May 9, 2025, 12:00 PM MDT
Around the world, Latter-day Saints’ Church of Jesus Christ seeks to follow the Savior’s example by reaching out to those in need.
All of Guatemala, recent donations from churches have had a major impact. By providing medical devices, technology and educational resources, the church is strengthening its communities and families and improving lives. These efforts hope to alleviate suffering, promote growth and promote hope.
Improve eye health in Villanueva
Thousands of individuals with eyesight issues in Villa Nueva, Guatemala, have been blessed with recent donations from the church, the church’s Spanish newsroom reports.
Villa Nueva Eye Hospital received a donation on February 27th. This donation will allow for more accurate diagnosis and timely treatment, helping to detect eye disease early and providing specialized care that many patients have previously not been able to access.
Donations include an ophthalmic ultrasound scanner, keratometer, and YAG laser with redectomy and capserotomy lenses.
Villa Nueva Mayor Minor Morales Zurita is grateful for the donation. “By adding this equipment, we hope to improve our ability to respond to diseases such as cataracts and other conditions that affect eye health,” he said.
Elder Patricio M. Giufra, at the age of 70, was the president of the Central American region of the Church, representing the church at Villa Nueva. “We believe this device will be an invaluable tool to enhance our work and bring hope to many patients,” he said.
The hospital expects more than 12,000 people to provide new equipment each year.
“This donation reflects our community’s well-being and our firm commitment to the Christian principles of love and service to our neighbors,” Elder Juhura said, adding, “Adding access to quality eye care can change the lives of many people.”
Fighting Teppan’s malnutrition and improving medical care
Relief Society church organizations are leading global initiatives to improve nutrition, education, vaccination and maternal care.
The Church’s Spanish newsroom reported in Teppan, Guatemala, that it aims to combat malnutrition and improve healthcare.
Medical and office equipment donations benefit more than 10,000 individuals, including children, mothers and individuals with acute and chronic malnutrition from 34 villages and 17 Hamlets.
Local leaders expressed their appreciation for the church’s continued support. Local church leaders said the donation is essential for many now and in the future.
“With this contribution, we are seeking not only to reduce immediate needs, but to lay the foundation for a healthy future for Teppan’s family,” he said.
Medical experts reflected this sentiment. Local doctors explained that the new equipment will allow them to “work more efficiently and save lives.”
Community leaders praised the church’s commitment to promoting better healthcare and reducing malnutrition. They hope that this support will bring lasting improvements to Teppan’s health care system.
Technology for students in Guatemala
More than 500 students from the Camino Seguro Educational Center in Guatemala received technology from church donations for laptops, tablets, projectors and charging carts, according to the church’s Spanish newsroom. These resources will help modernize education and help students build technical skills.
“This initiative reaffirms the church’s commitment to education,” said President Harold Perez, president of Guatemala Central Stockholders. “To support this education centre with tools to teach and communicate knowledge is to provide children and young people with a bright future.”
Erin Mooney, director of the center, expressed her gratitude for the donation. She said the equipment benefits students at all educational levels and helps them build technical capabilities that are becoming increasingly important in today’s world.
Both students and teachers were excited by the new resources. One student shared: “Now we can learn more about technology and use it to study and grow.”
Donations not only empower individual students, they also strengthen educational infrastructure and provide young people with the opportunity to thrive.
Strengthen your community through services like Christ
Local leaders and community members express their deep appreciation for the church’s support and are aware that these donations will improve lives for years to come.
By supporting healthcare and education, the church helps families build one community at a time.
“Whenever we do something to bring relief to another, temporary or spiritual, we are blessed to bring them to Jesus Christ and finding our own relief in him,” said Relief Society President Kamille N. Johnson. “We are grateful for the opportunity God gives us every day to love our neighbors.”
