I participated in a tree planting event held in Loganville, Georgia. The tree planting campaign is one of the major campaigns of the World Mission Society Church of God Young Adult Worker Volunteer Group [ASEZ WAO] and it aims to combat climate change by planting trees. While doing the meaningful work of protecting our planet as a home for life, each member of Zion also learned to become a good tree to bear good spiritual fruit.
To plant tree seedlings, we first had to break up the ground. The groundwork required the most effort. While I was pulling out weeds and removing stones from the ground, I was reminded of God’s word, “Break up your unplowed ground” (Ho 10:12). It made me think about how much work and effort I needed to put into breaking up the hard ground of my heart. I made up my mind to soften my hardened heart by continuously cultivating my character, no matter how hard it might be, in obedience to God’s word.
After planting the seedlings in the ground, we tied them together so that they would rely on one another to survive harsh weather, because they were not deeply rooted. This was similar to how we should work together in unity. When we endure hardship together, we can become spiritually strong enough to stand on the firm foundation of faith. And our unity greatly strengthens us to overcome hardships we experience in our life of faith. Although we weren’t able to often meet one another due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we came to take better care of one another than before, realizing how precious each member is. I really want to be a reliable member to always support my brothers and sisters.
Lastly, we watered the planted trees. We were told to give them plenty of water without worrying that they would get too much moisture, because they did not yet take deep foots. That reminded me of the members who had just taken the first step in faith. I’ve learned that I should wholeheartedly deliver God’s water of life to the new members who are like new seedlings, so that they can take deep roots in their faith.
I truly give thanks to Father and Mother for allowing me to help protect the environment by planting trees and to renew my determination for the gospel as well. I will make every effort to become a good tree that resembles God.