Church of God Creates a “Forest of Hope” in Nairobi

The World Mission Society Church of God (General Pastor Kim Joo-cheol) carried out a tree planting activity at City Primary School in Ngara, Starehe, Nairobi, on July 22, as part of the “Forest of Hope” campaign.

About 50 members of the Church of God, along with 30 students and teachers from City Primary School, participated in the activity and planted 200 fruit trees, including mango, guava, orange, lemon, papaya, and avocado trees. The seedlings were donated by members of the Church.

From early in the morning, volunteers gathered at the school with saplings, shovels, buckets, and other tools. They worked together to dig planting holes, carefully place the young trees into the ground, and provide water so that the trees could grow strong roots.

Through this activity, the Church of God hoped to create a greener and healthier environment for students and local residents, while also contributing to climate action and long-term food security in the community.

A Church representative said, “Trees are a precious gift that provide benefits for future generations. We hope that these trees will grow together with the dreams and hopes of the students. The Church of God will continue to cooperate with local communities and carry out various activities to create a sustainable environment.”

The Starehe Sub-County Headquarters welcomed the tree planting activity, expressing appreciation for the Church’s efforts to protect the environment and serve the community.

City Primary School Deputy Head Teacher Rose Muendo also expressed her gratitude, saying, “We sincerely appreciate the Church of God and all the volunteers for planting these trees at our school. This activity will help create a cleaner and healthier environment for our students and the surrounding community.”

The “Forest of Hope” campaign is a global environmental movement carried out by the Church of God to protect forest ecosystems through tree planting, the removal of invasive alien plants, and environmental cleanups in various locations, including mountains, urban forests, and communities.

The campaign is being conducted worldwide from May to August in commemoration of International Day for Biological Diversity (May 22) and World Environment Day (June 5). It is part of the “Global Hope Supporters,” an initiative launched by the Church of God to bring hope to a world facing various challenges since its 60th anniversary in 2024.

Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the campaign contributes to the goal of “Climate Action” by promoting environmental protection and sustainable living.

The Church of God previously planted 200 fruit trees around Kasarani Primary School in Nairobi in January. It has also carried out environmental cleanups on Thiongo Road in Kangemi, Kayole Spine Road in Embakasi, and Busia Road in Kisumu, helping create cleaner and more pleasant environments for local communities.

In addition, the Church held the “Worldwide Blood Drive to Give Life Through the Love of the Passover” in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu in May and June, sharing love and hope with neighbors affected by blood shortages.

The World Mission Society Church of God is a global church established in more than 7,800 locations across 175 countries. With 4 million members, the Church believes in God the Father and God the Mother according to the Bible and follows the truth of the New Covenant established by Christ.

Following Christ’s teaching, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” the Church has carried out approximately 50,000 volunteer service activities in six major areas: climate change response, poverty and hunger alleviation, educational support, health and well-being, support for sustainable cities, and peace, inclusion, and solidarity.

In recognition of its contributions to humanity and the environment, the Church of God has received more than 6,200 awards from governments and institutions around the world, including the President’s Volunteer Service Award from four U.S. administrations, the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in the United Kingdom, and various national and presidential awards.