In continuing the movement to preserve the environment, the Church of God in Durham, NC partnered with Keep Durham Beautiful. The came together for a second time on February 26 to centralize efforts in cleaning up regional areas with large deposits of waste. This time, Church of God volunteers went to a forested area near the Eno River in Durham. This location is known for its scenic landscape. However, years of dumping waste in the environment has resulted in contamination and pollution, diminishing the beautiful scenery.On Sunday, about 30 members volunteered from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to restore the forest to its original state. As soon as Keep Durham Beautiful supplied the volunteers with bags and gloves they went right to work. Removing various types of rubbish, the once trash-riddled forest floor began to show its beauty little by little. 
The Church of God gathered 51 bags of miscellaneous garbage and 71 bags of recyclables. Moreover, several hundred pounds of large items were found. Volunteers had collected 2,440 pounds of garbage by the end of the cleanup.“We appreciate all the hard work the World Mission Society Church of God has done for Durham,” said Monica Ospina, a Keep Durham Beautiful representative. “Your group is always determined and hardworking! Litter is a huge problem because it pollutes our already fragile bodies of water and impacts our daily lives. We know your time is valuable and we are thankful for spending it giving back to the community.”Curious residents who were passing by stopped to watch the cleanup. The locals expressed how grateful they were to see the unkempt land receive attention. Meanwhile, Church of God members who participated in the cleanup said they were more than happy to help. The Church of God believes that through joint efforts such as this, the possibilities are endless. To learn more about the Church of God’s environmental cleanups and other volunteer activities, please contact us. 
Volunteers from the Church of God in Durham formed a chain to remove bags of trash from Sparger Road.
Church of God volunteer happily picks up debris while beautifying the landscape by Sparger Road.
Several volunteers worked in unity to remove large items weighing a hundred pounds or more.
Volunteers assist each other with the lifting of heavy bags of trash during the Sparger Road neighborhood cleanup.
Church volunteers removing debris from the forested area next to Sparger Road.
Church volunteer carries of bags of litter from the area near Sparger Road in Durham.
I am really thankful that I was able to participate in an activity to make society cleaner and healthier. Even more, it is comforting to know there are still other angels out there who come in unity to deliver a work that benefits human society.
Such a beautiful effort& a big help to the city of Durham!
Wow the fact that they were able to collect so much in such a little bit about of time is amazing. They must have been very united.
Wow! How beautiful it is to work willfully, voluntarily, to keep Durham clean! It is a beautiful act. When there are volunteers to help the environment, we can see how much love they have for the people and the community. Church of God members, you are greatly appreciated for your hard work!
Much progress was made in this area and can’t wait for more cleanups!
Wow that is great! Seeing a local church helping out their community by volunteering to clean up the Durham area is very beautiful.
This is an amazing way to show God’s love to the community. I am glad to see so many people out volunteering to help people see the love of God through their actions, not just their words.
Like a drop in a bucket, these little efforts can be used to shake the world.