Torrance, CA – In the morning of Sunday, August 4th, 2024, Delthorne Park in Torrance, California, witnessed a remarkable act of community service. Approximately 150 dedicated volunteers from ASEZ, a university student volunteer organization affiliated with the World Mission Society Church of God, gathered with a singular mission: to restore the park’s natural beauty by picking up trash, removing weeds, and shoveling out excess dirt in the park’s pond and runoff stream.
The event was significant on many levels as it constituted the 8,512th worldwide cleanup campaign conducted by the World Mission Society Church of God, was done in correlation with Earth Recovery Day, and was aimed at achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals #11 for Sustainable Cities and Communities and #15 for Life on Land.
The volunteers’ collective efforts not only transformed the park but also earned them a Certificate of Appreciation from the City of Torrance Mayor George Chen – a recognition that adds to the numerous accolades ASEZ has received locally and globally. The award was personally delivered to the volunteers by Torrance City Councilman John Kaji, who also expressed his appreciation and support for ASEZ by signing both Memorandums of Understanding for Earth Recovery and Crime Reduction.
ASEZ awarded by City of Torrance
While issuing the award, Councilman Kaji expressed his appreciation to all the volunteers on hand, stating, “We are so happy to have you hear today, and we want to recognize your efforts for helping our planet, to keep it sustainable and to keep it clean.”
The City of Torrance Parks Division stated that the pond had been dried out and not functional since the pandemic. As a result, trash accumulated and even became buried under the excess dirt. However, by the end of the cleanup, the pond was being filled back up with water for the first time in several years.
Although the community service event was co-hosted by ASEZ at UCLA and California State University Dominguez Hills, a majority of the ASEZ volunteers traveled from neighboring churches, including Cerritos and Orange County. Additionally, 4 theological cadets joined from as far as South Korea, as part of their overseas field training, demonstrating the power of unity as well as the organization’s global reach. This cleanup mission is part of ASEZ’s broader initiative known as the “SAVE Movement,” which aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The movement focuses on four key areas: Social Service, Awareness Raising, Victim Relief, and Environmental Protection.
Reflection of faith to bring glory to God
For the members of ASEZ, volunteering is more than just a good deed—it is a reflection of their faith and a way to bring glory to God. Karla Ibarra, a recent UCLA grad and ASEZ volunteer who participated in the Delthorne Park cleanup, expressed her motivation clearly: “Sharing the love of God means to love your neighbors, so for me, being able to spread God’s love by volunteering is truly fulfilling.”
The significance of cleaning the environment extends beyond aesthetics for ASEZ volunteers. Cleanups like these are organized with the understanding that the state of a community’s environment can have profound effects on its residents. By maintaining a clean and organized environment, ASEZ aims to promote safety, wellness, and happiness within the community.
The ASEZ cleanup mission at Delthorne Park is a shining example of how ASEZ volunteerism is having an impact on local communities. Through commitment to service, ASEZ volunteers are not only improving the environment but also fostering a sense of safety and well-being among residents. Continuing their efforts both locally and globally, ASEZ remains dedicated to living out the principles of faith by making the world a better place, one act of service at a time.
Their spiritual motivation is at the heart of ASEZ’s mission. The organization’s members are university students who are inspired by the teachings of Heavenly Father and Heavenly Mother to make a positive impact in their communities. Whether it’s through environmental cleanups, food drives, or crime prevention seminars, ASEZ volunteers believe that even small actions can make a significant difference.
