Local Worldwide Church Helps Restore Glendale Treasure for Surrounding Communities
The World Mission Society Church of God has participated in more than 3,624 worldwide cleanup campaigns, earning them more than 2,000 prestigious awards from worldwide leaders
By Amelia Favela
In efforts to preserve one of Los Angeles’ hidden recreational gems, The World Mission Society Church of God (WMSCOG), that believes in the existence of both God the Father and God the Mother, hosted a volunteer cleanup at The Glendale Narrows Riverwalk Sunday, March 26, 2017.
The Glendale Narrows Riverwalk is a half-mile landscape that rides along the north bank of the Los Angeles River across Griffith Park. Although the Riverwalk once served as a central scenic location for the local community, due to heavy rains and trash accumulation, the former site-to-see has become a resting place for debris and local waste.
As concerned community members, The World Mission Society Church of God brought forth another one of its worldwide volunteer efforts, but this time on a local scale. The WMSCOG has participated in more than 3,624 worldwide cleanup campaigns, earning them more than 2,000 awards from worldwide leaders such as Presidents, Prime Ministers, government agencies, and local authorities in countries throughout world. Awards include multiple U.S. President’s Volunteer Service Awards, the Korean Presidential Group Citation, and most recently, the U.K. Queen’s Award (the highest ranked award given to a volunteer group across the U.K.)
Longtime Church Member Wendy Romero said participating in these volunteer events has allowed her to understand the power of unity. “It’s so rewarding to do something good for others. Sometimes I think to myself, ‘I’m just one person. What can one person really do?’ But when we come together in unity as a church and do volunteer services, I see the strength there is in unity. In just one hour we were able to clean up the park and pick up tons of trash. Something that not only benefits the environment, but also parks which are so important for families, and I’m so thankful I was able to participate and do a good deed to glorify Father and Mother.”
The members of The Church of God around the world carry out diverse and comprehensive volunteer services such as blood drives, disaster relief, cleanups, helping farmers, and supporting local events to deliver the love of God the Mother.
During the Riverwalk cleanup, the City of Glendale provided the organization with gloves and 100 trash bags, which the participating members used to gather tons of trash, debris and even waste left by the homeless who had formerly taken up residence in the area. Multiple shopping carts were also cleaned and collected for the city to easily remove from the Riverwalk area, creating a clear path for community members to access the scenic view.
The World Mission Society Church of God looks forward to continuing to carry out voluntary efforts to better communities. The determination is driven by the goal to ‘display God’s splendor’ in fulfillment of the prophecy “… let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16. For information about WMSCOG or any of their voluntary events, visit english.watv.org