A chance meeting at the Cebu airport led to a partnership with LDS Charities and Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez.
Gomez was on her way from Ormoc to Manila when she and Benson Misalucha, Area Welfare Director of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, happened to be at the same security checkpoint.
Misalucha was overseeing emergency response initiatives in Tacloban and his team was constantly doing assessments on the ground to address the needs of survivors. Days prior to the chance meeting, he read her “Love Lucy” column in The Philippines Star and noted Gomez’s appeal for shelter kits for her constituents in the fourth district of Leyte.
A conversation ensued as they shared notes on how to help Yolanda survivors, and arrangements were made on how the shelter kits can be provided.
“We were so happy when we got the call that the shelter kits had been approved,” said Gomez. “It was hard not to do the happy dance,” she added.
The approval was for 2,000 shelter kits at PHP 3,000 each. “Every day I would pray ‘Dear God, please send me the right people.’ The chance meeting at the airport was an answer to a prayer. We are very, very thankful,” she further said.
Gomez presented a framed certificate of appreciation to Elder Brent Nielson, Philippines Area President of the Church, penned in her own words: “For wholeheartedly extending invaluable help to the survivors of the super-typhoon Yolanda in the fourth district of Leyte, which includes Ormoc City and the Municipalities of Albuera, Kanango, Merida, Isabel, Palompon, and Matag-OB. Your kindness and compassion sparked a flame of hope, one that glowed ever so gently yet so brightly at a time when even that seemed improbable. For that we thank you so deeply. We will not forget.”
Latter-day Saint Charities (LDSC), the social arm of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is an application of the admonition of Jesus Christ to help others in need. LDS Charities sponsors relief and development projects in 167 countries. This assistance is rendered without regard to race, religious affiliation, or nationality and is based on the core principles of personal responsibility, community support, self–reliance, and sustainability.