The Church of Jesus Christ Donates to Cebu Beneficiaries through Light the World Giving Machines

In a heartwarming event held on March 4 at Ayala Center Cebu, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints handed over donations to its beneficiary partners through the Light the World Giving Machines project.

The Light the World Giving Machines project allowed people to do instant acts of service through donation. The donations collected from the Giving Machines were given to three beneficiary partners: Cebu Caritas, Mabuhay Deseret Foundation, and Feed the Children.

Elder Choi, First Counselor of the Philippines Area Presidency, gave his welcome remarks, reminding everyone that through the Savior, Jesus Christ, we can find peace and love. He said, “Jesus Christ is the Light of the world…He extends all individuals, who have a righteous desire to share and we can all light the world as we participate in the Light the World Giving Machine.”

Before the handover of donations, the audience was shown a video highlighting the wonderful contributions of partner organizations in serving and helping others as well as the vital support of influencers like actress Xia Vigor, actor Jairus Aquino and YouTuber Andrea Angeles.

Elder Carlos G. Revillo, Second Counselor of the Philippines Area Presidency, shared his message with the audience, emphasizing the importance of working together to make a difference in the lives of those in need.

The donation handover commenced, with Cebu Caritas, Mabuhay Deseret Foundation, and Feed the Children receiving two checks each. The first check was from the Light the World Giving Machines, and the second check was a donation of 500K from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Representatives from the beneficiary partners, including Program Director Kendrick Minoza of Cebu Caritas, Ms. Melody Ledesma of Mabuhay Deseret Foundation, and Ms. Ofelia Cardeno of Feed the Children Philippines, expressed their gratitude and appreciation for the donations.

Program Director Kendrick Minoza of Cebu Caritas expressed his gratitude by seeing the event, “not as a gathering of saints, but a gathering of blessed sinners. Who probably asks for God’s blessing and guidance to be instruments of love and generosity.

“That is not a small donation, for the person’s life [beneficiaries]… it could change a lot especially for that person.” Said Ms. Melody Ledesma of Mabuhay Deseret Foundation.

“The Blessing is very much appreciated and accepted,” Said Ms. Ofelia Cardeno of Feed the Children Philippines. She added that “I never really expected that there will be another support coming from the Church.”

The event was concluded with an inspiring message from Elder Steven R. Bangerter, General Authority Seventy and Philippines Area President who highlighted the importance of love and how the Savior became the perfect example for this. He said “This is a very real manifestation of that from one loving hand to the other. May God bless you in your great work.”

The donation handover served as a reminder that even the smallest act of kindness could make a significant impact on the lives of those in need. The event encouraged everyone to spread love, charity, and kindness throughout the year and follow the example of the Savior to spread His light.