Latter-day Saints Around the World: August 2024 

Newsroom features stories from its dozens of websites around the world to show what members and leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are doing to serve their communities. Today, we feature news from Cambodia, Canada, Ghana, Guatemala, Micronesia, Sierra Leone and Switzerland.

Micronesia: State Hospital Receives Medical Equipment Donation

Kosrae, an island in the Federated States of Micronesia, received a donation of medical equipment from the Church of Jesus Christ to the state hospital on August 6, 2024. Much needed items such as hospital beds, exam tables, dental chairs, wheelchairs, incubators and industrial water purification systems were contributed.

“There is no such thing as a coincidence,” said Bill Davis, manager of the Church’s Welfare and Self Reliance Department for Micronesia. “I believe the Lord’s hand was in all of this.”

Sierra Leone: Event Offers Free Medical, Nutritional Help for Young Children

Church members in the region of Kissy, Sierra Leone, organized an event on July 27, 2024, aimed at helping malnourished children — part of a new program that the Relief Society organization launched this year.

More than 200 people attended the event, which offered medical evaluations and instructions on medical care and nutrition, and supplies where necessary to address short-term problems.

“Having this opportunity has opened my mind to see how loving and caring our Heavenly Father is for His children,” said Adama Kargbo, who brought her son in to be evaluated.

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Cambodia: Church Helps Rebuild Local School

A celebration was held on July 26, 2024, for the renovation of the Saray Andet Primary School in Thma Koul District, Battambang Province, Cambodia, which was aided by the Church of Jesus Christ.

“We believe we are all brothers and sisters, children of our Heavenly Father. Many members of the [Church] around the world donated the money to provide these school facilities,” said Sister Karen Oates, a humanitarian missionary from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Read more about how the new buildings will bless the community on the Cambodia Newsroom.

Guatemala: Pre-primary Schools Blessed With New Furniture

The Church donated more than 800 tables and chairs, along with 120 small desks, bookcases and blackboards, were donated by the Church to public schools in the municipality of San Pedro Ayampuc, Guatemala, on July 23, 2024.

“Among these children, we will have presidents of the republic, doctors, teachers, lawyers, engineers, and supporting them to achieve their dream is what matters to us,” said Elder Patricio F. Giuffra, a member of the Central America Area Presidency of the Church.

The donation is expected to benefit more than 1,500 students in 23 pre-primary schools.

Switzerland: Missionaries Move Rubble Following Floods

From July 11 to July 13, 2024, 33 missionaries from the Alpine Mission assisted in clean-up work after devastating storms in Saas-Grund, Switzerland, and the surrounding area.

“Seeing how our work improves the lives of the people here was very moving,” said Elder Tobias Kroes. “Instead of our everyday tasks, we were able to achieve something really meaningful by joining forces.”

“I never imagined how fulfilling it could be to carry stones all day,” said Elder Leon Radtke.

Read more about their efforts on the Switzerland Newsroom.

Ghana: New System Brings Clean Water to Locals

Residents in the Upper East Region of Ghana now have access to clean water after the donation of a solar-powered borehole water system by the Church of Jesus Christ and Engage Now Africa.

Naba Francis Awineparigiya Anaafo, a traditional chief of the Mirigu Pungbisi community, celebrated with local residents on July 11, 2024.

Read more about the celebration on the Africa Newsroom.

Micronesia: Playground Designed for Students with Special Needs

Special education students in Kosrae will soon have access to a new playground donated by the Church. Equipment includes swings, climbing bars, a mini-climbing wall, slide, teeter-totter, and a rocking horse and sandbox.

“This will be a great benefit, not just for our students, but for the community and neighborhood, said Isao Mike, president of the Kosrae Special Parent Network. “After school hours, the playground will be open so that families from the community can come and enjoy it.”

Canada: Church Funds Provide Laundry Services for Unhoused Population

In May 2024, the Church of Jesus Christ donated funds to Boyle Street Community Services to assist in providing laundry services for unhoused individuals in downtown Edmonton, Canada.

“The Church is pleased to participate in this important initiative in providing laundry facilities to the residents of inner-city Edmonton,” said Elder Robert W. Mendenhall, an Area Seventy. “Particularly, we’re pleased that this year we can support greater stability for the initiative by enabling the acquisition of permanent laundry facilities. Reflecting the Savior’s charge to love our neighbors, we’re grateful for this blessing of providing help and assistance for those most in need.”

Read more about the collaboration on the Canada Newsroom.