On June 4, 2023, over 200 members from the World Mission Society Church of God in San Francisco, Fresno, and Bakersfield united together to conduct the 7,161st Worldwide Cleanup in the Tenderloin neighborhood of downtown San Francisco.
For decades, the Tenderloin neighborhood has been the center of one of the city’s greatest challenges. Factors such as an increasing crime rate and drug activity have driven the Tenderloin area into a grave predicament. Additional neglect and disrepair in the area, have also contributed to many local businesses and companies being on the verge of collapse.
With limited resources from the city to care for the area, it has been impossible for the surmounting trash and debri to be completely eradicated. As cleaning crews quickly complete their rounds in the early morning time, trash begins to build once again by the afternoon. A cycle that has left many of the long-time residents who call the Tenderloin home, feeling hopeless and disheartened.
As part of the Church of God’s mission to spread peace and happiness with the heart of Mother throughout the world, members carried out the Tenderloin neighborhood cleanup with the aim to reduce crime and beautify downtown San Francisco. Multiple studies have proven that when an area is cared for and has a clean appearance, crime decreases significantly. With this in mind, church members of all ages and backgrounds enthusiastically cleaned the streets by picking up trash and exemplifying God’s teaching of being the “salt and light of the world.”
Members with bright smiles carryout the event
It was evident that church members came prepared as they wore bright smiles and displayed willing attitudes to carry out the event. While it was not an easy task, given the amount of trash, all volunteers worked together in joyful unity making the work go smoothly. Even the hearts of onlookers and local residents were moved when witnessing the energy and eagerness of the volunteers.
Prior to the cleanup event, a branch church of the Church of God was able to be established through God’s grace on nearby Market Street. “What better way to serve our local community around us.” exclaimed one member when asked why the volunteers had decided to clean up this particular neighborhood.
By participating in this cleanup, the Church of God members hope to be a catalyst for the global village and move the hearts of all mankind to treat the world as if we are all one family. As a mother is the heart of a family, the Church of God continues to work to be united in taking care of each other, and serving in the community to create a stable and harmonious environment.
