Latter-day Saints Around the World: September 2026

Newsroom features stories from its dozens of websites worldwide 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 Colombia, Guatemala, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Paraguay, Argentina and Peru.

Colombia: Church Delivers Aid to Earthquake Survivors

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints delivered humanitarian aid to the city of Cali for distribution to communities affected by the recent earthquake in Bogotá, Colombia. 

The first 1,000 of a planned 3,300 food and hygiene kits were delivered, with Church leaders, volunteers and psychologists distributing supplies, offering emotional support, and serving affected families.  

“We will ensure that, in an efficient and transparent way, the needs of all those who are suffering at this time are met,” said Cali Mayor Alejandro Eder.

Guatemala: Church Supports Hospitals and Health Posts in Escuintla

The Church donated ultrasound equipment, a digital mammography system, improvements to the Women's Clinic at the Regional Hospital of Escuintla, and medical equipment and furniture for 40 health posts in Guatemala on Monday, August 24, 2026. 

“More than medical technology, this donation represents hope for thousands of women and families in Escuintla,” said Elder Patricio M. Giuffra, President of the Church’s Central America Area.  

The project is expected to expand the early detection of child malnutrition and provide about 600 mammograms each month, benefiting more than 7,200 women annually. It will also strengthen healthcare services for approximately 800,000 people.

Philippines: Church Donation Strengthens Healthcare in Aklan

The Church donated ₱13.9 million worth of medical and diagnostic equipment to the provincial government of Aklan, Philippines, on Wednesday, August 19, 2026. 

The donation included six mobile X-ray units, 136 weighing scales, 135 canes and 330 digital blood pressure monitors. The equipment will be distributed to 327 barangays and six district health systems to help reduce hospital congestion and strengthen healthcare services. 

“We help people because we love Jesus Christ,” said Kalibo Philippines Stake President Elvin Villanueva. “We want to follow His example, and we want to help everyone who is in need of help.”

Puerto Rico: Church Donates Medical Refrigerators

In collaboration with Acción Social de Puerto Rico, the Church donated 300 solar-powered portable medical refrigerators to 15 municipalities in southern Puerto Rico on Monday, August 17, 2026. 

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The donation will benefit those with chronic diseases whose medication requires constant refrigeration.

Paraguay: Church Donation Establishes Computer Lab

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A middle school in Asunción, Paraguay, received a Church donation on Friday, August 14, 2026, to establish a computer lab. The project included 21 chairs, computers, a router, a printer, a Smart TV, blackboards, electrical installation work, and an air conditioner. The donation will provide students and community members with access to training courses through the National Service for Professional Promotion.

Argentina: Young Adults Join Community Effort to Serve the Homeless

Young adults, including 22 students from the La Plata Institute of Religion of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, joined government agencies and community organizations to serve people experiencing homelessness in La Plata, Argentina, on Friday, August 14, 2026. 

More than 400 hot meals were provided during the outreach, along with wound care, hygiene kits, health screenings, clothing, showers, haircuts, and companionship. Volunteers sought to meet both physical and emotional needs. 

“I saw our young people leave behind their own struggles to heal the pain of others with time, shelter and ears,” said Ezequiel Tartaglia, supervisor of the La Plata Institute of Religion.

Peru: Young Adults Serve Children’s Hospital

Young adults from a Church-sponsored young adult center participated in a day of service at a children’s hospital in La Victoria, Peru, on Thursday, August 13, 2026. 

During visits to the hospital’s hospitalization and emergency units, the young adults and their families delivered more than 50 books, toys, puzzles, and educational materials. They also presented a magic show for patients and their families.

Peru: Free Dental Clinic Promotes Oral Health in Lima

In collaboration with the Solidarity Dental Society of Universidad Peruana Cayetano, the Church hosted a free dental clinic for children, youth, and adults in Lima, Peru, on Saturday, August 8, 2026. 

Participants received fluoride treatments, dental evaluations, and dental cleanings, as well as instruction on oral health and preventive care.

Guatemala: School Furniture Donation Benefits 60,000 Students

In Huehuetenango, Guatemala, on Thursday, August 6, 2026, the Church of Jesus Christ and Guatemala’s Ministry of Education completed an education project that provided school furniture to more than 570 educational centers. 

“We are grateful for this donation and its vocation of service,” said Education Minister Anabella Giracca. 

The project included 14,120 desks, 3,000 triangular tables with chairs for pre-primary students, and 400 blackboards. The donation improved classroom environments for more than 60,000 students in rural and urban communities throughout the country.