Jamaican donation
Representatives of Food for the Poor, Missionaries of the Poor and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints© 2025 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.On Tuesday, September 16, 2025, a heartfelt launch event was held in Kingston, Jamaica, celebrating a remarkable humanitarian partnership. Father Richard Ho Lung, founder and Father General of the Missionaries of the Poor, spoke passionately about the spiritual significance of the initiative.
“We are under Christ, and all we do is for His kingdom. God mysteriously brings people together, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Missionaries of the Poor, Food for the Poor to show great love. Today, three hundred and two people are being told ‘get up and walk,’ and we become the legs, eyes, and heart of Jesus for those in need. We thank God for the vision to serve the destitute and pursue wholeness.”
At the heart of this initiative is the donation of 302 wheelchairs by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, aimed at improving the lives of individuals. Over the next three weeks, eight representatives from Missionaries of the Poor will undergo specialised training by senior humanitarian missionaries of the Church, Paul and Alissa Carnova who were present at this launch. This training will focus on proper wheelchair fitting and personalised care for recipients.
This meaningful project was spearheaded by Paul and Karen Sutherland, humanitarian missionaries of the Church, with vital logistical support from Food for the Poor. In addition to supporting Missionaries of the Poor, Food for the Poor will also receive some wheelchairs for broader public distribution, extending the reach of this compassionate effort even further.
Jamaica
Father Richard Ho Lung, founder and Father General of the Missionaries of the Poor, Jamaica, speaking at the launch of the wheelchair project.© 2025 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.As representatives from all three organizations gathered, the spirit of unity and shared purpose was palpable. President Shun Lawton, First Counsellor of the Kingston Jamaica Stake, reflected on the joy of collaboration:
“We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Missionaries of the Poor and Food for the Poor in answering Christ’s call to be His arms, legs, and eyes in serving others. It is a joy to make this donation as fellow children of our Heavenly Father.”
Echoing that sentiment, Suzan Moore of Food for the Poor highlighted the deeper impact of the partnership:
“As we travel and listen to the needs, it is clear, what is required but without incredible partners like the Latter-day Saints, it remains just a story. At Food for the Poor, we exist through generous donations and strong partnerships that go beyond giving. What is truly remarkable is that they are not just donating a chair, they are ensuring it improves someone’s well-being. That kind of thoughtful giving transforms lives.”
“It is a surreal moment and a joy. There is a sense of fulfilment. What a joy it is for us to see the Lord putting Missionaries of the Poor, Food for the Poor, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints together in this way.” Bro Joel Encico
These 302 wheelchairs represent restored dignity, independence, and access to daily life for hundreds of Jamaicans. Beneficiaries will experience improved physical comfort, emotional well-being, and greater social inclusion—empowered to attend school, church, and community events, and even pursue employment. Families, too, will feel relief and joy as loved ones gain mobility and confidence. This is not just about giving a chair; it’s about transforming lives through compassion, collaboration, and care.
Whether through service, support, or partnership, there is room for everyone to help uplift those in need and be the hands and heart of Christ in action.