June 11, 2025, 3:58pm MDT
During the recent ministry of Latter-day Saints’ Church of Jesus Christ to Asia, General President Susan H. Porter told members of all ages that God is keeping them in mind.
“They may feel that there are very few members in their country. Maybe they are the only members in school or at work, but God knows them, he loves them, and they do a very important job that they should do for him,” she said.
President Porter spent nine days with members from Laos, Cambodia, Taiwan and Thailand in May 2025. After one meeting, local members of the Bangkok Thailand Western Stake said that it could be related to President Porter’s message of love.
“Because despite life is full of challenges and trials, God is always there for us,” said HTET HTET Aung in a church newsroom video on President Porter’s ministry. “That’s a kind reminder for me.”
Children’s Hospital
During her ministry, President Porter visited the National Children’s Hospital and the National Maternal and Child Health Centre in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Thursday, May 29th.
She was accompanied by the elders of Benjamin MZ Thai from Asia and his wife, Sister Naomi Thai.
According to a news release on the Church’s Cambodian newsroom, the National Maternal and Child Health Centre has been working with the Church since 2022.
The church has also donated to the National Children’s Hospital for five years, according to Dr. Nhip Angkeabos, director of the hospital. Some of the donations include surgical devices.
“This allowed the National Children’s Hospital to develop both technically and in terms of the services it offers to children,” he said.
Primary Services
On visiting both the hospital and health centers, President Porter distributed hundreds of kits compiled by major local children. This included coloring books, art supplies and other items to bring comfort to younger patients.
The service is part of a primary service initiative in which all primary elections around the world are invited to hold annual service activities.
Earlier in the week, President Porter joined major children in Cambodia, Taiwan and Thailand to assemble some of the kits before delivering similar kits to Udon Thani’s home for girls in Udon Thani, Thailand.
“The minds of children are touching when they know that they can think about children who have needs and make a difference,” President Porter said.
Ret Nemanrtey, an 8-year-old Cambodia attendee, said he felt it was a good thing to be able to do this good deed for other children.
Eng Daniro, a participant at Phnom Penh Cambodia North Stake, said:
President Porter said he made sure to look at each young recipient’s eyes when handing out the kits, hoping that “they will feel loved and known by God.”
“We serve from love for God, and we serve because we love his child,” she said.
Serving members
In Taiwan, President Porter invited members across three Tayhin stakes to put God first and search for his hands in life.
She also made a surprising visit to the Taiwan National YSA Conference and told the gathered people to frequently seek the power of the temple to seek the power of the God’s priesthood.
President Porter said he could feel joy from his members.
“It’s a beautiful spiritual gift,” she said.
After prayers in Laos, members were emptied from the meeting hall to line up the roads when the president’s car departed.
Voutthisack sirisouk, a 19-year-old member, said there is high hopes for seeing church leaders firsthand.
“She talked about life at school, where she was the only member… because I am also the only member of my school,” Sirisok said.
In Thailand, President Porter spoke with members of Myanmar during a home evening activity. Many of our members live in Bangkok.
Aung Tu Kyo, who attends Bangkok Thailand West shares, said President Porter’s words made her feel lonely.
“We’re abroad, but… I have friends and family here. They’re increasing in my life.”
President Porter also spoke in a dedicated speech in Siem Reap, Cambodia on Tuesday, May 27th.
Pong Sopanha, 16, of Shem Leep Cambodia’s district, said he was moved by President Porter’s teachings about prayer. “When we pray, we come to know that we should ask God seriously and sincerely.”
