The 11th New Life Family Walkathon

The 11th New Life Family Walkathon was held to help countries suffering from water shortage in Africa and Asia with water pumps, following the 10th walkathon, and it was greeted enthusiastically by the public whether it is Korean or foreigner. A film director who attended the walkathon said, “While traveling over 40 countries in the world to produce TV documentary films, I observed how serious water shortage was.” He appreciated the purpose of the walkathon, saying, “This event is life itself to the people suffering from water shortage.” And also, hearing the news about the walkathon, over 30 Americans joined and said, “We are very happy to help our global neighbors through this walkathon.”

From 10 a.m., various celebration performances were staged: New Life Children’s choir, PR ambassadors’ singing, video presentation about world water shortage and so on. Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah expressed her thanks to all the participants, saying, “Today, thanks to your beautiful minds, we can supply clean water of life to our global neighbors.” She mentioned the story about “A Good Samaritan,” who didn’t pass by a dying man but saved him, and encouraged the members, saying, “You, who take others’ difficulties as yours and share their pain together, are truly great citizens of the world and the true neighbors in this age.” Sponsor Chairman Lee Sun-jae also complemented the members, saying, “The water pumps will bring forth new life, and improve health of mankind. Your earnest heart of love is displaying its power now.”

After that, the heads of legations stood on the platform and delivered the messages of thanks and love to the IWF members, who donated the water pumps for the health improvement and life of the people of their countries.

In the Pump Donation Ceremony, the donations for water pumps were given to the embassies of six countries in Asia and Africa. Development of underground water and installation of water pumps will be progressed through the on-site inspection. Watching the guests’ demonstration of operating a water pump, all members gave a big round of applause, wishing the water of life to be delivered quickly to the country in Asia and Africa.

Around noon, the walkathon started with the departure announcement of Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah. When the members in blue shirts walked the 1.8 km course in the Olympic Park, it looked like the living water flowing towards the world. The blue wave shaped by 12,000 participants was a touching spectacle. Children walking joyfully, holding the hands of their mothers, children riding pickaback on their fathers and watching the higher world, little children walking with their grandfathers . . . The children smiled happily, walking with their families, and their hearts were full at the thought of helping their neighbors.

At the Peace Square, in order to inform the reality of the countries suffering from water shortage, many sections—water PR booth, message of hope, photos gallery about living water, and experience of pumping water—were prepared and provided a good chance to educate the families who finished walking. In addition, the volunteers from Daejayon [Intl. University Student Environmental Protection Volunteer Association] operated the “Green PR Booth,” and “Energy Saving Booth,” and gave education and delight to the participants through various events: Face Painting, Traditional Korean Games, Family Olympics, Smile Family, Photo Line and so on.

This day, all fathers and mothers became one–day teachers and explained the function of a pump to their children who curiously looked at it. They looked around the photos together with their children and explained the situation of the countries suffering from water shortage. A member, who came with his family and relatives, looked at the photos and said, “I’ve come to know how serious the water shortage is and become concerned about our future. I thought we should make more efforts to preserve our environment for our descendants.” And he commented on this event, “It is very helpful to explain the purpose of this walkathon to our children through visual materials like video and photos. Everyone is in good order, and there are also many programs that families are able to enjoy and experience together.”

The healthy and happy smiles of the children delivered another joy to children in Asia and Africa. In a photo, African children were rejoicing after receiving water pumps through the last walkathon.