Protecting Punggol

Cigarette butts, plastic bags and bottles, used tissue paper, newspaper scraps and youth dressed in white, armed with black trash bags and gloves…

Many passers-by did double-takes at the unusual sight of volunteers working tirelessly to pick up rubbish on a scorching Sunday morning. Some local residents gave thumbs up and cheers of encouragement to these selfless volunteers who were drenched in sweat, for their efforts to protect the Punggol estate and give this beloved neighbourhood and clean and fresh new look.

On May 22, 2016, 182 members of the World Mission Society Church of God Singapore (SGWMSCOG) decided to set an example for the community by participating in the 2016 Clean WORLD Movement to Cope with Climate Change.

In collaboration with the National Environment Agency, and sponsored by BreadTalk, the SGWMSCOG embarked on a mission to clean up 150 residential blocks, schools, bus stops, parks and places of worship around the Punggol estate.

While cleaning the area, members of a nearby Residents’ Committee (RC) praised the young volunteers and encouraged them with refreshments, saying, “You’re doing a great job! We love you!”

To keep up their spirits, church members continued to praise one another for their efforts and sang praises to God to liven up the atmosphere.

After spending 3 hours in the hot sun and collecting 220kg of trash, the cleanup campaign came to a close. As a finale, the volunteers who participated in the event gathered for a group photo and formed a human chain to transport the trash to the collection point.

Melissa Chee, 25, church member, volunteer for the cleanup campaign, expressed her enthusiasm, “I’m thankful to be able to spend my Sunday meaningfully. The Bible says that we should take up the role of the salt to purify the world, and I’m glad to be part of the fulfilment of this prophecy!”

By doing good deeds for society and local communities, the SGWMSCOG hopes to share the love of Elohim God—God the Father and God the Mother to the people of that region.