Church Offers Disaster Relief to Two African Nations

19 Sept 2025, 2:03 p.m. MDT

In August 2025, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints took significant steps to support communities in Nigeria and the Republic of the Congo that have been impacted by natural disasters. These humanitarian efforts highlight the Church’s commitment to compassionate service and community support in times of need.

On August 28, a donation ceremony was held in Nigeria, where Elder Isaac K. Morrison, a General Authority Seventy and second counselor in the Africa West Area presidency, emphasized the importance of serving those in need. He stated that compassionate service is a “principle central to our discipleship,” reminding attendees of the teachings of King Benjamin from the Book of Mormon: “When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.”

Elder Isaac K. Morrison addresses audience members during the donation ceremony for food supplies to the National Council of Women Societies Nigeria on Aug. 28, 2025. — Elder Isaac K. Morrison, General Authority Seventy and second counselor of the Africa West Area presidency, addresses audience members during the donation ceremony for food supplies to the National Council of Women Societies Nigeria from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Abuja, Nigeria, Aug. 28, 2025. | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Essentials for 5 Nigerian States

The Church’s donation included essential items such as rice, beans, and noodles, along with non-food supplies like soap, toilet paper, and sanitary pads. These items were distributed to five Nigerian states—Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Enugu, Plateau, and Sokoto—each of which has recently faced disasters like floods and fires.

During the ceremony, Elder Morrison reiterated the Church’s dedication to humanitarian efforts, stating, “This dedication stems not from convenience or publicity, but from our unwavering belief that every soul is a precious child of God.” The donation was made to the National Council of Women Societies Nigeria at their national headquarters in Abuja, where Princess Edna D.D. Azura, the organization’s president, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the support.

Elder Isaac K. Morrison and Princess Edna D.D. Azura cut the ribbon to formally handover food and other supplies donated to the National Council of Women Societies Nigeria on Aug. 28, 2025. — Elder Isaac K. Morrison, General Authority Seventy and second counselor in the Africa West Area presidency, and Princess Edna D.D. Azura cut the ribbon to formally handover food and other supplies donated to the National Council of Women Societies Nigeria by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Abuja, Nigeria, Aug. 28, 2025. | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Princess Azura described the donation as “more than just a gift; it is a lifeline that will bring immediate relief and hope to countless women and their families in the five recipient states.” The initiative is expected to assist approximately 2,000 families, with 400 families in each of the affected states receiving aid.

National Council of Women Societies state directors listen to speakers at the donation ceremony for food supplies to the National Council of Women Societies Nigeria from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Aug. 28, 2025, in Abuja, Nigeria. — National Council of Women Societies state directors listen to speakers at the donation ceremony for food supplies to the National Council of Women Societies Nigeria from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Abuja, Nigeria, Aug. 28, 2025. | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Elder Morrison concluded his address by encouraging the audience to “teach our children to serve, inspire communities to care and be known for love, not possessions.” He emphasized that “in lifting others, we rise together. In healing wounds, we build peace. And in serving the least, we walk in the Savior’s footsteps.”

Elder Isaac K. Morrison, a General Authority Seventy and second counselor in the Africa West Area presidency, visits with Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi during the donation of food supplies to the National Council of Women Societies Nigeria by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Abuja, Nigeria, Aug. 28, 2025. — Elder Isaac K. Morrison, a General Authority Seventy and second counselor in the Africa West Area presidency, visits with Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi — mandate secretary for Federal Capital Territory Administration’s Women Affairs Secretariat — during the donation of food supplies to the National Council of Women Societies Nigeria by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Abuja, Nigeria, Aug. 28, 2025. | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Flood Relief in Republic of the Congo

In addition to the efforts in Nigeria, the Church also extended its humanitarian outreach to the Republic of the Congo. On August 22, a donation ceremony took place in Brazzaville, where the Church provided food and building supplies to the Congolese government. This aid was intended for families who lost their homes due to devastating floods that occurred on June 14, 2025.

Elder Thierry K. Mutombo, General Authority Seventy and president of the Africa Central Area, expressed that the donation was made from the heart of Church members, emphasizing the Church’s commitment to loving and serving others as exemplified by Jesus Christ.

A group poses for a photo in front of the warehouse storing food and other essential supplies donated to Republic of the Congo flood victims by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo, Aug. 22, 2025. | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Irène Mboukou-Kimbatsa, the Republic of the Congo minister of social affairs, solidarity, and humanitarian action, expressed profound gratitude for the Church’s generous donation. She remarked, “We think, on behalf of the government, that we have just found a great partner,” highlighting the collaborative spirit of the initiative.