Churches in Suwon Support the Event for Senior Citizens in Geumgok-dong, Ipbuk-dong, Dangsu-dong

On Parents’ Day, the Church of God members in Suwon City, Korea, participated in the events for the elderly in their communities. On May 8 and 10, 110 members from the churches in Homaesil-gu, Seryu-gu, and Gwonseon-gu, Suwon, Korea, supported the events in Geumgok-dong, Ipbuk-dong, and Dangsu-dong. These events were held at Chilbo Gymnasium in Seosuwon, Gwonseon-gu, respectively, being hosted by the Geumgok-dong Heads’ Association and the Ipbuk-dong Heads’ Association. This volunteer service was made at the request of the local governments.

The members volunteered throughout the events in cooperation with the Administrative Welfare Center. They boarded buses to the event sites together with senior citizens to help them move safely, and at the event sites, they helped with seating arrangements, meal preparation, and thorough cleanup after the event.

The elderly waved their hands at the volunteers who greeted them with bright smiles and applause, and made finger hearts to encourage them. One elderly held the hands of the volunteer and expressed his sincere gratitude, saying, “I’ve never received this kind of hospitality before.”

Park Jeong-gyo, who was in charge of security, said, “One elderly who was guided to his seat thanked me, saying, ‘It was difficult because the venue was crowded, but the young people liked you worked so hard for us.’ His saying moved me. I realized the value of giving love, and felt happy.” Park Ki-sun , one of the volunteers, said, “It was great to see the elderly enjoy their time like children on a picnic.”

The Churches of God in Suwon have shown love to their neighbors by communicating with the local communities through healing concerts, character education for youth, donating food and daily necessities, etc. Seo Jeong-an, the head of Ipbuk-dong, expressed his gratitude, saying, “The Church of God volunteers from the Church of God came to the event for the elderly, which was held for the first time in three years, which was of great help.”