Stories From the Field

The humanitarian missionaries with whom we work build relationships with partners in communities and governments in their countries to help those who are poor or needy grow in self-reliance and be able to provide for their needs and serve others.

Sister Biven with friends

Elder and Sister Biven serve in the south islands of Cape Verde and live in Praia.  Sister Biven is also the mission nurse.  Elder Biven wrote about their first project of 2018.  "This is a communal swine production project.  Using materials supplied by LDS Charities and working under the supervision of AgroNorte, the beneficiaries worked together to rehabilitate a run-down pusilga (pig house).

The pusilga on Fogo Island

LDS Charities then supplied 25 piglets and feed.  AgroNorte will teach the beneficiaries the basics of pig production.  The 25 piglets will be raised, some sold to purchase additional feed and the rest bred to provide 30 households with two piglets each to raise on their own.  This will improve the food security and self-reliance of these mostly women-led households.

Three Little Pigs all moved in!

Elder and Sister Biven have also been involved in Member Welfare projects which are priesthood led and directed with resources from LDS Charities.  These projects make it possible for members who do not have enough to eat to get training and resources to provide for their families.  One of these projects was to raise chickens for eggs and meat.   Elder Biven told us that one woman raised her chickens on her roof.  The next time they went to visit her, she had sold some of the chickens and added two pigs to the roof.  This experience gave her enough confidence to grow vegetables on the roof and start her own vegetable business.  She was able to provide the food she and her family needed.

Elder Biven and the chickens.

Elder Biven shared another experience. "The same hot afternoon during siesta, we walked to an NGO (non-government charity organization) REMAR that we had spotted in our neighborhood. It was also locked up tight. Just as we turned to walk home a truck pulled up and a man jumped out and ran up to us. “I know you! I know you!” he said in English. He had a story to tell. 26 years ago he was a cocaine addict. But he wanted to change. “Elders came to my home in Lisbon” he said pointing to our nametags, “and they prayed for me! Whenever I see them on the streets I remember, they prayed for me! And only a week later I got in REMAR” This wonderful man, João, the country leader for REMAR, was very open to discussing how we might work together. A few days later we enjoyed touring the farm he is preparing as a place for the recovering addicts to live and work. As we left João spoke to Elder Biven “would you pray?” What an honor! Once again an LDS Elder had the opportunity to pray for blessings on this good man, on the halfway house he was struggling to build, and on his work. A beautiful spirit was present.

Elder Gerritsen didn't know this is the way you hold pigs when he left Lehi, Utah to serve his mission.

Elder and Sister Gerritsen on the north islands in Cape Verde also are involved with Member Welfare projects.  They wrote "It is a delight to work with such humble members of the Church who work so hard and yet have so little.  Members involved in both of the pig projects decided on their own to donate a pig from the first litter to another poor family so that they an also get some help for their family.  What an unselfish attitude and decision by these wonderful people!"

A new home for the piglets. 

The Gerritsen's also wrote, "One project that we started this month was a Member Welfare Gardens Project.  It is on the island of Santo Antao.  Members in this project received drip-lines, tools and a wheelbarrow for their garden.  Another organization will give them seeds.  The bishop has worked with us for about 6 months to help plan and develop this project for these members.  The selected participants are extremely hard workers and have already done much to prepare the soil and their plots of land.  For some, it was likely the first tools or things they have ever had that are new.  They were so thrilled."

 Member's new tools for their garden

Elder and Sister Scoville serve in Sicily.  They wrote "The classes for the Vocational Sewing Instruction Project at House of Cultures in Sicily have begun.  Refugee girls without parents and refugee families with children live in this center for unaccompanied minors.  LDS Charities provided sewing machines, supplies and instruction.  The goal is to give skills to the refugees that can lead to employment and self sufficiency.

Besides teaching sewing skills, the classes foster reliability, commitment, and self esteem.  The students will be able to express themselves through creating projects.  We have observed that it is very important and therapeutic for the refugees to have a creative outlet.  The day we attended class, the Syrian women were thrilled to find an old plaid blanket in the stack of material.  They cut it up and fashioned an entire outfit for a toddler girl.