- Elder Michael John U. Teh, Henry Savstrom, Brett Childs and others meet with Governor Gererro and Lt Governor Tenerio.
- Governor Gererro and Lt Governor Tenerio meet with leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and expresses appreciation for the donation of wheelchairs provided by Latter-day Saints Charities, a Humanitarian arm of the Church.
- Governor Gererro and Lt Governor Tenerio meet with leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and expresses appreciation for the donation of wheelchairs provided by Latter-day Saints Charities, a Humanitarian arm of the Church.
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Church leaders and government officials in Guam met in a spirit of mutual respect
and shared concern for the well-being of families and communities. Governor Lou
Leon Guerrero and Lieutenant Governor Joshua Tenorio warmly welcomed Elder
Michael John U. Teh of the Church’s Asia North Area, along with Elder and Sister Brooksby,
Brett Child, Henry Savstrom, and Tak Mochizuki. The meeting, held as a courtesy visit,
reflected a longstanding relationship between the Church and Guam’s leadership.
Governor Guerrero fondly recalled attending the Yigo Guam Temple open house three
years ago, expressing appreciation for the opportunity and reaffirming the importance
of continued engagement.
During the discussion, Guam’s leaders shared their deep concern over pressing social
challenges facing the island. Governor Guerrero highlighted the strain on families
caused by economic and public health pressures, emphasizing her desire to ensure
that families remain “happy, safe, and healthy.” Lieutenant Governor Tenorio further
noted the long-standing challenges related to substance abuse, particularly
methamphetamine overdose, which has affected communities for decades and
continues to weaken family foundations. In response, Elder Teh expressed empathy
and reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to stand alongside the people of Guam,
noting that the Church has provided sustained humanitarian support to strengthen
individuals and families.
Over the past three years, the Church has implemented 21 humanitarian projects
across Guam, representing significant investment in community well-being. These
efforts include providing mobility equipment and accessibility improvements for
individuals with disabilities, enhancing assisted living facilities for elderly residents,
supporting local charitable organizations with funding, vehicles, and volunteer
service, and delivering extensive disaster relief following Typhoon Mawar in 2023. In a
separate donation ceremony attended by government and community leaders, the
Church contributed 100 wheelchairs to expand access and independence for those in
need. Governor Guerrero expressed deep appreciation for the Church’s generosity
and recognized Elder Teh’s leadership in guiding humanitarian efforts across the
region.
Later in the day, Elder Teh and his delegation visited Joint Region Marianas, where they
met with Captain Patrick Dziekan, U.S. Navy Chief of Staff, and Chaplain Johan Baik.
Elder Teh thanked military leaders for their collaboration, including support for
initiatives such as Operation Christmas Drop, and affirmed the Church’s commitment
to members serving in the armed forces, including more than 250 service members in
the region. The discussion also highlighted the Church’s willingness to support
broader community needs, including disaster recovery efforts in areas affected by
recent typhoons. Together, the engagements underscored a shared dedication among
faith, government, and military leaders to strengthen communities and provide hope
through coordinated service and humanitarian care.
