We hope you were inspired by our last service update. But since that time members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints continue to help their communities and inspire those around them. They show their love for God and for each other by helping in times of need.
All people who serve, regardless of their faith, spread the light of Christ to others and help to make the world a better place. We hope these examples of service will inspire you to find ways to help out in your communities!
Helping Hands Assist Fire Victims in Chile
On April 14th, wildfires burned for several days in Valparaiso, Chile, leaving thousands homeless and 15 dead. Mormon Newsroom reports that Helping Hands has lended aid by having volunteers clean debris and offer comfort to victims. Missionaries have joined the force as well and Relief Society sisters have sorted donations.
LDS Teen with 22q11 Deletion Syndrome Inspires Others to Sportsmanship and Service
Church News reports on a high school senior, McKay Gregson, who has 22q11 deletion syndrome, a disorder that makes it difficult for him to socialize, learn, and coordinate himself. Despite this, he is the manager for the Prairie Grove High School basketball team. In a game against a rival high school team, he had a chance to shine and inspire others to serve.
It was near the end of the game and it was obvious that Prairie wasn’t going to win this one. Students started chanting to put McKay into the game, and the coach agreed. McKay shot the ball . . . and almost made the basket. Jeremy Mueller, of the rival team, caught the ball . . . and tossed it back to McKay!
McKay shot again, and made the basket just as the buzzer went off. His story touched many people, including an anonymous donor who offered to make t-shirts and have the proceeds donated towards research on 22q11 deletion syndrome.
Boy Scout Repairs Trinity United Methodist Church Thrift Store Roof
Service is about serving all people, whether they are of our faith or not. Deseret News reports that LDS boy scout, Dayne Graves, showed this by re-roofing the Trinity United Methodist Church thrift store in Kearns, Utah for his eagle scout project. Dayne is part of a home school group that meets at the Trinity United Methodist Church, and has now given back to them.
Akron Ohio Stake Fights Hunger
Kara McMurray of Church News reports that the Arkon Ohio Stake joined with 20 other religious organizations to support the annual Hunger Walk sponsored by the Akron Area Interfaith Council. This year, the Hunger Walk raised $21,000 plus 1,100 pounds in food. Douglas Talley, the stake president, says that “[n]ot only have we been involved in helping to feed the hungry, but we have made many new friends with those not of our faith as we join efforts in service.”
My Brother’s Keeper and Raising Awareness of Cerebral Palsy
The Cerebral Palsy Swagger is a 40 mile walk starting in Temperance, Michigan to raise awareness of Cerebral Palsy. Deseret News reports that this year, 14-year-old Hunter Gandee went the extra mile and carried his 7-year-old brother Braden (who is afflicted with cerebral palsy) on his back during the walk.
