President Johnson and Sister Browning Complete Outreach Visit in Central Europe 

Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints wrapped up a nine-day ministry to Central Europe in Zagreb, Croatia, on Sunday, September 22, 2024.“There's always a moment when I stand in front of the members, and particularly the sisters in Relief Society, where I look into their eyes, and I just feel this overwhelming sense of love for them,” President Johnson said..

Her husband, Doug, Sister Tracy Y. Browning of the Primary General Presidency, and Sister Browning’s husband, Brady, joined the ministry. Members of the Europe Central Area Presidency and regional Church leaders traveled with the General Officers to Italy, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Croatia.

President Johnson leads the faith's organization for women, which has 8 million members worldwide. Sister Browning oversees 1 million Latter-day Saint children.

Downloadable B-roll & SOTs

Humanitarian Efforts in Central Europe

In Zagreb, the Church leaders visited the Croatian Red Cross at a facility for families in need. The Church of Jesus Christ has donated five washing machines and five dryers to assist 600 displaced families.

“I understand those washing machines have been really popular — 80,000 loads of laundry have been processed in the washing machines donated by the Church,” said President Johnson.

“We were also excited to announce that the Church is contributing to renovating a kitchen there so that families have an opportunity to prepare some food of their choosing for themselves in a safe place,” she added.

“We're allowing them a sense of dignity and also to develop those skills of self-reliance, rather than just always relying upon others to prepare meals for them,” President Johnson said.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Church Newsroom (@churchnewsroom)

In the Czech Republic, the leaders met with Petr Gandalovic, director of humanitarian aid for the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“We are anxious to serve the people of Hungary,” President Johnson said.

DOWNLOAD

“We have members all around the world who are anxious to help their brothers and sisters and serve as the Savior would,” she added.

While in Prague, the General Officers also toured Jako doma (homelike), a shelter for homeless women, and the Dum Ronalda McDonalda (Ronald McDonald House) where families with children in nearby University Hospital in Motola can stay.  

Recent donations at the homeless community center include tools to help maintain a community garden and a dishwasher.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Church Newsroom (@churchnewsroom)

In Budapest, Hungary, President Johnson and Sister Browning visited with leaders of the Autism Foundation, which runs a school for children with autism. The Church has donated updated teaching materials and other student learning tools.

Relief Society sisters in Milan, Italy, have gathered donated clothing and other items to share with those in need. The items are stored in a space that the women call “Heavenly Corner,” located on the lower level of a Church meetinghouse.

“They've been assembling donations of clothing and bedding things for households that they’re providing to the immigrant population here, and every sister has had an opportunity to participate,” President Johnson said.

Relief Society sisters wash and press the donated clothing and other items for distribution to families.

“It’s the gospel in action,” said Monia Vismara, a local leader in Milan. “They are so grateful for this service because they can feel the Lord's help.”

Vismara said many of those receiving support come from South America, including Brazil and Peru. Women needing assistance can visit the center by appointment to receive the donated items at no cost.

Ministry Efforts

The General Officers met with Relief Society leaders and Latter-day Saints throughout Central Europe during their ministry.

In Italy, Sister Browning also participated in a meeting led by Primary children.

“We had a wonderful time singing songs, doing crafts, allowing the children to share their impressions about the gospel of Jesus Christ, how they feel about preparations for baptism,” said Sister Browning. “It is so critically important to invite children to use their gifts and talents to bless others.”

The sisters ended their ministry in Croatia, meeting with local leaders, young adults, and missionaries from the Adriatic North Mission who gathered for a district conference.

“I love that spirit of gathering found in this particular region of the world,” Sister Browning said.

President Johnson said, “I know our Heavenly Father loves all of His children, and He's aware of the needs of our Saints and all of the people that call Central Europe home.”