San Diego, CA – On November 16th, 2025, the International Military Bible Academy (IMBA) of the World Mission Society Church of God hosted a food drive. The IMBA partnered with the San Diego Food Bank in honor of Veterans Day to help military families facing food insecurities.
The IMBA military club, along with members from the Escondido, Santee, Chula Vista, and Mira Mesa Churches, gathered at the Admiral Baker Park in San Diego. Members prepared for the food drive by providing their donations and reaching out to the neighborhood communities and local businesses to donate.
Food Drive Efforts
The goal of the food drive was to collect 20,000 pounds of non-perishable food to support local military families, a work made even more important due to the impact of the recent government shutdowns.
In 2024, the IMBA held a similar food drive with the San Diego Food Bank and was able to collect 12,000 pounds of canned goods. The goal for this year was to surpass last year’s results.
As donations were given throughout the day, IMBA prepared various activities for the attendees and guests. Those who joined the Food Drive enjoyed food, face painting, animal balloons, and more.
Through God’s grace, the Veterans Day Food Drive resulted in 24,000 pounds of food, which doubled the results of last year’s food drive. This was an amazing result, surpassing the goal and record of food donations for the Church of God.
Church Of God Shines The Light In San Diego
Fox 5 and KUSI broadcast the event and encouraged San Diego residents to come donate.
Casey Castillo, the CEO of San Diego Food Bank, also joined the food drive event and showed his excitement and joy for the IMBA’s efforts. He expressed his gratitude as the Food Drive helped refill the San Diego Food Bank’s supplies.
Congressman Scott Peters and the Veterans Affairs Director also attended the Food Drive. They presented a proclamation to the International Military Bible Academy of the World Mission Society Church of God.
“Whereas the International Military Bible Study Academy of the World Mission Society Church of God exemplifies the spirit of service and charity by spearheading numerous community campaigns. Such as environmental preservation disaster relief, reducing poverty and hunger, clean water and sanitation, quality education, and emhodying the essence of compassion and solidarity.
Therefore, be it proclaimed on this day, November 16th, 2025, the the International Military Bible Academy of the World Mission Society Church of God be formerly recognized and commended on behalf of the constituents of the 50th Congressional District of the State of California for their unwavering commitment and dedication to serving San Diego.”
Globally, events such as these have become a staple for the Church of God. In 2003, the World Mission Society Church of God in Korea was awarded by the Korea Food and Drug Administration after running a 24-hour free meal camp following the Daegu subway fire.
In February 2025, the Church of God also delivered food and necessities to 25 countries on the World Day of Social Justice.
Finding a way to give back to the communities around the world is just a small part of sharing God’s love, who set the example of giving love by allowing the gift of eternal life and sacrificing so much for his children. Mother’s Teaching No. 12 is also a perfect example of giving back to others: “Even God came to serve, not to be served. When we serve one another without wanting to be served, God will be pleased.”
The Church of God will continue with such initiatives in order to beautify the community and put God’s teachings into practice.
