On Sunday, November 16, the World Mission Society Church of God in Fresno, CA, held a park and street cleanup. The event took place right outside downtown Fresno, and just a 6-minute drive from the church in Fresno. Initially, the event was supposed to begin at 10 am.
However, due to heavy rain on Sunday morning, the event got pushed back to 1 pm. By 1 pm, the rain had paused, and even though the ground was wet and the temperatures were cold, members joyfully gathered at Fink White Park to have orientation and a briefing for the event.
Volunteers ranged from middle school students to elderly adults, and every member had a positive mindset and a happy face.
Cleanup Park and the Neighborhood
A total of 45 members came to the event, and they were divided into four teams to cover the local area around the park. The area ranged from Thorne Ave to South Trinity St. and went down to Stanislaus St. and even as far as A St. Several volunteers also circled Clumbia Elementary School and picked up trash around it.
A majority of the volunteers began by cleaning up the trash in the park, and they then expanded to their assigned areas. The neighborhood in the area is an older part of the city, and because of many transients, there is heavy trash and debris.
Despite the unsuitable conditions, many members participated with smiles on their faces as they got to spend time with one another while helping out in the community.
“It is always fun when we can be together and do good for the community,” one volunteer said after the event.
Volunteer events to glorify God
Since the Bible teaches to glorify God through good deeds (Matthew 5:14-16), the Church puts this into practice through various volunteer events.
Street and park cleanups are common themes for churches throughout the West Coast. Recently, the San Francisco church held a cleanup at Verdese Carter Park in Oakland, CA, and members in Hawaii cleaned up the Waipahu Canal.
The local church in Fresno has also partnered with various organizations, including Fresno State and Beautify Fresno, in a continued effort to beautify the city and surrounding areas.
Worldwide Cleanup Campaigns
On a global scale, the members held a cleanup at Balneario Punta Salinas in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico, in September, and members also held an environmental cleanup in Sirgarny, Jamaica, at the end of June.
Putting God’s teaching into practice, the World Mission Society Church of God hopes to make a positive change throughout the world.
The local Fresno church plans on holding more cleanups beginning again in 2026.
