August 20, 2025, 12:43pm MDT
On August 19th, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Pacific region joined the Earth’s community of global observing the humanitarian days of the unified world, from Australia, Fiji, Tahiti, Kilibati, New Zealand, Samoa, Palau, Papua, New Guinea, Tonga and other island nations in the South Pacific.
For Latter-day Saints in the Pacific, humanitarian service is more than a response to a crisis. It is a way of life rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ, said Elder Peter F. Mels, the Directorate, was 70 years old and president of the Pacific region.
“On this world’s humanitarian day, we all remember being children of God. Our shared humanity calls us to lift up, love and serve one another,” Elder Meurs said. “In the Pacific, miracles unfold when communities come together with faith and compassion.”
As one of the 24 church regions around the world, the Pacific region serves as just an example of the church’s commitment to loving each other.
Speaking of the humanitarian work of the October 2019 General Assembly, Church President Russell M. Nelson testified about the responsibility for service for Latter-day Saints.
“Our greatest joy happens because our greatest joy is helping our brothers and sisters wherever we live in this wonderful world,” he said. “Giving help to others – it’s our pleasure to make a conscientious effort to care more about others than we care about ourselves. I might add, especially when it’s not convenient and takes us out of our comfort zone.
As global challenges continue, Latter-day Saints across the Pacific and around the world look forward to expanding their food security efforts, strengthening their mental health programs, and strengthening local emergency preparedness.
Recent efforts include providing clean water to more than 40,000 residents in Kilibati, Tubal and Samoa. Provide emergency relief in Vanuatu and Tonga. We support medical and hospital upgrades in Fiji, Tonga and Papua New Guinea.
For church news coverage of humanitarian efforts in the Pacific region in 2025, see below.
Listening, Loving Lift: The Church of the Marshall Island Swaiter Project brings clean drinking water to the five Kilibati Islands, Tongasenia missionary water assistants lend a hand with Samoa Availlite Lights and a bright heart: solar donation is learning in Papua’s new Guinea. Donation Clean Water, Seedling Nursery and School Improvements Celebrate Life in the Pacific Region
