In celebration of Earth Day (April 22), we carried out a cleanup activity on Randle Avenue in the Bronx. Along with about 50 members of ASEZ, the university student volunteer group of the Church of God, local residents and representatives from the New York State Assembly also participated. In two and a half hours, we collected enough litter to fill 40 garbage bags. The street we cleaned had actually been the site of a major cleanup effort once before. At the time, our group was the first to take initiative in that area, which had long been neglected and unmanaged, resulting in a large accumulation of waste. Most of the residents who saw us working expressed gratitude and offered words of encouragement, though a few skeptics remarked that the area would become dirty again anyway, questioning the value of our efforts.
When we returned this year, we found that the street was relatively well maintained, with significantly less trash than before. It was evident that local residents had become more environmentally conscious and had started to care for their surroundings. It was a moment that we deeply affirmed how meaningful and rewarding it is to put good deeds into practice in accordance with God’s teachings. We will continue to fulfill the role of the salt and light of the world, striving to purify and beautify our communities both physically and spiritually.
