Members and leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints from the San Francisco Stake (diocese) showed their love and followed the example of Jesus Christ by giving gifts and holiday packages to elementary school pupils belonging to indigenous communities of the Lydia and Dop Manguicao Ip School (Ipa) in La Paz, Agusan Del Sur. on December 8, 2022, as part of the ‘Light The World’ initiative.
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Twenty-five pupils received gifts from the diocese in the form of slippers, tumblers, bags, coin purchases, gowns, chocolates, and sweets from Church members and friends in the Agusan Del Sur region.
Stake leaders led by President Charles B. Galgo of the San Francisco Stake, accompanied by his counselor President Elfred B. Loquias and Stake Communication Secretary Genevive N. Eguia, traveled two hours by land and an additional two hours by river with the members to spread the Christmas spirit and illuminate the lives of the children of the indigenous Agusanon Manobo community in the school led by Head Teacher Jobert M. Cullantes.
The Stake leaders and members also held a humble Christmas celebration on behalf of the children to the appreciation of children and parents alike. “This is the first time we have had visitors who have shared the Christmas spirit with us. It saddens me that you’ll leave us now because we truly enjoy your company.” remarked parent Berna Calderon when asked about the celebration.
‘Light The World’ is an invitation to transform Christmas into a season of service. It’s a
worldwide movement to touch hearts and change lives by doing the things Jesus did like feeding the hungry, comforting the lonely, visiting the sick and afflicted, and showing kindness to everyone.
The ‘Light the World’ initiative began in 2016 and is on its sixth consecutive year.