For students in the Church of God, the most anticipated time during school breaks is likely the student camp. Among the many programs offered, such as Bible studies, character education, volunteer work, and hands-on learning, my favorite activity is environmental cleanup. That’s because it provides meaningful lessons both physically and spiritually. During a recent break, we carried out a street cleanup in the Bisandong 4-ga area of Daegu.
When someone litters, someone else has to pick it up. It’s exactly as the saying goes: “Some throw it away, others pick it up.” Those who clean up the trash work hard and sweat, even though they didn’t create the mess. Perhaps the reason people still volunteer despite the effort is because of the sense of fulfillment they gain afterward. I feel the same way. And every time I participate, I renew my resolution: “I must never carelessly throw away trash.” I truly believe there’s no better education for young students than this.
The spiritual lessons are just as important. While volunteering, I often think that this must be what God’s sacrifice is like. We are the ones who sinned, but it is God who labors for our forgiveness. God endured countless hardships and persecution to erase our sins and wrongdoings. Just as those who litter rarely consider the sweat and effort of those who clean up after them, we too failed to understand the suffering and sacrifice God bore to forgive our sins. Nor did we realize the immense love contained within that sacrifice.
After each cleanup activity, I find myself reflecting on who I used to be and sincerely repenting before God. I also take the time to examine the current state of my faith. I am truly thankful to God for granting me such deep realizations through volunteer work.