After more than 90 wildfires, the worst in Chile's history, swept through the country leaving a scorched landscape about the size of Delaware, Elder Gary E. Stevenson addressed the many members and missionaries working to rebuild their communities after such widespread devastation.
Missionaries and members in yellow Mormon Helping Hands vests have worked alongside their neighbors—removing debris and collecting and distributing relief provisions. One stake in the agricultural region of Talca, for example, helped clear debris in the blackened Rinconada sector. Others have manned storage centers being utilized in ongoing relief efforts.
In other areas of Chile, members are collecting food, diapers, and water, and donating time at gathering centers. Emergency committees are also functioning in several Chilean stakes to plan and coordinate future relief projects in the various regions devastated by the blazes.
Members in Chile found comfort in the recent visit of Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The Apostle delivered a message of love and support from the First Presidency: “On behalf of the First Presidency and the Twelve, we express our love, compassion, and concern for the welfare of all those who have been so deeply affected by the many fires that have spread in Chile. We pay close attention to one of the responsibilities divinely assigned to us to care for the poor and needy.
“We will continue to look for ways to reach out to our needy brothers and sisters and encourage you to do so too.”