Latter-day Saints Unite for Humanitarian Efforts Across South America

Latter-day Saints volunteers in South America engaged in humanitarian efforts by delivering aid in Brazil, packaging food kits in Paraguay, and refurbishing community centers in Bolivia. These initiatives reflect their commitment to serve others in accordance with the teachings of Jesus Christ, showcasing a unified effort to support those in need across multiple nations.

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have recently engaged in humanitarian efforts across multiple South American countries, exemplifying service as taught by Jesus Christ. In Brazil, following severe flooding, church volunteers delivered vital supplies. In Paraguay, members collaborated to create food kits for local families. In Bolivia, volunteers dedicated their efforts to refurbishing a community building, showcasing their commitment to improving local living conditions.

In Brazil, the aftermath of heavy rains led to widespread flooding and landslides, notably in Minas Gerais, São Paulo, and Paraná. Thousands were displaced or rendered homeless. The Church promptly mobilized to offer significant humanitarian assistance, including over 2,000 food baskets, 3,000 gallons of drinking water, 2,500 hygiene kits, 220 mattresses, and numerous blankets distributed across several cities.

Specifically, in Coronel Fabriciano, one of the hardest-hit areas, the Church provided 890 food baskets, 1,780 gallons of water, and hygiene and cleaning kits. Additionally, in the city of Ipatinga, which suffered a tragic loss of life and severe displacement, donations included 500 food baskets, 1,000 gallons of water, and 100 mattresses. Similar aid was extended to affected areas in Paranaguá, Campinas, and Jundiaí.

In Paraguay, Church members and volunteers from the Archdiocese of Asunción worked together to combat hunger in the region of Chaco, facing food scarcity challenges. On January 7, they assembled 3,000 non-perishable food kits for two communities, San Eugenio de Mazenod and San Leonardo de Fischat, under a campaign promoting solidarity and compassion for vulnerable families.

In a further initiative, 238 volunteers in La Paz, Bolivia, gathered to refurbish the José Soria Welcome Center, dedicating themselves to enhancing local care facilities on December 7 and 8 in 2024. The effort, led by Stake President Carlos Vásquez and supported by church members, included painting, repairs, and organization, inspired by the teachings of Jesus Christ on humility and service toward those in need.

The volunteers contributed supplies such as 61 gallons of paint, additional tools, and special gifts for children at the center. President Vásquez encapsulated the spirit of the event: “As the Miraflores Stake, we followed the example of Jesus Christ by showing love, service, and compassion.”

Overall, these initiatives across Brazil, Paraguay, and Bolivia highlight the profound commitment of Latter-day Saints to support their communities during times of crisis. By uniting to provide tangible assistance and improve local infrastructures, the church’s volunteers embody the values of service and compassion paramount in their faith.

In summary, the recent humanitarian initiatives by Latter-day Saints across South America illustrate a deep commitment to serving those in need. The coordinated efforts in Brazil, Paraguay, and Bolivia demonstrate the Church’s proactive response to disasters and their dedication to uplifting local communities. Through these acts of service, they embody the teachings of Christ, reflecting a strong sense of charity and compassion for vulnerable populations.

Original Source: www.thechurchnews.com