Colombian Saints Reach Out in Love to Their Communities

In Colombia, where many are underemployed, members of the Church work together to help one another and their communities to be self-reliant. “The active members are very united,” said Fabian Hernandez of Palmira. “Because of the bad economy members have tried to help each other.” In 2016, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Church in Colombia, members from around the country participated in a year of service. Throughout the year, members organized community cleaning projects and blood drives, hosted family history exhibitions in meetinghouses, and joined local interfaith groups.

Colombian Saints have also partnered with government agencies to offer aid to the Venezuelan refugees who are gathering in their country. In 2019, Latter-day Saints in Bogotá organized a “Donation Day” to gather food, clothing, and medical supplies to send to the refugee camps.

Like much of the world, Colombia experienced widespread infections of COVID-19 throughout 2020, leading to widespread quarantines and mask mandates. In Bucaramanga, Relief Society sisters made and distributed hundreds of hand-sewn masks in local neighborhoods. “In our ongoing quest to serve others,” Ludivia Gallego, Relief Society president in the Villa de San Carlos Ward, said, “our sisters see this as an opportunity to take action.” In collaboration with several public organizations, Latter-day Saints provided desperately needed masks to several community centers and public health organizations in the city. “I have felt a joy and satisfaction in knowing that I am fulfilling the Lord’s mandate to serve others,” Cristina Vargas, one of the sisters, said.