15 Churches in the Gyeonggi Southeast Region Receive 18 Gyeonggi Provincial Council Speaker’s Awards
Recognized for Contributing to Community Development Through Diverse Volunteer Activities
Fifteen churches in the Gyeonggi Southeast Region of the Church of God received a total of 18 Gyeonggi Provincial Council Speaker’s Awards in recognition of their contribution to community development and the well-being of citizens. The churches were recognized for their wide range of volunteer activities, including street cleanups, blood drives, visits to public institutions, and disaster recovery efforts. On the same day, the Yeoju branches of ASEZ, the World Mission Society Church of God University Student Volunteer Group; ASEZ WAO, the World Mission Society Church of God Young Adult Worker Volunteer Group; and ASEZ STAR, the Church of God Student Volunteer Group, also received the same award, adding to the joy of the occasion.
The award ceremony was held at the Church of God in Yeoju on April 24. Kim Gyu-chang, Vice Speaker of the Gyeonggi Provincial Council, visited the church to present the awards. He said, “Many Church of God members throughout Gyeonggi Province have worked together in an organized manner and have cared for places that are often overlooked. Their example has become a model for citizens.” He added, “I hope they will continue their volunteer activities as they have been doing.”
Members in the Gyeonggi Southeast Region have carried out volunteer activities for more than 20 years in areas such as Yongin, Gwangju, Icheon, and Hanam. As of April 2026, they have conducted approximately 700 volunteer activities. They regularly clean heavily frequented areas, including Giheung Lake Park in Yongin, Deokpung Stream in Hanam, Yangpyeong Market, and Cheongmi Stream in Icheon. Through the Erasing Plastic Footprints campaign, which aims to achieve carbon neutrality, they collect and properly separate plastic waste, taking the lead in protecting ecosystems and reducing carbon emissions. Before major holidays, they donate daily necessities to local governments to help neighbors spend Lunar New Year’s Day and Chuseok without feeling lonely. In summer, they maintain street drainage systems to prepare for flooding, and during heavy winter snowfall, they participate in snow removal efforts. They also extend helping hands to local residents through visits to nursing homes, assistance with farm work, and coal briquette deliveries.
Members of the Yeoju branches of ASEZ, ASEZ WAO, and ASEZ STAR have also worked together with members of the Gyeonggi Southeast Regional Group to preserve terrestrial and marine ecosystems. They have cleaned areas such as the vicinity of the Namhan River in Yeoju and Cheongseok Park in Gwangju. As of April 2026, they have collected approximately 5.2 metric tons of waste. They have also raised environmental awareness among citizens by displaying informational panels on the climate crisis and practical measures for achieving carbon neutrality.
Hwang Seong-nim from Icheon said, “The volunteer activity I remember most is maintaining drainage systems during the rainy season. It was an area that had previously suffered flood damage, and after we cleaned it, the elderly residents who had difficulty doing the work themselves were very pleased. That image remains vivid in my mind, and it motivates me to continue volunteering with a sense of pride.” Kim Ji-seong from Yeoju, an ASEZ WAO member, said, “Seeing the environment become cleaner and the expressions on our neighbors’ faces become brighter gives me a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment. I hope to help create a warmer world filled with more love.”
