Light The World Christmas initiative: Church of Jesus Christ supports over 1,000 households

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has distributed essential food items to more than 1,080 households in communities in the Western and Greater Accra regions.

Each care package included vital staples such as 5kg rice, canned foods, frozen chicken, cooking oil, beans, sugar, gari and millet to help families thrive during the yuletide.

The gesture was part of the church’s goodwill acts undertaken during the festive period.

Six hundred households in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis in the Western Region benefited from the annual #LightTheWorld campaign, while the 480 households in the La-Nkwantanang-Madina Municipality in the Greater Accra Region also benefited from the humanitarian initiative on the theme: ‘Let Your Light Shine’.

Campaign

The LightTheWorld campaign also features the ‘25 Ways in 25 Days’ initiative, encouraging individuals to perform diverse acts of service from December 1 to December 25.

This programme inspires participants to engage in meaningful service, fostering a spirit of generosity and goodwill throughout the holiday season.

Light The World is also held across various continents in the world to benefit all individuals regardless of their religious affiliation, in line with Christian teachings that encourage caring for the needy and vulnerable. 

Sekondi-Takoradi

In collaboration with church and community leaders, beneficiaries of the gift items were carefully selected, including individuals under the care of Takoradi Social Welfare, residents of the home for the aged, persons with special needs and members of the broader community, highlighting the church’s dedication to uplifting the community by extending support to those in need, particularly during this time of the year.

A beneficiary (left) receiving a pack of essential food items in Takoradi

Speaking at the launch, second Counsellor, Africa West Area Presidency for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Elder Isaac K. Morrison, reiterated that the campaign since its inception in 2016 had grown into a significant event, uniting friends and neighbours to alleviate burdens and celebrate the birth and teachings of Jesus Christ.

“Our objective is to foster kindness and harmony within our communities and among our neighbours, echoing the sentiment of ‘Peace, goodwill towards men. This year, our focus is on emphasising the importance of loving our neighbours,” he said.

Leaders

The Paramount Chief of Essikado Traditional Area and Chairman for the distribution exercise in Sekondi-Takoradi, Nana Kobina Nketsia V, applauded the church for its commitment to sharing Christ’s love to all.

He emphasised the need to show love and kindness towards one another every day.

“I must say that it is so heartwarming to witness this kind and thoughtful gesture by the church as they have decided to use their resources and kindness to make a difference in the lives of those around us,” he said.

The Chief Imam of Takoradi, Muhammad Awal, said: “Acts of kindness transcend boundaries and beliefs. It is heartwarming to see different communities come together to support those in need. This is the essence of humanity.”

La-Nkwantanang-Madina

In the La-Nkwantanang-Madina environs, the same gesture was made to over 480 households in the community.

First Counsellor of the church in the Madina Area, Alexander Ansong, emphasised the church’s goal of spreading Christ’s love to those in need.  

“Each year, the church donates to our community through the ‘Light the World’ programme. During this festive season, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, we aim to share His love with everyone in the community,” he stated.

The church collaborated with local leaders from various faiths and the Social Welfare Department to identify individuals in need.

Mission Leaders for the Ghana Accra East Mission of the Church of Jesus Christ, Benjamin Beeson, reiterated the church’s commitment to spreading the light of Jesus through charitable acts, stating that: “As a church named after Jesus Christ, we strive to emulate Him, who is known for His generosity and kindness.”