"Part of the great work of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is to provide relief," said Young Woman General President Emily Belle Freeman of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as she wrapped up a 10-day ministry in Northern Europe in early November.
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President Freeman and her husband, Greg, met with Latter-day Saints in four countries in Northern Europe, including Ireland, Scotland, Norway and England. They also visited humanitarian sites during their stay.
"To take care of all of God's children is a remarkable thing," said President Freeman.
The Church of Jesus Christ is collaborating with Matsentralen food bank in Oslo, Norway, to help feed those in need. Missionaries also serve in the warehouse.
President Freeman and other Church leaders visited the food bank on Thursday, November 7, 2024.
"We had the experience to look at all of the food that they are utilizing to help give people a second chance and to be able to help care for their own here in Norway," President Freeman said.
"I actually got to help pack a birthday box for a 16-year-old boy who will be having his birthday soon, and we went through and picked out cake and some frosting and some gifts," she added.
In Dublin, Ireland, the Church is providing support to the Ronald McDonald House, which provides a place for families to stay with children who are hospitalized. Furnishings and equipment will be provided for a new Ronald McDonald House that is under construction.
President Freeman was impressed with the people who work at the house. "This is more than just a cause for them. They were so concerned with each individual story, just as the Savior was for them. This was a one-by-one ministry."
Preparing for New Temples
President Freeman's ministry visit took her to four European cities that are getting new temples. Houses of the Lord have been announced in the cities of Dublin, Ireland; Edinburgh, Scotland; Oslo, Norway; and Birmingham, England.
President Freeman met with youth, missionaries and other Latter-day Saints throughout Northern Europe during her ministry.
Oliver Judson, 18, a young adult in Norway, was excited when President Russell M. Nelson announced a temple for Oslo.
"I was very relieved because then we wouldn't have to travel so far to go to Stockholm or Copenhagen, and I just felt joy that finally we will be able to go to the temple in Norway as well, said Judson, who attended a devotional on Thursday, November 7.
"I think it was really cool that she came here to little Norway," said 16-year-old Emilie Waal, a young woman.
"I've loved hearing the rising generation talk about the places where they gather," said President Freeman, who spoke at special meetings for youth and young adults during her ministry. "They come to find strength from each other, but also to find and experience joy here."
Family Connections
While in Scotland, President Freeman was able to go on a family history tour in the countryside outside of Edinburgh, where she learned about some of her ancestors.
"This has been a really unique experience for me because most of my ancestry comes from Ireland, Scotland and England," she said.
President Freeman visited a homestead where her family raised sheep and a couple of historic churches of the Church of Scotland where they worshipped.
"So, to be able to have been here in this part of the world that I've never been to before, and to consider my own roots and my ancestors and the strength that comes from their stories has been remarkable. To walk these lands and have this experience is something I won't ever forget,” President Freeman concluded.