Service

Many members who have seen the devastation caused by the recent earthquake and typhoon in the Philippines have contacted the Church wanting to know how they can help. Some have inquired about whether the Church could ship goods that they have collected or purchased. Others want to travel to the affected areas and offer their services to help those affected. While these desires are commendable and demonstrate the willingness of people to sacrifice to help others, the Church has learned that the best way to respond to disasters is to work locally, purchasing needed supplies in country as near to the disaster as possible. This not only ensures that the goods are appropriate for the area but it helps build up impaired, local economies. By working with and supporting local, reliable relief agencies, the Church can build bridges, create friendships and establish relationships that can extend far beyond the immediate crisis.

Mormon volunteers on the Philippine islands of Bohol and Cebu are working alongside their neighbors to rebuild damaged communities two weeks after a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck. The 15 October quake is the strongest to hit the central Philippines in 23 years.More than 1,000 Mormon Helping Hands volunteers are assisting with cleanup and relief efforts. Volunteers have been working with local government agencies to assemble 10,000 food kits and 8,200 hygiene kits. Three Mormon meetinghouses have been used as shelters. To date, the Church has provided 100,000 pounds of supplies — including food, water, blankets, hygiene kits and tools — to the relief effort.

The Missionary Department is currently accepting applications for the 2014 Young Performing Missionary program. Those selected will receive a call to serve as young performing missionaries (YPMs) for the 2014 summer season, May 2 through August 12, 2014, in Nauvoo, Illinois.

“Where were you on 9/11?”

After the rains of Hurricane Sandy stopped in late October 2012, Elder Jordan Walton, a missionary in the New York New York South Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, recalls driving with his companion, Elder Josh Munday, to affected areas such as Broadchannel and Rockaway to see the incredible devastation.

CTV Lethbridge produced this story about missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints helping with recovery efforts following June’s severe flooding in southern Alberta, Canada.