News Release

How Micronesia Guam Lights The World With Love

How the islands experience the Light the World initiative

This yuletide season finds many random acts of kindness being performed throughout Guam and the Micronesia islands as the birth of Jesus Christ sparks love in the hearts of members and friends. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints launched their ‘Light the World with Love’ initiative at the start of December. How are the Church members in the islands experiencing Light the World?

The beginning of December, the Barrigada Stake set up their nativity, then had their 'Nativity Lighting' event. Digital billboards around Guam display views of the Nativity along with cheery, red and white ‘Light the World with Love’ adds, reminders of the Saviors birth and that we can be kind and participate in Christ-like service to others.

Scratch calendars are in many homes where each new day, as the date’s gray covering is scratched off, a suggestion is revealed of a ‘Light the World’ service suggestion. Some members opted to accept text messages that come each day in a message on their phone with a suggestion of how to ‘Light the World.’

'A Christmas Evening with the Asia North Area' streamed with videoed performances. Three Barrigada, Guam members participated in this event, with the final song being finished in Chuukese.

A member in the Republic of Palau, after speaking on Charity through Jesus Christ, then seeing President Nelson’s birth of Christ message, became excited about the ‘Light the World with Love’ initiative the Church is doing. “It touched my heart. Another sister and I made cookies to deliver to those that could use a ‘sweet smile’. Our ward ‘Mama’ was so surprised when she received hers! Seeing that smile of hers makes me want to do more. During the Typhoon 'Rai' storm, a sister and I delivered baskets of goodies and food items to two sisters we felt needed a helping hand. The missionaries and I are planning ‘secret santas’ for seven families, then a laundry basket of food items for our branch grandmother and a new convert and her little family. I’m tired out, but I find joy in serving as Christ served.”

Another member in Palau shared how “Before Christmas, the company I work for traditionally awards us with a bonus in the form of a gift card. Each Christmas I would choose a family who is struggling, then anonymously purchase food and gifts for their children with it.”

The light of Christ shines bright out here in the isles of the sea as the youth and their families continue to brighten the lives of those around them, lifting and easing the burdens of others, bringing joy to all they serve.

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