The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints brought a 20-foot container of emergency equipment and supplies to the island of Aitutaki in the Cook Islands recently.
Representatives of the Church marked the arrival of the container in a small ceremony attended by local dignitaries including Mayor John Baxter and members of the Aitutaki Island Council.
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In the event of an emergency, the container of goods ― which includes a generator, tents, tools, food and water ― could provide for the basic needs of 200-300 people for several days.
“The container provides necessary evacuation material for Church members, visitors and the community of Aitutaki,” Church leader Pilitz Napa told the Cook Islands News.
He expressed gratitude to Church leaders, government officials and others who supported the project.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a history of humanitarian service. Thomas S. Monson, president of the Church, stated, “Not only by precept did Jesus teach, but also by example…He stretched forth his hand that others might be lifted…Unaltered is the divine command to succour the weak and lift up the hands which hang down and strengthen the feeble knees. Each of us has the charge to be…a doer…lifter…There are those within the sphere of our own influence who, with outstretched hands, cry out: ‘Is there no balm in Gilead…?’ Each of us must answer” (With Hand and Heart, The Ensign, January 1995).
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has five congregations throughout the Cook Islands.