Canal in South Africa

On July 30, members of ASEZ WAO (Church of God Young Adult Worker Volunteer Group) from South Africa conducted a cleanup activity at the Bokmakierie Canal located in Athlone, Cape Town. This activity aimed to clean up the canal to prevent sewage pollution caused by household waste, and further contribute to the preservation of the marine ecosystem. Approximately 120 participants, including ASEZ WAO members from both Korea and the local community and Athlone Ward Councillor of Cape Town, took part in this initiative. On this day, the members collected approximately 8 tonnes of waste, including discarded pallets, rubber hoses, and car parts, in the vicinity of the Bokmakierie Canal. Ward Councillor Rashid Adams, who participated in the volunteer service, expressed…

South Africa

Jul 30, 2023

ASEZ WAO Cleans up the Reconquista River in Tigre, Argentina

On July 27, Church of God Young Adult Worker Volunteer Group [ASEZ WAO] conducted a cleanup at the Reconquista River located in Tigre City, Buenos Aires Province. As part of the ASEZ WAO’s Blue Ocean Project, the volunteers aimed to improve water quality by picking up trash discarded in the river and on the beach, ultimately contributing to the protection of marine ecosystems. Approximately 90 participants, including ASEZ members from Korea and the local community, took part in the volunteer activity. Notable attendees included Gabriela Zamora, Minister of Internal Affairs for Tigre Municipality, and officials from the Tigre Municipality. At 10 a.m., members holding provided grabbers and trash bags gathered at the Tigre City Hall and began the cleanup near…

Argentina

Jul 27, 2023

ASEZ WAO Cambodia Members Carry Out Environmental Cleanup Campaign Along the ‘Phnom Penh-Hanoi Friendship Road’

On July 26, ASEZ WAO (Church of God Young Adult Worker Volunteer Group) members in Cambodia carried out an environmental cleanup along the “Phnom Penh-Hanoi Friendship Road.” The Phnom Penh-Hanoi Friendship Road, commemorating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Cambodia and Vietnam, runs through downtown Phnom Penh. Over 110 local members, Korean members living in Cambodia, and officials from the Kampong Speu Provincial Government participated in the volunteer service. The members cleaned the road and nearby shops for about two hours from 8 a.m., filling 200 bags of trash. Nearby merchants and residents expressed great joy, saying, “We’re very grateful for your efforts in volunteering,” and they added, “We hope that you will continue to carry out various activities…

Cambodia

Jul 26, 2023

ASEZ Seminar on Biodiversity 2023

ASEZ (World Mission Society Church of God University Student Volunteer Group) is making efforts on and off campus in order to protect the earth from climate crisis, even during school vacations. On July 24, ASEZ held the “ASEZ Seminar on Biodiversity 2023” in a classroom inside the Seoul National University College of Education. This seminar was organized by ASEZ members of Seoul National University to inform university students about the importance of biodiversity and to share the knowledge necessary to preserve it. Choi Jae-cheon, Chair Professor of the EcoScience Division at Graduate School Ewha Womans University gave a lecture to around 180 people, including ASEZ members, Seoul National University students, international students, and workers who are interested in environmental issues.…

Korea

Jul 24, 2023