We spent our week in the office trying to get a grasp on the 98 humanitarian projects we are now supporting in 9 countries. We made a To-Do spreadsheet on a large piece of paper! We had phone calls with our infield couples to coordinate efforts. Truly one of our greatest joys on this mission is our relationships with these couples in the field.
Friedrichsdorf, Germany- DACH YSA Conference
Throughout the world the youth in our church gather for conferences during the summer months. Service is always a component of these conferences. We were able to spend a day with 180 amazing young men and women ages 18-30 who met for a four-day conference just 10 minutes away from our office. They were German speaking youth from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. They participated in several community service projects. We focused on the two they used humanitarian funding for. They sewed 100 heart pillows for breast cancer patients which will be distributed through a local hospital.
They prepared 100 hygiene bags for the homeless…
…and then in groups of three or four, took the train downtown and distributed them as they walked the city.
When we asked them to tell us about the experience some of their comments were:
- “I walk by homeless people every day on my way to university. It felt so good to acknowledge them. I realized that I could do this on my own. From now on I am going to carry something with me to share with them.”
- “It was a lovely experience to share the Saviors love- everyone deserves that.”
- “I believe if Christ was on the earth today, he would be right here in this train station ministering to these people.”
They took the rest of the bags to the Bahnhofs Mission for distribution. There is a mission like this in every major train station in Germany. Caritas offers travel assistance for the homeless, disabled, elderly, or children traveling alone. It can be the first point of contact for anyone who needs help. Here people can be connected to available social services that include counseling. This mission at the main Frankfurt train station serves 500 people each day.
Offenbach, Germany Branch- 125th Anniversary
On Sunday we celebrated the 125th anniversary of the creation of Offenbach branch. Our Europe Central Area President, Ruben B Alliaud joined us for our worship service. It was followed by our monthly potluck lunch. Past members of the branch joined us in celebration.
Offenbach lies on the south bank of the Main River. Famous as the center of the leather industry in Germany, the official population of 85,128 in 1939 included 95 members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The branch was established here in 1900. Services were held in factories and in members’ homes. One such meeting was interrupted by air-raid sirens in 1945. The saints evacuated and the home received a direct hit. Members did their best to continue holding meetings during the war. The beautiful building we meet in today, was built in the early 2000’s
With love, Elder & Sister Lamb (aka Ed & Debbie, Mom & Dad, Pop Pop & Tu Tu)
Lambs in Central Europe 