Church Leaders Meet with President of the Republic of Palau

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Elder Christopher H. Kim of the Asia North Area Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints met with President Surangel Whipps Jr. of Palau, alongside Brett Child and Jun Ochiai from the Area Humanitarian Department, and Elder and Sister Rottweiler, senior missionaries serving in Palau. Joining President Whipps was his Technology Strategy Coordinator, Cullen Carlson, who also serves as the 2nd Counselor in the local Koror Branch of the church. 

During the meeting, attendees shared the history of the Church in Palau, which began nearly 50 years ago with the arrival of the first missionaries. They also reviewed past humanitarian projects sponsored by the Church and discussed opportunities for future partnerships.

To underscore the Church’s ongoing commitment to Palau, Brett Child explained, “We have really increased our projects in Palau. Over the last 18 months, we have donated more than in the past decade combined. We are committed to Palau.”

These humanitarian donations have benefited numerous organizations and individuals throughout the country, including the national hospital, several schools, and private citizens. Over the past year, the Church has donated basic school supplies as well as desks, chairs, computers, and updated technology to three schools. In November, a major shipment of medical support arrived at the hospital, including wheelchairs, hospital beds, and dozens of additional medical and dental supplies.

President Whipps was also briefed on the Church’s partnership with the Ebiil Society, which has helped expand a seedling nursery to increase access to locally grown produce and support food sustainability efforts.

After outlining the Church’s humanitarian focus areas—education, women and children, and healthcare—Elder Kim posed a direct question to President Whipps: “What can we do to help the people of Palau? We are not here to preach to you; we want to help in meaningful ways.”

President Whipps shared several initiatives currently underway by his administration that could benefit from collaboration, including social service programs such as addiction recovery, assistance for battered women, and prison ministry efforts. Elder and Sister Rottweiler, who both have professional backgrounds in higher education, also offered their support to Palau’s Ministry of Education. Additional communication regarding these opportunities and future donations to Palau’s schools will continue.

A recent development was also shared during the meeting: the weekly broadcast of Music & the Spoken Word on Palau’s government radio station. President Whipps responded warmly, saying, “That’s great! You have a wonderful choir!”

At the conclusion of the meeting, Elder Kim presented President Whipps with a Christus statue as a symbol of goodwill. Expressing his appreciation, President Whipps said, “We are grateful for all that your Church does here and throughout the world. We look forward to partnering with you on several great projects here on Palau.”

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