On Aug. 19, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the Pacific Area — spanning Australia, Fiji, Tahiti, Kiribati, New Zealand, Samoa, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and other island nations throughout the South Pacific — joined the global community in observing the United Nations’ World Humanitarian Day.
For Pacific Latter-day Saints, humanitarian service is more than a response to crisis; it is a way of life rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ, said Elder Peter F. Meurs, General Authority Seventy and Pacific Area president.
“On this World Humanitarian Day, we remember that we are all God’s children. Our shared humanity calls us to lift, love, and serve one another,” said Elder Meurs. “In the Pacific, we see miracles unfold when communities come together in faith and compassion.”
As one of 24 areas of the Church throughout the world, the Pacific area serves as just one example of the Church’s commitment to loving one another.
Speaking of humanitarian work in October 2019 general conference, Church President Russell M. Nelson testified of Latter-day Saints’ responsibility to serve.
“Our greatest joy comes as we help our brothers and sisters, no matter where we live in this wonderful world,” he said. “Giving help to others — making a conscientious effort to care about others as much as or more than we care about ourselves — is our joy. Especially, I might add, when it is not convenient and when it takes us out of our comfort zone. Living that second great commandment is the key to becoming a true disciple of Jesus Christ.”
As global challenges continue, Latter-day Saints in the Pacific — and around the world — look forward to expanding food security initiatives, strengthening mental health programs and increasing local emergency preparedness — standing united with all who seek to heal, help and bring light to the world.
Recent efforts include providing clean water to more than 40,000 residents in Kiribati, Tuvalu and Samoa; delivering emergency relief in Vanuatu and Tonga; and supporting medical and hospital upgrades in Fiji, Tonga and Papua New Guinea.
See below for Church News coverage of Pacific Area humanitarian efforts in 2025:
Listening, loving lift: The Church in the Marshall Islands
Water projects bring clean drinking water to 5 Kiribati islands, water aids in Tonga
Senior missionaries lend a hand — and a leg — in Samoa
Bright lights, brighter minds: Solar-light donation fuels learning in Papua New Guinea
‘It’s all about the children:’ The Church strives to improve education in Pacific Islands
From drought to dance: Pacific villages celebrate clean water donations
Clean water, seedling nurseries and school improvements bless lives in the Pacific Area
