Global ‘Forest of Hope’ Initiative Reaches Pune with Massive Tree Planting Effort

Hadapsar, 1st July 2024: The Church of God World Mission Society, led by General Chairman Pastor Kim Joo-chul, organized the ‘Forest of Hope’ and ‘Make Pune Happy and Green’ campaigns at the Ramtekdi Industrial Area in Pune, Maharashtra. This event, part of the ‘Global Hope Challenge’ commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Church’s establishment, drew around 70 participants, including church members, their families, and neighbors.

The campaign, held on June 30, 2024, was aligned with global efforts by the Church of God to mark ‘Environment Day’ (June 5). Similar activities are being conducted in countries including the United States, Argentina, Peru, Mongolia, and South Africa. The ‘Forest of Hope’ campaign, a voluntary tree-planting initiative, aims to combat desertification, which affects 75% of the Earth’s land area and is projected to devastate more than 90% by 2050.

On the day of the event, participants gathered for an opening ceremony where a Church of God official highlighted the importance of green spaces in reducing carbon dioxide and combating global warming. “The ‘Forest of Hope’ campaign is essential for protecting forests and responding to desertification,” the official said. “We will continue to follow God’s teachings to be the light and salt of the world.”

The ceremony included a joint declaration by representatives from various age groups, affirming their commitment to tree planting and forest protection to create a sustainable global environment. Following this, volunteers planted approximately 120 trees of various species within the Ramtekdi MIDC area.

Additionally, the ASEZ STAR student volunteer group from the Church of God conducted a cleanup operation from Fatima Nagar Junction to Ramtekdi, collecting about 200 kg of household waste. The Wanwadi Ramtekdi Ward Office supported the effort by providing sanitation essentials and saplings.

Nisar Mujawar, head of the Environment Department of the Ward Office, along with Rahul Kakade and Babu Adagale from the PMC department, visited the site to commend the volunteers. “This work is a beautiful effort to save the earth and the environment,” they said, expressing their gratitude.

The event also featured a panel exhibition to raise awareness about the seriousness of desertification. Panelist Mr. Simplex, 63, emphasized the severe consequences of desertification, including water shortages, biodiversity loss, and food scarcity. He urged everyone to join the global effort to protect the ecosystem and ensure a sustainable future.

The Church of God has a history of environmental and social service activities across India. Their initiatives include city, park, street, and beach cleanups, blood donation drives, and support for social welfare facilities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the church’s volunteer groups ASEZ and ASEZ WAO provided medical supplies and moral support to healthcare workers and government officials.

The Church of God, founded in Korea in 1964, now operates in over 7,500 locations across 175 countries, with 3.7 million believers. The church’s numerous volunteer activities, driven by the biblical teaching of ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ have earned them over 4,600 awards, including the U.S. Presidential Volunteer Service Award and the Brazilian Legislative Service Medal.