Residents of the Pacific are faced with frequent natural disasters, including typhoons, floods, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes. In many locations, there are also needs related to clean water and education. The Church has been active in addressing each type of challenge.
In addition, 54 healthcare projects and 28 emergency response projects were implemented in Australia, the Philippines, and the Pacific in 2023.
In the Philippines, the Church collaborated with World Possible to provide community hotspots known as RACHEL servers to rural schools without internet access, allowing them to provide a higher-quality education to students.
Persistent drought and rising sea levels have led to a water crisis in the island nation of Kiribati. The salt content of the water sources on the outer islands have made them increasingly unsafe to drink. In response, the Church is working with CDE Suez Pacific to design and install water desalination units in five outer-island communities that will provide 5,000 residents with safe drinking water for years to come.
James, an academic advisor at a university in Solomon Islands, lost his sight due to diabetes-induced cataracts. This challenge hindered his employment and his ability to care for his two young children. James was blind for nine months before he was able to get his sight back through surgery at the country’s Regional Eye Centre. This surgery was possible thanks to a Church contribution of surgical equipment to the Fred Hollows Foundation NZ.
“I praise the Lord for being able to see again,” James says. “I have a bright future ahead of me.”
In 2023, many natural disasters and emergency situations affected areas around the world. As part of an effort to care for those in need, the Church provided emergency relief through volunteer efforts, donations, and collaborations with other organizations. Learn more about the Church’s emergency relief efforts by clicking the button below.