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Approximately 250 family representatives gather to receive donations in #7 Makara District in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.2021 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
A little love and food was brought to approximately 1900 families who have been in Covid-19 lockdown in the Phnom Penh area of Cambodia. The Association of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints worked in partnership with the Anti Covid-19 Cambodia organization to donate a two-week supply of food to these families.
Five of the food distributions took place Tuesday, May 11. The districts receiving food were: #7 Makara, Russie Kao, Sen Sok, Chbar Ampov, and Toul Kork. Two of the districts are still considered to be “Red Zones”, with very limited food available due to the strict lockdown regulations.
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Approximately 250 family representatives receive donations in the Toul Kork District in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. This district is still listed as a “Red Zone” due to high concentrations of Covid-19 cases. 2021 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
Each handover ceremony was attended by about 250 family recipients. The food included rice, noodles, canned fish, soy and fish sauce, sugar and cooking oil. The food is enough to sustain a family for about two weeks. In addition to the food, a medication packet was provided through Soriya Hospital and was donated by H.E. Hor Sereyveth. This packet included such medications as: Vitamin C, pain relievers, upset stomach medications and face masks.
The following day, Wednesday, May 12, there were two additional food distributions that occurred in Ta Khmau district, Kandal province. These two handover ceremonies were each attended by about 315 family recipients.
Church representatives and senior missionaries joined with members of the Anti Covid-19 Cambodia organization and government officials to assist at the food handover ceremonies.
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Residents of the Sen Sok District line up to receive food donations in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. This district is still a “Red Zone” due to high concentrations of Covid-19 cases. 2021 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
Many members of the Church have been directly impacted by the recent lockdowns. In addition, the Church membership has felt a desire to help those who are in need. Charity is a Christ-like attribute that members of the Church are trying to develop. It is best expressed through love, concern, and giving to those who are experiencing trials and challenges in their lives. Physical needs are just one way to provide aid to others.
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Individuals receiving food donations in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on May 11, 2021.2021 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
Church President Russell M. Nelson recently reminded all that “there is no medication or operation that can fix the many spiritual woes and maladies that we face” as a collective global society.
He then said: “There is, however, a remedy – one that may seem surprising – because it flies in the face of our natural intuitions…Nevertheless, its effects have been validated by scientists as well as men and women of faith. I am referring to the healing power of gratitude.”
Those who participated in the distribution of food to the needy, remarked that it was a pleasure and a joy to assist. They expressed a special kind of gratitude to be able to look into the eyes and feel the hearts of those who were being helped.
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Leaders gather in Chbar Ampov District during food donation handover ceremonies.2021 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
A senior missionary in the Cambodia Phnom Penh mission, who participated in the food distributions summarized the thoughts of many, “As we looked upon those receiving the food, we hoped they saw a special light through our eyes conveying love for them and hope for their future.”