On Monday, November 14, 2022, as part of the Central American ministry tour of Elder Gerrit W. Gong, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, his wife, Susan L. Gong, participated in the delivery of a donation of appliances made by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The machines were donated to the Comprehensive Care Center (CAI) of the Secretariat of Social Welfare of Guatemala. This donation will benefit children who are cared for in nurseries that offer free services to those in need.
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Sister Gong, accompanied by many local Latter-day Saint women, delivered 10 refrigerators, 25 industrial stainless-steel stoves, 25 industrial mixers, 25 blenders, 15 carts to transport food, 17 food processors, an 8-liter pressure cooker and 200 colored foam mats.
This donation will provide a colorful and healthy environment in which to prepare food for more than a thousand children between the ages of 8 months and 6 years who are cared for in day care centers, as well as children between the ages of 7 and 12 who receive education and food.
“We feel honored and grateful to be with you. You are doing a great and important job blessing so many children, and we know you are doing God’s work,” Sister Gong told the CAI authorities.
Sister Gong mentioned that Jesus Christ blessed each child, taught them and gave them special focus during his visit to ancient America (3 Nephi 17:11–12). She added that research shows that in the first years of human life, the physical, emotional, spiritual and intellectual care that children receive lay the foundations for the trajectory of their lives.
“Your work helps children reach their full potential. ... Thank you for your good work, your service, your example. Thank you for all the good you do and thank you for leaving us a small part of the good you do,” Sister Gong said.
The Secretary for Family Preservation, Strengthening and Community Support, Lourdes María Isaacs Caceros, thanked the Church of Jesus Christ for the donation and highlighted the noble work that manifests the love of God and neighbor.
“We have had the opportunity to receive other donations from the Church, and we feel blessed to have these appliances,” she added.
As a token of gratitude, Magister Isaacs Caceros gave an acknowledgment to the Church with the inscription “‘Make up your mind to do something that will have eternal consequences.’ To The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in gratitude for their altruistic work for Guatemalan early childhood that care is taken at Comprehensive Care Centers, Government of Guatemala, Secretariat of Social Welfare of the Presidency of the Republic.”
Sister Gong pointed out that the donation was made possible by donations from members of the Church around the world who contribute to those in need as a sign of love for their neighbor and their effort to follow the example of Jesus Christ.