Ral and Don Moving On: Self-Reliance, Service, and Sustainability

"Humanitarian assistance is a loving gift to help those in need

without regard to their religious beliefs or interest in Mormonism.

It is separately administered by professional workers

and by specially called humanitarian missionaries."

- Dallin H. Oaks -

Here we are at the "Big Table" on the third floor opposite the offices of the Area Presidency - minutes before the Area Welfare Council Meeting (AWCM) begins.

We present Humanitarian Projects for approval here. This room becomes a sacred place when we discuss funding projects because we are dealing with "sacred funds". We marvel at the generosity of the Church and the great care that is given in order to distribute these funds "In the Lord's Way".

In John, verse 5, we read the story of the lame man at the Pool of Bethesda. The man was not begging for money or asking for help. The Savior, noticing the man's need, said unto him: "Wilt thou be made whole?" The man then explained the problem he was having trying to step into the pool and "Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed and walk. . . . immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked. . ."

The Savior saw a need. He could have healed the man straightaway, but instead, Jesus asked the man to be actively engaged in his own healing.

As we thoroughly and prayerfully fine-tune Humanitarian projects, we are guided by the three principles of Self-Reliance, Service, and Sustainability.

We thought you might like to see a few of our recent projects!

I should mention that our "team" is also responsible for Emergency Response. Cyclone season is coming up soon, and if an island receives damage from a major storm - we drop everything to deal with it!

VANUATU

On the 26th of September, a national state of emergency was declared on the Vanuatu island of Ambae after the Monaro volcano began spewing smoke, ash, and rocks. Within a week, the island's entire population of 11,000 was evacuated to neighboring islands.

LDS Charities provided a list of items, immediately available from an emergency container, which "included more emergency material than most of the largest stores in Port Vila." We have provided tarpaulins, tents, hygiene kits, water jugs, blankets, sheets, towels, mats, pots, dishes, and food, along with various miscellaneous items and support - including housing people in one of our church buildings.

The volcano's activity has now slowed and the government has made the decision that the people will be able to return home. Our missionary, working in Vanuatu has informed us that the situation will continue to be problematic: "The country has been very dry and some crops will have died due to neglect; animals will have died or be missing; and the water problem they had before will only become bigger." We are hoping that the wells we have installed on the island will be working to provide clean drinking water to the people.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

The following pictures show a devastating fire that hit the historical center of the town of Port Moresby. Again, LDS Charities was there to help the people and establish an emergency plan, including much needed supplies and support.

TONGA - CHICKEN COOP PROJECTS

LDS Charities provided the chicken wire and the men of the remote village built the coops. The women captured wild chickens to raise for eggs and meat, which significantly improves their protein intake. The coops below are from Vanuatu (left) and the main island of Tonga (right).

SAMOA

LDS Charities partnered with different organizations to provide a school renovation, water tanks for clean drinking water, and sewing machines to a village women's committee. Students provided all the labor on the school project; the village prepared the slab for the water tanks and formed a water committee to keep it sustainable; and the women's committee refurbished an area for a sewing room and will provide training and supplies.

TAHITI

When Elder Stevensen visited, one of our projects involved a donation of food to the Catholic Archdiocese - which was for a "Mercy Truck" that feeds the needy.

FIJI