Spreading Joy: Christmas Charity Lunch

 

On December 28, an email from Dovile informed us about a Christmas lunch organized by the Vilnius branch.

They aimed to help the lonely individuals during Christmas by hosting a charity lunch before Christmas. The goal was to create a welcoming space for single people to eat, socialize, sing carols, watch a nativity movie, and connect with church members.

To spread the word, a “Light the World” poster was displayed in the building’s window, inviting anyone without Christmas plans to join for lunch. On December 23 at 2:00, the Vilnius meetinghouse in the cultural center hosted the event. The branch members and missionaries set up the cultural hall for 50 people, and a caterer delivered enough food for them. 

There was a brief concern when the caterer forgot the soup, but it turned out fine as there wasn’t enough space for it anyway. Unfortunately, only 10 people showed up, but it worked out well for them as they could eat as much as they wanted. Some had three helpings, and there was plenty for everyone to take home in plastic containers. The event included traditional decorations and a nativity movie, creating a simple yet enjoyable Christmas spirit for those who attended. 

A Christmas Delight

On this Christmas day, remembering the words from Luke 2:11 – 'For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord' – I hope the love of Christ brings joy and peace to your heart. Wishing you a blessed and merry Christmas as we celebrate the birth of our Savior.

I’m sharing the highlights of our Christmas in London. We feel truly blessed to be here and to embrace the festive atmosphere, twinkling lights, and the warmth of friends. Let the photos capture the essence of our Christmas celebration.

Enhancing Pediatric Healthcare in Latvia

The Children’s Clinical University Hospital in Riga, Latvia, is the primary healthcare facility for children in the region. It serves over 30,000 kids who stay in the hospital and assists more than 160,000 who come for appointments each year. Currently, the hospital lacks some essential diagnostic equipment needed to fully service the families in Riga and interpret medical data accurately. This hampers their ability to provide the best care to the kids.

The hospital specializes in polysomnography, a critical service for kids with epilepsy and serious conditions. Teaming up with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the hospital is set to receive two child-friendly polysomnography units with accessories – equipment that is urgently needed. Additionally, the Church is supporting the hospital in acquiring special infant hearing testing equipment, crucial for checking infants' hearing. As this equipment is not available anywhere else in Latvia, the Church's assistance holds significant importance for improving healthcare for babies in the area.

This collaboration reflects a joint effort by the Church and the hospital to enhance healthcare for children in Latvia, making a substantial impact on their lives.

Christmas Joy and Visits to London

This week, our time in the London area has been truly remarkable, and we’ve had the opportunity to explore the city on two separate occasions. One of the highlights was visiting Elder Quinton L. Cook, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, at the Freedom of Religion seminar, where we gained valuable insights and connected with like-minded individuals. We also spent a few minutes interacting with Reverend Andrew Teal from Oxford. Additionally, we were captivated by the breathtaking Christmas light displays scattered throughout the city during our visit. The festive atmosphere was truly enchanting, making our London experience even more memorable.

On another occasion, we participated in the monthly senior couple event, which included a visit to the London temple and a delightful Christmas dinner and gift exchange. The joy and warmth shared during these gatherings were heartwarming, and we felt grateful to be part of such a loving community. In between these events, we took the opportunity to explore some National Trust properties, immersing ourselves in the rich history and natural beauty of the region. Overall, we are thoroughly enjoying our time here and relishing the diverse experiences.

As the Christmas season approaches, we are reminded of the true purpose of this special time of year. Amidst the festivities, we are making a conscious effort to bring our minds and focus back to the essence of Christmas – a time for love, kindness, and reflection. May this holiday season bring warmth to your hearts, and may we all find joy in sharing love and kindness with one another.

Empathy in Action for Tavi Draugi

Amidst the unfolding humanitarian crisis resulting from the conflict in Ukraine, our attention was drawn to the Ukraine Refugee Center, "Tavi Draugi," in Riga. From our initial visit in February to subsequent efforts addressing urgent needs, the Church's commitment to providing essential items and volunteer support stands as a beacon of hope for the thousands of Ukrainian refugees seeking safety in Latvia.

This large warehouse serves as a hub of a diverse assortment of donated items, neatly arranged as a pantry of gently used goods, including food, clothing, bedding, small appliances, and household items donated by generous donors. The purpose is to distribute these items free of charge to the multitude of Ukrainian refugees who have sought refuge in Riga due to the conflict in their homeland.

We recognized an urgent need to supply hygiene items and small food parcels to the ongoing demand, especially families escaping winter explosions and bombings in Ukraine. In response, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints committed to donate several pallets of essential items, including cooking essentials, diapers, hygiene products, feminine pads, and self-stable food, enough to supply the center’s demand for approximately six months.

In response to an additional support, including the ongoing needs of blankets, heaters, and additional hygiene products and food provisions, especially for young children and the elderly. A supplemental budget was swiftly approved to meet the demands and supply more pallets of essential items. We are grateful to contribute to such a noble cause, recognizing the dedicated volunteer service of the community supporting the refugee center.  

We are grateful to be involved in such a great cause to help support the refugee center, acknowledging the dedicated volunteer service provided by the community.