Church Congregations in the Philippines Light the World

In celebration of the true spirit of Christmas, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints launched a global campaign called Light the World. This initiative aims to celebrate the life of Jesus Christ by sharing His ‘light’ through service opportunities. Launched on 23 November 2017, Light the World is now on its second year.

In response to the worldwide Christmas initiative, Church stakes (dioceses) and wards (congregations) from all over the Philippines engaged actively in various projects in their areas.

Christ-like ServiceS

In Bulacan, the Malolos Stake coordinated with the ward councils to create service-oriented projects for their members and friends.

Members of the Balagtas Ward Council identified families and/or individuals who has special needs. They have selected a family who is economically challenged and treated them to a scrumptious meal at a fast food restaurant. The surprise of the ward members delighted the family as it was their first time to eat at a restaurant.

For the Guiguinto Ward, members drew inspiration from the scripture verse, “For I was an hungered and ye gave me meat.” (Matthew 25:35). Ward members, young and old, prepared sandwiches and packed juice drinks, and distributed them to street children in their area.

The members of the Malolos 1st Ward chose to serve the widows in their ward to show their love and appreciation for the sisters’ sacrifice and example. Widows were treated to a day of pampering at a salon, good food and a basket of goodies for their families. The day off from their usual routines brought joy to the sisters and warmed the hearts of those generous members.

In Davao, Mormon Helping Hands volunteers helped light the world by repacking goods collected from the RGMA Super Radyo Davao's and LDS Charities’ Christmas donation drive, Regalo sa Katribu. Collected items, such as blankets, clothes, bags, sacks of rice, toiletries, school supplies, pairs of shoes and slippers, are set for distribution to the Lumad community in Barangay Salaysay, Marilog District, Davao City, Davao Del Sur on 15 December 2017.

 Songs for the Heart

In Laoag, members and full-time missionaries sang chorales and cantatas in front of over 500 spectators at the Aurora Park. This is in participation of the Laoag City Government’s initiative the Twelve Days of Voices Before Christmas.

After the program, members wrote down their testimonies of the Savior and attached the cards to colorful balloons before they were released to the sky.

Present in the event were members of the Laoag Stake, the Laoag Mission president and his wife, and Dr. Melvin Manual, the director of the Laoag City Risk Reduction Management Council.

 Light The World Campaign

This global campaign encourages members and friends of the Church to give service in 25 different ways over 25 days. An advent calendar is available for download on Mormon.org for inspiration when planning for activities and opportunities to serve those in need.