On December 6, members of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus Netherlands Church gathered at Kralingse Bos, one of Rotterdam’s largest lake parks, for a meaningful volunteer activity. The event was part of the church’s “1st Graduation Commemoration Volunteer Program,” bringing together 27 participants, including newly graduated Class 116 students of the Zion Christian Mission Center.
Their goal was simple but sincere:
to practice the teachings of Jesus by caring for their neighbors and protecting the local environment.
Cleaning Kralingse Bos: A Park Loved by the City
Kralingse Bos is a large urban lake park located on the eastern side of Rotterdam. Much like Seoul’s Hangang Park, it is a popular place for walking, running, and enjoying nature. Because so many people pass through every day, litter often gathers around the lakeside paths.
A representative from Shincheonji Netherlands Church, part of the Bartholomew Tribe, explained that the city also recognized the need for cleanup in this area, making it a meaningful place for the volunteers to begin their first service project.
With gloves, bags, and other cleaning tools, the participants walked along the lakeshore collecting plastic bottles, fallen leaves, and scattered trash. As they worked, local residents who were out for a morning walk stopped to thank them, offering words of encouragement.
Class 116 Graduates: Beginning Their Faith Journey With Service
For many of the participants, this was their first volunteer activity after completing the full Zion Christian Mission Center curriculum and officially joining the church.
Angelique Werleman (53, Rotterdam) said she joined the cleanup with gratitude in her heart.
“I wanted to give back for the grace I received from God.
Cleaning the park and helping even a little made me feel thankful.”
Another graduate, Jouke Lingers (61, Arnhem), shared his hope for the future.
“I want to join in everything that shows God’s light.
I hope we can continue doing more activities like this.”
Their words reflect the purpose of the event: to begin their new life of faith with action, compassion, and love for the community.
A Step Toward Being ‘Light and Salt’ in the Netherlands
A representative of Shincheonji Netherlands Church said the cleanup provided a real opportunity for the new graduates to put biblical teachings into practice.
“Through this environmental cleanup, the graduates took their first step in becoming the ‘light and salt’ of the world.
Next year, we plan to expand our service activities to support vulnerable groups and continue sharing the love of Jesus with the Dutch community.”
The church also noted its recent volunteer efforts in Korea, where the Bartholomew Tribe participated in large-scale kimchi sharing for veterans and seniors—demonstrating that the same heart of service is growing internationally.
As the Class 116 graduates continue their journey, the hope is that their acts of kindness—no matter how small—will create a positive ripple throughout Rotterdam and beyond.
Source: https://vo.la/mldYB8e
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