Humanitarian Efforts Pay Off

Sister De'Beauville, President De'Beauville, Elder Sherwood, Sister Sherwood, Sister Tanner, Sister Joseph and Br. Joseph.   

We all gathered and attended the Handing Over Ceremony.

The government officials organized and conducted a very nice ceremony where they presented a nice plaque and a very heartfelt thanks to the Church for the donation of over $80,000 worth of goods for the new Transit Home that will open soon.  The press was there and the ceremony was on T.V. that night, and will air again several times through out the next month.  A few months pryer, the Church donated hundreds of wheel chairs.  The highlight was a poem written and read by Clementia Eugene, where she thanked the Church for saving what she called their "White Elephant".  The government had purchased a home for abused & abandoned children, and had wanted to be able to provide shelter and security for them.  But, they had a huge problem, once the home was purchased and refurbished, the funds were gone and they were unable to complete the project.  A year and half ago, the Humanitarian Missionaries here in the West Indies, found out about their dilemma and wanted to help.  That started the ball rolling, and when Elder and Sister Tanner, the Humanitarian Missionaries now serving here,  came to St. Lucia about a year ago, they were able to, through the Humanitarian organization,   buy refrigerators, stoves, furniture etc. to help them finish the home.  That along with the all the hygiene kits, new born kits, school kits,  clothes, food etc., they now have what they need to open the doors and begin helping the people here in St. Lucia.

In addition to helping those coming to the Transit Home, the boxes of kits were given to the Boys Home, Home for Battered Women, the Girls Home, the orphanage, as well as the Homeless Shelters.

The De'Beauvilles, the Tanners and Elder Sherwood with two of the government officials, 

Angelina Mohamed & Clementia Eugene

We felt like we were friends with Angelina and Clementia at the end of the morning.

This act of service by the Church was not a small thing and so impressed these ladies that now when they hear anything about "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints", they will have nothing but good thoughts!  A few months ago when went to a similar ceremony when the wheel chairs arrived, not one of the Lucian's speaking could even say "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints".  They all messed up the name, but this time, they all got it right!!!!

We were brought to tears as we witnessed their sincere thanks.  We left the ceremony floating on air and so very grateful for all those that made this generous donation possible.  

Isn't being a member of the church the greatest blessing ever!!!!!