MormonNewsroom.org features stories from its international Newsroom websites to share what leaders and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints around the world are doing to better the communities in which they live.
India: LDS Charities Helps Villages Get Clean Water
More than half of the villages in the India state of Telengana are benefitting by the donation from LDS Charities of reverse osmosis (RO) water filtration systems that make unusable water clean and pure.
In total, 53 villages are now using the RO systems, and by this January, 70 villages will have working units. There was a lot of celebrating for this new development. This woman is cracking a coconut on the steps of a building. Coconut water symbolizes purity.
Go to the India Mormon Newsroom website to read how many people are being helped.
Indonesia: Mormon Eye Surgeon Serves, Operates and Teaches
Dr. John S. Jarstad, an eye surgeon, a college associate professor and a Mormon, has donated his skills and time to several Indonesian communities.
For more than 15 years, Dr. Jarstad has contributed his expertise and time for the sight program of LDS Charities. Among his priorities is teaching people who are preparing to become eye doctors.
Go to the Indonesia Mormon Newsroom website (Indonesian) to read more about what he has established to help those who are unable to pay for eye care.
Guatemala: Missionaries Do More Than Teach; They Serve
Missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving in Guatemala are giving their time helping in a Nueva Santa Rosa medical clinic.
The missionaries served as translators for American medical personnel — three doctors, a dentist, nurses, pharmacists and many students.
Get more information on the project from the Guatemala Mormon Newsroom website (Spanish).
El Salvador: National Day of Service at Cemeteries
Mormon Helping Hands volunteers and Latter-day Saint missionaries were in several cemeteries in November helping communities prepare for the Day of the Dead.
A variety of service was given, including cleaning and acting as location guides in the cemeteries. Many people were also interested in learning more about how to strengthen the family.
Read about the service on the El Salvador Mormon Newsroom website (Spanish).
USA, Washington: Latter-day Saint Youth and Studio C Cast Help Refugees
Cast members from the popular public television program “Studio C” left the TV stage to give service in a project with Latter-day Saint youth in Redmond, Washington, in November. They assembled hygiene and household cleaning kits for refugee families.
“This is the largest donation event I’ve seen,” said Nicky Smith, executive director of the International Rescue Committee (IRC), located in Seattle. “It’s spectacular to see young people involved and aware of real needs in our community.”
Go to the Mormon Newsroom website to learn more about the service youth provided alongside the “Studio C” cast.
Malaysia: Church Donates to Facility for Cancer Patients
A facility in Malaysia isn’t large, but it is important, especially if you’re a cancer patient. Treating cancer can be financially overwhelming; LDS Charities not only learned of the needs of a struggling cancer program but also took action to help.
The 13-bed home-stay facility received new mattresses, bed sheets, blankets and linens from LDS Charities, the Church’s humanitarian arm.
Read more about the facility’s circumstances and its needs on the Malaysia Mormon Newsroom website.
United Kingdom: European Parliament Members Receive Church Family Values Award
Two members of the European Parliament were honored with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Family Values Award recently.
Elder Patrick Kearon of the Church’s Seventy presented the awards. The European Family Values Award in Brussels recognizes individuals and organizations whose work and influence with the institutions of the European Union have a significant impact on family life within European societies.
Read more about it on the United Kingdom Mormon Newsroom website.
USA, California: Making Spirits Bright With Music
Latter-day Saint entertainers put on a Christmas show for diplomats from 14 countries as well as government and community leaders December 1, 2016, at the Los Angeles Temple Visitors’ Center.
Broadway singer and actor Kevin Odekirk performed several Christmas carols, sacred hymns and even “Bring Him Home” from his first Broadway musical, “Les Miserables.”
Go to the Mormon Newsroom website to read more about the gala evening.