Students attending self-reliance classes sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Suva recently had the opportunity to serve vulnerable children and those who take care of them on a daily basis.
On the last day of class, the group and their leaders decided to give back to the community by offering service to others. They chose to offer their time and energy to the St. Christopher's Home for Children. The home and dedicated sisters offer safe haven to children who are at risk.
Classmates gathered rakes, cane knives, scrubbing brushes and buckets and traveled to St. Christopher's. Upon arriving, the sister in charge asked them to "wipe the windows and louvres."
The group divided themselves up into different dormitories so all of the windows would be cleaned. One worker said, "We shared stories while we moved up and down, wiping each louvre lovingly. This activity brought community members together in a common cause−to serve the deserving children and leaders at St. Christopher's."
For many who volunteered that day, it was an "emotional and an exciting experience." It was a first for some who had never been involved in this kind of service before. One participant commented, "We worked together knowing that when we are in the service of our fellow beings, we are only in the service of our God."
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints launched the #LightTheWorld service initiative on December 1 of this year. The aim of the initiative is to invite individuals, families, congregations and other groups to follow the example of Jesus Christ by sharing His light "in 25 ways, over 25 days" through service this Christmas season.