Change people's lives at home and around the world
August 2016
Source: Deseret News
ANSA via Associated Press, Massimo PercossiAll missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Italy and all Church members there are alive and well after a powerful earthquake killed at least 120 people in central Italy early Wednesday morning.
Italy Rome Mission President Michael Dean Pickerd sent an email to families of the missionaries to report that "all our missionaries have been contacted and are safe and accounted for."
Meanwhile, leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Europe expressed "great sorrow for all those who have been affected by the terrible tragedy of the earthquake," in a news release Wednesday.
A 6.2-magnitude earthquake devastated Accumoli and Amatrice in the province of Rieti in Lazio and all the surrounding areas at about 3:30 a.m. The region is 100 miles northeast of Rome, but the awakened people in the ancient city and could be felt as far away as Bologna in the north and Naples in the south, the New York Times reported.
The Vanuatu Port Vila Mission President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Larry Brewer, made contact with missionary leaders on the island of Tanna. The missionary leaders confirmed that all 11 missionaries on Tanna are accounted for and safe.
Several months after a devastating typhoon struck the Philippines, relief efforts by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) continue in some of the hardest hit areas of the country.
Humanitarian outreach by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is benefiting many people throughout the country through dozens of non-profit organizations in Utah and surrounding states.