SANTO DOMINGO – On February 11, 2022, a delegation of international leaders from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, led by Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, along with members of the health cabinet chaired by the Vice President of the Dominican Republic – Raquel Peña, participated in the delivery of 250 neonatal cribs worth more than 6 million pesos, which are intended to benefit thousands of Dominican mothers and their babies in thirty hospitals belonging to the national public health system.
“This is a donation that we receive with much love and gratitude, recognizing the great work that the Church has carried out for many years; and, at the same time, ensuring that this generous donation reaches those who need it most with all transparency, honesty and justice,” said Raquel Peña, during a meeting of the health cabinet.
On his part, Elder Soares explained the Church's motivations for carrying out these types of projects: “The extensive humanitarian work of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout the world is based on the simple reality that we are all children of a loving and just God who considers all His children without distinction and who, through the wonderful gift of His Son Jesus Christ, His exemplary life and His teachings has taught us that “... Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” quoting the words of Jesus.
He indicated the project – which he referred to as “the first of many others” – arose from a previous meeting held with the vice president in August 2021, in which they agreed to identify opportunities to cooperate on social works projects. The cribs donation was recommended by the Vice Presidency team and the Church decided to respond in order to help improve the services received by the expectant mothers and their babies in the benefited hospitals.
“On behalf of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the more than one hundred and thirty-four thousand members of the Church in the Dominican Republic... thank you for the privilege of helping you help,” concluded the apostle, who at the end of his talk offered a prayer and a blessing to the country, its people, and its authorities, represented by the officials present.
For the Dominican state, along with the vice president, the Minister of Public Health, Dr. Daniel Rivera, the executive director of the National Health Service, Dr. Mario Lama, and the national director of PROMESECAL, Adolfo Pérez León, participated in the event. Also for the Church were Elder Brent H. Nielson of the Presidency of the Seventy, and Elder Eduardo Gavarret of the Seventy and President of the Caribbean Area, along with other Church officials
On the Church's Humanitarian Program
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints operates extensive social aid work worldwide through its humanitarian branch, an organization called LDS Charities, which uses generous donations from Church members around the world to strengthen governmental and non-governmental welfare support through projects focused on the principle of self-reliance.
Since 1980, through LDS Charities, the Church has carried out hundreds of projects aimed at areas such as health, education, housing, food, production, employment, microenterprise, responses to natural disasters and emergencies, among others.
Remarks by Elder Ulisses Soares to the Health Cabinet
Her Excellency the Vice-President of the Republic, Raquel Peña.
Honorable Minister of Public Health, Dr. Daniel Rivera.
distinguished director of the National Health Service, Dr. Mario Lama.
Distinguished Elder Brent H. Nielson of the Presidency of the Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Distinguished Elder Eduardo Gavarret, president of the Caribbean Area of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Dear friends and guests, good morning.
It is an honor for me, as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, along with my companions, to be present in this historic place to meet again with those we consider good friends and collaborators, led by Her Excellency Vice President, Ms. Raquel Peña, who received us with great kindness and a spirit of cordiality when we initially met in August 2021, to follow up on conversations previously held between the regional leaders of the Church and the current president of the republic, His Excellency Mr. Luis Abinader, in May 2020, back then a candidate for the presidency of the nation.
On that occasion, we explained to the Vice President our interest in continuing the relationship of collaboration between the Church and the Dominican state, which is long-standing and has considerably impacted the Dominican society in its social work for more than four decades.
With the help of the Vice President and her team, we identified several opportunities to benefit those most needy in the country and, after several work sessions, we arrived today at the delivery of this donation, which we hope will be the first of many in the continuation of this fruitful working relationship.
Therefore, on this significant occasion, we make a symbolic delivery of a donation consisting of two hundred and fifty neonatal cribs worth six million pesos, destined to bless thousands of Dominican mothers in more than thirty hospitals in the national public health system.
It’s no surprise that the first in a series of projects is focused on the needs of women as mothers and of children at the beginning of their earthly lives. For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, life is the greatest of all divine gifts. We believe that God, Our Heavenly Father, has an eternal plan for all of His children, in which birth plays a crucial role. When this miraculous event begins with dignity and with the hope of a good life, it is easier to undertake our journey on earth optimistically and with the encouragement to move forward.
The extensive humanitarian work of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout the world is based on the simple reality that we are all children of a loving and just God, who regards all of His children without distinction, and who, through the wonderful gift of His son Jesus Christ, his exemplary life and teachings have taught us that “... Inasmuch a`s ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” (Matthew 25:40). Therefore, this is for us, as a Church, a great commission to serve and help all who need it, without distinction of race, creed, nationality, or social status. Likewise, just as the State has joined forces with us in identifying opportunities to put this necessary work into practice, we join our efforts with those of many other organizations with the same interest in serving society, especially the most vulnerable.
On behalf of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the more than one hundred and thirty-four thousand members of the Church in the Dominican Republic, Madam Vice President, Mr. Minister, and Mr. Director, thank you for the privilege of helping you help.
May the Lord bless and sustain you in the sacred responsibilities that concern you, as you give your best to serve your nation and your fellow citizens, always with divine guidance and God's favor.
Thank you very much.
