During a recent ministry to the Asia Area of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Primary General President Susan H. Porter told members of all ages that God is mindful of them.
“They may feel that there are very few members in their country, maybe they’re the only member at school or at work, but God knows them, He loves them, and they have a very important work to do for Him,” she said.
President Porter spent nine days in May 2025 visiting with members in Laos, Cambodia, Taiwan and Thailand. After one meeting, a local member of the Bangkok Thailand West Stake said she could relate to President Porter’s message of love.
“Because even though life is full of challenges and trials, God is always there for us,” said Htet Htet Aung in a Church Newsroom video about President Porter’s ministry. “That is a tender reminder for me.”
Children’s hospitals
During her ministry, President Porter visited the National Pediatric Hospital and National Maternal and Child Health Center in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on Thursday, May 29.
She was accompanied by Asia Area president Elder Benjamin M.Z. Tai and his wife, Sister Naomi Tai.
The National Maternal and Child Health Center has collaborated with the Church since 2022, according to a news release on the Church’s Cambodia Newsroom.
The Church has also donated to the National Pediatric Hospital for five years, according to hospital director Dr. Nhip Angkeabos. Part of the donations include surgical equipment.
“This has enabled the National Pediatric Hospital to develop both technically and in terms of the service it offers to our children,” he said.
Primary service
During the visits to both the hospital and the health center, President Porter distributed hundreds of kits put together by local Primary children, which included coloring books, art supplies and other items to bring comfort to the young patients.
The service is part of the Primary service initiative, where all Primaries around the world are invited to organize an annual service activity.
President Porter delivered similar kits to the Udon Thani Home for Girls, in Udon Thani, Thailand, after joining Primary children in Cambodia, Taiwan and Thailand earlier in the week to put together some of the kits.
“Children’s hearts are touched when they think about children who have needs and know that they can make a difference,” President Porter said.
Eight-year-old participant Ret Nemanrtey of Cambodia said it felt good to be able to do this good deed for other children.
Said participant Eng Daniro, from the Phnom Penh Cambodia North Stake: “When we are helping the kids in the hospital, God helps us too.”
President Porter said she made sure to look into each young recipient’s eyes as she handed out the kits, with the hope that “they would feel loved and known by God.”
“We serve out of love for God, and we serve because we love His children,” she said.
Ministering to members
In Taiwan, President Porter invited members across three Taichung stakes to put God first and look for His hand in their lives.
She also made a surprise visit to the Taiwan National YSA Conference, telling those gathered to go to the temple frequently to seek God’s priesthood power to strengthen them.
President Porter said she could feel joy from the members.
“That is a beautiful spiritual gift,” she said.
After a devotional in Laos, members emptied out of the meetinghouse to line the path as President Porter’s vehicle departed.
Nineteen-year-old member Voutthisack Sirisouk said they had high expectations for seeing a Church leader in person.
“She talked about her school life, where she was the only member. ... That meant a lot to me because I, too, am the only member at my school,” Sirisouk said.
In Thailand, President Porter spoke to members from Myanmar during a home evening activity. Many of the members are living in Bangkok.
Aung Thu Kyaw, who attends the Bangkok Thailand West Stake, said President Porter’s words made her feel less alone.
“Even though we’re in a foreign country, ... I have friends and family members here, and they are increasing in my life.”
President Porter also spoke in a devotional in Siem Reap, Cambodia, on Tuesday, May 27.
Sixteen-year-old Pon Sopanha from the Siem Reap Cambodia District said she was touched by what President Porter taught about prayer. “I came to know that when we pray, we should ask God earnestly and sincerely.”
