“He hath sent me to heal” - Church and NGOs Strengthen Humanitarian Partnerships

Global Christian church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, works in Cyprus to support refugee integration, youth mentorship, and community health. This past weekend senior representatives met with 7 local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to strengthen ties and explore ways to deepen collaboration.

• Cans for Kids has recycled 350,000 Euros worth medical equipment for children’s hospitals from cans
• UNHCR Cyprus provide legal and psychological support to asylum seekers
• Caritas Cyprus offers education, shelter, and social services to vulnerable populations
• The Dignity Centre, run by Refugee Support Europe, empowers refugees through choice-driven aid and rights education
• The Cyprus Red Cross Society delivers emergency relief and health services to over 6,500 refugees
• Asylum Services coordinates basic needs and psychosocial support for displaced individuals
• Vela focuses on refugee empowerment and child protection, this year they will provide educational training to 250 minors in Cyprus.

Elder James W. McConkie III, who serves in the Church’s European leadership based in Frankfurt, engaged with NGO staff to learn more about their refugee support, education, health, and emergency relief projects. Elder McConkie emphasized the spiritual foundation of the Church’s humanitarian efforts. Quoting Luke 4:18, he said, “Jesus’ statement provides an invitation to join Him in the work of blessing others. That is the motivation we have when serving those in need.”

Katja Saha, Head of Office for UNHCR Cyprus, highlighted the importance of strategic collaboration, “It is important that we collaborate in our efforts, so we do not duplicate the few resources we have.”

Christian Ottiker, Area Manager of Welfare and Self-Reliance Services also spoke at the event. “Every week, we come together at our area office in Frankfurt to discuss your projects,” he said. “Coming here today feels very familiar. It feels like family!”

The Church’s collaboration with Asylum Services has helped to provide clothes and shoes, and psychological support and social activities for people in need. Because, as emphasized by Natalie Holmes of Dignity Center – Refugee Support Europe, “the element of choice and agency is important for refugees, as they take the next steps, we accompany them and help them learn about their rights along the way.”

Pantelis Dimitrou, Managing Director of Vela, shared how the partnership began in Krakow and expanded to Cyprus, “we aim to support and empower refugees, and we are grateful for collaborating with the Church in this work.”

Audience members asked questions about the Church’s operations, including how projects are selected and funded. Ottiker explained that donations come from Church members. “We try to partner with small and large organizations to help those in need.”

Elder McConkie closed with a simple but heartfelt message, “thank you, thank you, in the name of Jesus Christ.”