From Bosnia and Herzegovina to Türkiye to Tajikistan, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints strives to care for God’s children in Europe and almost every corner of the world in many ways. Caring for others is considered one of the key responsibilities of all Church members.
Scores of humanitarian projects across the countries of the Europe Central Area have blessed many of the nearly 20 million forcibly displaced people residing in the area. The Church has worked with government and non-government agencies to help fund welcome centres and provide blankets, bedding, food, clothing, shelter, medication, healthcare, education, sanitation, hygiene, and integration services.
On 29 March 2025 in Arkadag City, Turkmenistan, Church Area Seventy Paul Picard addressed attendees at the international conference “The Year of Peace and Trust: Development of International Activities for the Sake of Children.” Conference attendees and speakers included representatives of international organisations, national governments, communities, and the private sector.
In his speech, Elder Picard said, “As followers of Jesus Christ, we live His teachings. When Jesus was asked about the greatest commandment, he replied it is to ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind.’ He then added the second greatest commandment, to ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ This love drives our purpose, and it all starts within our families.”
He continued, “The rising generation is humanity’s future, and we have a responsibility to protect, nurture, and give the best to our children.”
Combining Efforts to Extend Humanitarian Reach
In joint efforts with trusted implementing organizations, the Church is extending its reach in the Europe Central Area to relieve suffering and restore dignity to thousands in need. The scope of projects in 2024 encompassed:
• 108 projects to benefit women and children
• 44 water, hygiene, and sanitation projects
• 112 health and disabilities projects
• 80 projects benefitting refugees, immigrants, and internally displaced persons
• 56 education systems projects
• 43 food and security projects
Working with Muslim Aid to Help Citizens in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Celebrating its 10th year, the greenhouse initiative has provided recipients with fully stocked and installed greenhouses, along with training programs to learn how to successfully run a greenhouse. Since 2014, this project has led to the construction of over 3,000 greenhouses, significantly boosting local agriculture.
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Since 2014, this project has led to the construction of over 3,000 greenhouses in Bosnia and Herzegovina.2025 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.Two additional projects — a beekeeping initiative and the distribution of pregnant milk cows —were developed at the same time to help improve socio-economic conditions of rural households. The beekeeping project is a comprehensive effort involving the distribution of beekeeping materials, instructional support, and an educational campaign on the importance of bees. The initiative to distribute pregnant milk cows to families in need has helped them meet their nutritional requirements with fresh milk and has provided a financial boost through the sale of surplus milk.
Donation of Three Schools in Türkiye, Hatay Region
On 23 October 2024, the Church, together with Turkish authorities, formally inaugurated three schools in the Hatay region in south-east Türkiye. The powerful earthquakes that struck Türkiye on 6 February 2023 destroyed many homes and damaged important infrastructures, including schools. The level of destruction in the Hatay area, not far from the border with Syria, was particularly severe.
The Church of Jesus Christ has been providing help to the areas in Türkiye that were most affected. Children in the neighbouring communities no longer need to walk or travel long distances to continue their education. On this topic, Elder Picard said at the recent international conference in Turkmenistan: “There are no words to express the joy of seeing those innocent and happy children back to school.”
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Inauguration of three new schools funded by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in the Hatay region, Türkiye, on 23 October 2024. 2025 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.Clean Water for Rural Tajikistan
As part of its worldwide effort to provide people with clean water and sanitation, the Church collaborated with Catholic relief agency Caritas Tajikistan for the third consecutive year in rural Tajikistan.
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Children in the Shahrtuz township of Tajikistan celebrate access to clean drinking water. 2025 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.The vulnerable population of around 17,000 in the remote Shahrtuz township of Tajikistan improved its living conditions and health status with increased access to clean, sustainable drinking water. In addition, improved public sanitation and waste management infrastructure resulted in better sanitary practices.
Assistance on a Global Level in 2024
The Church provided help in 192 countries and territories, with expenditures totaling US$1.45 billion. This included 3,836 humanitarian projects. Church members volunteered 6.6 million hours of service at Church Welfare and Self-Reliance facilities, in service missions, and in community service projects.
At an international trade summit last year, Presiding Bishop Gérald Caussé said, “We believe that our stewardship over God’s creations includes, at its pinnacle, a sacred duty to love, respect, and care for all human beings with whom we share the earth.” The Presiding Bishopric is a council of three men who work under the direction of the Church’s First Presidency to manage such matters as humanitarian aid, welfare programmes, tithing donations and fast offerings, and physical facilities, among others. They also travel frequently to minister to Church members around the world.
“For me, one of the most sacred aspects of serving as Presiding Bishop is the responsibility to organise temporal relief for people who are in greatest need — both inside and outside the Church,” Bishop Caussé said.