The 3483rd Worldwide Cleanup Campaign, Church of God Volunteers Spread Mother’s Love with Coburg Lake Cleanup

WMSCOG Coburg Lake Cleanup

With the Coburg Lake Cleanup, the World Mission Society Church of God (WMSCOG) in Melbourne held their first environmental cleanup for the new year 2017. Due to massive storms around Melbourne, an influx of rubbish hit Coburg Lake. The rubbish accumulated in the lake and started affecting the waterways that stream towards the ocean. On January 22, around 90 warm-hearted volunteers of all ages gathered together with a spirit of unity. With gracious smiles, the volunteers cleaned Coburg Lake to prevent the rubbish from going back into the sea.

At 11 am, the volunteers were welcomed by Kelvin Thomson (former MP) who actively supports the Church’s cleanups. He started off by stating the importance of public open space to health and well-being. He also thanked volunteers by saying, “The work that you are doing is much appreciated by me and the wider community. Today you are acknowledging the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service which is well deserved. You have been doing mighty works for a number of years now, so well done!”

This was the WMSCOG’s 3483 Worldwide Environmental Cleanup Campaign. The volunteers divided into groups and spread out across the park. They cleaned alongside the Coburg lake and grass fields joyfully.

It’s our mission to clean ~

Annette, one of the cheerful volunteers, said, “It’s our mission to clean not only Coburg Park but also the environment, which is the most precious thing for us as we all live on this earth. And we need to take care of it. I feel so blessed to be part of this organisation as sharing the love of God the Mother makes me feel on top of the world.”

Leidy from the WMSCOG who brought her friend along expressed her joy. “I really like this church because I haven’t done any volunteer work before. I’m really happy to do this with the Church of God because they make the world a better place. I really like to do these things. It makes me happy and makes my heart grateful and I feel better than before.”

Yola, an international student from China, who came along with Leidy, said “I’m very happy because it’s the first time in a foreign country for me to do something like this. It’s so nice! I hope in the future people don’t throw their rubbish away on the ground.”

I’m very impressed ~

Councillor Mark Riley of South Ward for Moreland City Council joined the Coburg Lake cleanup, picking up rubbish. He gave the concluding speech to the volunteers saying, “I’m very impressed with the social service you provide around the City of Melbourne, and especially the Moreland area.” He addressed the concern about the recent flooding. He said, “What you’re doing is terrific. Look how much rubbish you have collected! You should give yourselves a big round of applause, continue to share the love and the peace.”

Overall, a successful Coburg Lake cleanup: 3 tyres, 1 suitcase, 1 trolley, broken road signs, wood and metal pieces. The outstanding amount of rubbish collected weighed around 186kg

Moreland City Council recognised the Church of God with a Certificate of Appreciation once again for their selfless efforts. The WMSCOG in Melbourne cleans the Coburg lake yearly and shares the love of God the Mother with the community.

Christ Ahnsahnghong established the Church of God in 1964. It is now in 2,700 locations in 175 countries with 2.5 million members.