February 10th, 2025, 4:46pm MST
For the Latter-day Saints of Jesus Christ, service is more than just an act of goodwill, but an expression of faith and devotion to following the example of Jesus Christ.
Over the past few months, the church has continued to serve individuals and communities around the world, instilling faith and hope through their efforts. Their services include partnering with other organizations to reduce food insecurity in London, England. Funding and launching three primary schools in Hatai, Turkey. Supporting addiction recovery and homeless services in St. Petersburg, Russia. He contributed hundreds of volunteer hours to improve the cityscape of Zurich, Switzerland.
Read more about how church efforts build faith, hope and people within these communities.
London, UK
To alleviate food insecurity in London, England, Jesus Christ Church, Latter-day Saints and Muslim Aid, is partnering with the Felix Project, one of Europe’s largest food redistribution charities. Their partnership supports the project’s mission to distribute 40 million meals across London in 2025.
“The Felix Project CEO and executive officer of the British Empire,” said Charlotte Hill, “The Felix Project.” “Sadly, we know that many of them struggle to put food on the table. One in eight working families must (a) rely on a weekly food bank. It won’t happen.”
As part of their collaboration, Church and Muslim assistance is coordinating efforts to help the Felix Project move West London Depot to Acton Park, London. Their contributions include support for the Felix project with the construction, equipment and operational setup of the new depot.
“This collaboration reflects our commitment to reach out with compassion and having a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of people facing food insecurity,” said the Directorate of the Northern Regional Presidents of Europe 70. Elder Alan T. Phillips, the second counselor at age 2, said: “Together, we are building a foundation for support that strengthens families and individuals in the capital.”
The church’s London newsroom reported that the relocation of the depot on January 31st would increase capacity, with the Felix Project offering 12 million meals a week, reaching over 100,000 people.
“Our combined efforts are driven by a shared mission: to ensure that London families do not face the pain of empty tables,” says Khalid Javid, CEO of Muslim Aid. said. “This collaboration demonstrates the power of the faith community under the shared principle of serving humanity.”
The Felix Project is set to open the new Depot ritual in the third quarter of 2025, providing further opportunities for faith groups, volunteers and the public to engage and support the initiative.
Hatay, Türkiye
After two earthquakes struck Turkey on February 6, 2023, Latter-day Saints’ Church of Jesus Christ, Turkish authorities and other local organizations have been working diligently to restore damaged areas.
On October 23, 2024, the church, together with Turkish authorities, officially launched three schools in Hatai, Turkey, a region that has experienced particularly severe destruction, according to the church’s European newsroom. Three new schools located in the villages of Ashaioba, Serignor and üzümdali were built to withstand strong earthquakes and allow more than 2,000 children to continue their education.
“This is not about the buildings, it’s about the future,” Elder Reuben V. Aljaud, president of the Church’s Central European Region, said at the school’s inauguration ceremony. “It’s not about building with bricks, it’s about building faith, building people, building hope … and hope that this school and its beauty will contribute in some way to its purpose.”
The school’s inauguration ceremony took place at a school in Ashaoba, Hatai. The person attending the inauguration was Elder Alliaud. Elder Jack N. Gerald, 70 presidents, and the first counselor for the church’s Central European Regional President. Yusuf Tekin, Turkish Minister of State Education. Mayor of Hatai Mehmet Öntürk. Harun Chews, the Director of the State Education Bureau of Hatay. Governor Vali Mustafa Masatri and representatives of other churches.
Addressing attendees, Techin said the government’s priority is not only to restore all schools and classrooms that have been destroyed, but also to build more.
Techin also made possible by the construction of the schools through donations from church members around the world, and the direct involvement of local businesses such as Turmaks and FZA, where the churches have worked in the past. It’s become.
“I see all donors as our friends and helpers. I hope this will be a great example for the world, especially in a time when many people are struggling with the effects of war, conflict and disaster.” Techin said.
According to the church’s European newsroom, each school’s building has 12 classrooms, allowing each school to accommodate approximately 360 elementary school students in two shifts. The school also has plenty of natural light, a spacious and accessible entrance, two laboratories, heating and air conditioning, sports facilities, a school garden and an outdoor play area.
St. Petersburg, Russia
Inspired by the light of the church, a member of the Church of St. Petersburg, Russia volunteered to provide essential supplies on December 22, 2024. The foundation provides free support to those suffering from alcoholism, drug addiction and homelessness.
To participate, church members prepared and delivered food packaging, hygiene products and clothing.
“It is important for all to forget themselves and serve others to show the kindness of their heart,” said Anna Gorovina, a church member who attended the event. Ta. “We are grateful that this Christmas season has led us to be united in His service.”
According to the Church’s St. Petersburg newsroom, the service expressed by church members demonstrated that sharing the light of Christ through simple acts of service is transformative and makes the world a better place.
Zurich, Switzerland
When he visited Zurich, Switzerland in May 2024, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, a quorum of the 12 Apostles, presented the gifts with 1,000 volunteer hours on behalf of local church members.
On November 5th, 2024, the Church’s Swiss newsroom already completed 393 hours starting with a 52-hour cleanup, along with members of the Zurich and Swiss stakes and missionaries of German-speaking missions in the Alpine region. I reported that I was doing it. Projects focused on Schanzenglaven, Zurich and other streets in the city.
According to the church, this initial effort marked the beginning of a wide range of projects aimed at supporting and glorifying the city.
As the leader of the initiative, Civil Engineering Office Mark Günser praised the church members who participated for their collaboration and enthusiasm to improve the city’s landscape.
Latter-day Saints in Zurich are expected to complete a 1,000-hour service pledge through additional urban improvement projects over the coming months, the church reported. Through their continued service, they want to reflect their faith and connection to their community.
