Forest of Hope in Nairobi: Church Plants 200 Fruit Trees

A Forest of Hope Takes Root in Nairobi

The World Mission Society Church of God (General Pastor Kim Joo-cheol, hereinafter referred to as the Church of God) carried out a “Forest of Hope” tree-planting campaign on January 11, 2026, at Kasarani Primary School in Nairobi County, Kenya. During the activity, 200 fruit trees—including mango and orange trees—were planted, creating a sustainable green space that will benefit students and the surrounding community for years to come.

This campaign is part of the Church of God’s global environmental initiative designed to restore and nurture forests around the world. Through tree planting, removal of invasive alien plant species, and environmental clean-up activities in mountains, parks, and urban areas, the Church seeks to protect ecosystems and promote harmony between humanity and nature.

Commemorating World Soil Day and International Mountain Day

The Forest of Hope campaign is conducted worldwide in commemoration of World Soil Day (December 5) and International Mountain Day (December 11). These internationally recognized days highlight the importance of soil and mountain ecosystems, which play a crucial role in sustaining life on Earth. By participating in this campaign, the Church of God raises awareness of environmental stewardship while taking tangible action to protect the planet.

The tree-planting initiative at Kasarani Primary School is expected to have long-term environmental benefits. As the trees grow, they will absorb greenhouse gases, improve air quality, reduce soil erosion, and help mitigate the urban heat island effect. In addition, the fruit harvested in the future will contribute to improved nutrition and food security for the local community.

Trees as Green Shields for the Earth

A representative of the Church of God explained the significance of the campaign, stating, “Trees are green shields that protect the earth. They improve air quality, prevent landslides and droughts, secure biodiversity, and mitigate the urban heat island effect, while also absorbing greenhouse gases. Our members have come together with one mind and heart to build a greener future for our planet.”

This shared sense of responsibility reflects the Church’s belief that caring for the environment is an essential part of loving one’s neighbor and safeguarding the future for coming generations.

Part of the Global Hope Supporters Initiative

The Forest of Hope campaign is one of the key programs under the “Global Hope Supporters” initiative, which the Church of God has been carrying out since its 60th anniversary in 2024. Through this initiative, the Church seeks to bring hope to communities facing various global challenges, including climate change, natural disasters, and social inequality.

The campaign is being implemented in many countries, such as the United States, Mexico, Korea, Germany, Australia, and Kenya. By engaging local members and residents, the Church promotes community participation and fosters a sense of shared ownership in creating a sustainable future.

Aligned With the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

The Church of God’s environmental activities align closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Global Hope Supporters initiative focuses on six key areas, including climate change response, educational support, and the building of safe, resilient, and sustainable communities. Among these areas, the Forest of Hope campaign falls under the category of “Climate Action.”

Rather than treating environmental protection as a one-time event, the Church emphasizes long-term commitment. After planting trees, members continue to monitor their growth and encourage environmental education, ensuring that the impact of the campaign is both lasting and meaningful.

A Global Church Practicing Love and Service

The Church of God is a global religious organization with more than 7,800 churches in 175 countries around the world. Following the Bible, the Church believes in God the Father and God the Mother and practices love and service in daily life, based on Christ’s teaching: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Guided by this teaching, the Church has carried out more than 44,000 volunteer initiatives worldwide. These activities span a wide range of fields, including environmental protection, blood donation, disaster relief, educational support, cultural exchange, and public awareness campaigns, all aimed at promoting global harmony and sustainable development.

Continuous Service Across Kenya

In Kenya, the Church of God has consistently engaged in activities that support both the environment and local communities. The Church has planted trees along the Nairobi River and Tudor Creek in Mombasa, contributing to the restoration of water ecosystems. Environmental clean-up activities have also been conducted along Ngara Road in Nairobi, Lake Victoria in Homa Bay, and Vihiga Road in Kisumu, helping to create cleaner and more pleasant living environments.

Educational support has been another important focus. In February 2025, Church members painted murals at Homa Bay Primary School in Homa Bay County to improve the learning environment for students. Later that year, in September, the Church installed a security fence at Kangemi High School in Nairobi, enhancing safety for students and staff.

Sharing Life Through Love

Beyond environmental and educational initiatives, the Church of God actively promotes life-saving activities. Last year alone, the Church held the “Worldwide Blood Drive to Give Life Through the Love of the Passover” four times, helping alleviate national blood shortages and supporting healthcare systems in local communities.

The Church has also supported vulnerable households by distributing food packages containing rice, mung beans, sugar, and cooking oil to 30 families in Starehe, Nairobi. In addition, small-scale fishermen in Homa Bay County received motor boats and fishing nets, providing them with practical tools to improve their livelihoods and achieve greater self-reliance.

Recognized for Humanitarian Excellence

The Church of God’s devoted service has been widely recognized by governments and institutions around the world. To date, the Church has received more than 5,400 awards for its humanitarian efforts. These honors include the President’s Volunteer Service Award from four successive U.S. administrations, Presidential Citations from three successive governments of the Republic of Korea, the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in the United Kingdom, Brazil’s Legislative Merit Medal, Peru’s Congressional Medal of Honor, and the Antonio Brack Egg National Environmental Award—the highest environmental recognition bestowed by the Peruvian government.

Planting Seeds of Hope for the Future

The 200 fruit trees planted at Kasarani Primary School symbolize more than environmental action; they represent a commitment to future generations. Through continued service and environmental stewardship, the Church of God remains dedicated to expanding forests of hope around the world—planting seeds of love, responsibility, and sustainability for a better tomorrow.