Latter-day Saints Charities, the humanitarian department of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), donated kitchen equipment and other items to the Jerusalem Children’s Village of the Mustard Seed Communities (MSC) on Wednesday, June 13, 2018 in Spanish Town, Jamaica. Approximately 120 adults and children with special needs stand to benefit from the refurbishment of the kitchen with the donation of an industrial stove, deep freezers, fans, and several other smaller items. Among the attendees at the handing over ceremony were The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints humanitarian representatives, President and Sister Stewart, Executive Director, Mrs. D. Tulloch-Williams, and Director, Ms. Suzette Dixon, both of the Mustard Seed Communities.
Mrs. Tulloch-Williams spoke of the long-standing relationship with LDS Charities who have partnered on initiatives and have provided charitable support to the Mustard Seed Communities for well over a decade. As an example, she mentioned the critical assistance for the expansion of the poultry coops during a past project. She further explained that Mustard Seed Communities would not be able to give aid to vulnerable communities without support from other organizations. LDS Charities was encouraged to tell related charitable organizations about the many opportunities available to serve the Mustard Seed Communities.
President Stewart in his remarks informed the audience that Latter-day Saints believe children “are the purest among us, and we love them”. He mentioned that “we read in the scriptures that everywhere the Saviour went during His ministry on the earth, He always gathered the little children and blessed and loved them; He never turned them away”. Children always have a special place in His heart. “God uses people as His tools, so we are like wrenches in God’s hand. We need no praise nor thanks; we need to thank God and give Him the praise”, explained President Stewart. He spoke of his gratitude for the MSC family who gave him and Sister Stewart the opportunity to serve, be blessed, and become more Christlike. He said, “We just need to make ourselves available and the Lord will make us capable."
On speaking on the industrial stove donated by LDS Charities, testimonials were borne by the head cook, Mrs. E. Jackson who has been with MSC for eighteen years, and Ms. E. Simon, head for the household areas, for twenty-two years. They had many incidents and trials with the ‘old stove’ they used to prepare meals for the residents. They both described how they would try to effect repairs themselves, and even ‘brace-up’ the pots on the stovetop with stones, this amid the many apologies to teachers because breakfast for the students was often late. Since receiving the stove, meals have been ready on time!
Special attention and thanks was given to Ms. Melody McFarlane who has helped the Mustard Seed Communities over the years in numerous ways. She even provided the MSC with some much-needed pots to cook meals.
A female resident, Shanice Shaw who described herself as a poet, performed two songs for entertainment – “I Am a Promise” and “Hero”, which were much to the delight of her fellow residents, staff and guests who sang along with her.
LDS Charities was encouraged to tell other charitable organizations about the many opportunities to serve the Mustard Seed Communities.
LDS Charities sponsors relief and development projects in 189 countries and gives assistance without regard to race, religious affiliation, or nationality. Its purpose is to relieve suffering, foster self-reliance and provide opportunities for service.
LDS Charities follows the admonition of Jesus Christ to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, take in the stranger, clothe the naked and visit the sick and afflicted. LDS Charities operates both independently and in cooperation with other charitable organizations and governments.