Pilgrimage to the Phillipines Temple

The smiles and glow from the faces of these 25 beautiful, humble saints can only be surpassed by being blessed to actually accompany them (along with Elder & Sister Thurston) on this Pilgrimage to the Manila Temple in the Philippines. Prior to the day we left we had NEVER met any of them - but in 4 short days precious friendships were formed that will always be remembered with deep affection. There were both Vietnamese and Cambodian members (neither language of which Lance or I speak) can you spell charades? We had only ONE translator, a young woman who spoke all three languages - NONE had ever been on an airplane or traveled out of Cambodia. What a sight just watching us clear customs. 15 hours from Phnom Penh to landing in Manila - with 6 hour lay over in Siem Reap arriving at our rooms by 5:00 a.m. #stillstandingbarely Each person came with a purpose and goal which was happily accomplished before making our 15 hour long trek back to Cambodia.

December 2016 - Success Story

Dec. 7th, 2016- Christ fed the hungry and so can you.

The local Ministry of Cult and Religion in Kampong Thom Province asked for assistance for needy families suffering without food in the area.  LDS Charities was thankful for the opportunity to serve in this capacity.  

One hundred thirty families were invited to receive the needed commodities.  Rice, noodles, fish sauce, and oil in amounts that would assist a family from two weeks to one month depending on the size.  As the villagers gathered to receive instructions they were attentive as they listened to the reasons that friends they had never met from so far away would be willing to sacrifice so they would have what they needed to eat.  They learned about Jesus Christ and His admonition to feed the poor and to watch over each other.

                                   

The local LDS Branch President, his clerk, and missionaries were on hand for translation and heavy lifting.   We also noticed how neighbor helped neighbor, packing, lugging, and transporting the precious cargo.

                                 

Joy filled the warm Christmas air, smiles, thankful hearts and hands could be seen by all involved.