CITY OF INDUSTRY, Jan 4, 2024 – On a quiet weekday, the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank was busy with 100 volunteers from the World Mission Society Church of God. The warehouse, facing fewer donations and volunteer hours after New Year, had all three assembly lines filled with church members from different areas like Los Angeles, Torrance, Santa Clarita, Sunland, Riverside, and Cerritos.
United Churches Propel Towards Advancing United Nations Objectives
The World Mission Society Church of God members took the initiative to partner and volunteer with the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank in 2024, becoming the first group to do so. Their mission was to provide sustenance for over 5,000 children and seniors facing food insecurity in LA County. The passionate group diligently assembled robust food packages, including chicken, cereal, condensed milk, canned fruit, and more, preparing them for distribution to those in need the following weekend.
In line with their commitment to fulfilling the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, the Church of God specifically addressed “Goal #2: Zero Hunger” through this impactful volunteer service. Their dedication did not go unnoticed, as local media outlets such as Telemundo and NBC4 were present, conducting interviews with some members and capturing scenes for a news segment that later aired during the afternoon news broadcast.
It is More Blessed to Give than to Receive
Even high school students dedicated a day of their much-anticipated winter break to the cause. Leslie Franco, a student from the Torrance church, said, “It feels good to volunteer; it is so much fun. I think more high school students should volunteer to help the community.”
Angel Salinas of Sunland Church of God aims to radiate God’s glory and love through volunteering. Young adult Allison Salinas, also from Sunland, finds joy in assembling food packages and witnessing the happiness of recipients, stating, “The event is wonderful; I get to see people’s smiles.”
The members both experienced and demonstrated a vital teaching of the Church of God: “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35)
Where do all the volunteers with the Church of God receive the heart to want to serve their community? It all comes from the teachings of their Heavenly Father and Mother. When Christ Ahnsahnghong came to this earth and started his ministry, he gave everything he had to serve his neighbors. Following his example, members of the church of God give their time to serve the community. Additionally, Heavenly Mother teaches “As God always gives love, giving love is more blessed than receiving love.” This is the first of Her 13 teachings.
In only a few hours, members assembled 4,117 food packages with love. After the event, the Church of God received a certificate of appreciation from the Food Bank for their heartfelt service, the latest among thousands for prior volunteer work. Excited to share love with neighbors, the Church of God members dedicate themselves once more to society.
