An interview was conducted on 14 November 2013 with Elder Brent H. Nielson of the Seventy, who serves as Philippines Area President for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He details the experience of getting 204 missionaries out of harm's way as Typhoon Haiyan approached. All missionaries in the missions impacted by the typhoon are safe and accounted for. Click on each audio clip below to hear his comments.
| Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. Gardeners work to prepare the ground for General Conference. © 2012 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. | 1 / 2 |
Missionaries met with Church welfare and humanitarian department personnel to share what they observed in their areas before they were evacuated.
Some missionaries were in some difficult and frightening situations during the storm. The day after the storm passed, missionaries went out to see how they could help serve in their communities.
A few missionaries were injured as they escaped unsafe locations.
Missionaries had a variety of supplies and received instructions to find the safest location to weather the storm (sometimes a Church chapel, sometimes their apartment).
It's been a very emotional experience making sure every missionary is safe.
All are welcome to take shelter in Church buildings, whether members of the Church or not.
The buildings being used as shelters will also hold services on Sunday, if at all possible.
Assisting with Typhoon Haiyan Relief Efforts