Church Looks to Change Statistics

COLTON>> Although 38 percent of the U.S. population is eligible to donate blood, only about 5 percent do, according to Red Cross Blood. The World Mission Society Church of God (MSCOG) aspired to change these statistics. On March 12, the MSCOG hosted a Blood Drive Donation which included vocal performances and an opening ceremony which encouraged and informed donors on the importance of their participation. Colton Mayor Richard DeLaRosa and other Colton city council members appeared as guest speakers. The donation was one of many taking place in various branches of the MSCOG - primarily from regions of Los Angeles, Orange County and Sunland. In the month of March, MSCOG has conducted a mega blood drive with the goal of donating 800 pints of blood to donation centers such as LifeStream, American Red Cross, Cedars-Sinai and Huntington Hospital. In preparation for this year’s Passover, which will be held on April 10, members from the church will congregate to give their blood-donations. “We are so happy to have the opportunity to donate blood for those whose lives depend on it. The moment of discomfort is nothing compared to the joy of saving a life,” said Doris Orellana, who was a participant in the blood drive and a member of the church. Another member, Giovannie Gutierrez, said, “Christ died for our sins, shedding his precious blood on the cross to give us the beautiful example that we should also love one another as Christ loved us first. How can I take comfort in knowing that I can live, when others' lives are at stake?” As recipients of the “Blood Drive of the Year” award from LifeStream last year, the members of the church said they take pride in contributing in whatever way they can to the benefit of the global community. “The 2.5 million members of the Church of God will continue to give helping hands to the 7 billion neighbors of the global village. The church will play the role of the Good Samaritan and deliver the love of God Elohim to all the people in the world,” said missionary Caleb Kang, the overseer of the Riverside branch of the MSCOG. This inspires all 2,500 churches worldwide to do blood drives, worldwide cleanup movements, sock drives for the poor, food drives for those in need, support children with autism, and to participate in earthquake and disaster relief volunteer service. During the event, a video was shown highlighting the collective volunteer efforts and past recognition of the members. The church was honored with the U.S. President’s Volunteer Service Award three times in 2011, 2014 and 2015. The church was also acknowledged by the United Nations, receiving a call to service from former president Barack Obama. Recently, the church accepted the prestigious Queen’s Award of the United Kingdom for Voluntary Service. After thanking his wife Teresa DeLaRosa, Mayor DeLaRosa and Mayor Pro Tem David Del Toro said a few words of appreciation. “Although I may not be Barack Obama or the Queen of England, I would like to offer my greatest appreciation by giving Pastor John the city pin off of my lapel," DeLaRosa said. "We understand what a great honor it is to have had world leaders recognize you as they have, and we would like to express that we are so proud to have you here with us in the City of Colton.” The faith group encourages neighbors in the community to participate in upcoming events and to study the Bible at their church in Colton, located at 1401 S. Mt. Vernon Ave.