In December 2020, Miracle Hands Charity in Saipan noted that 2020 had been a particularly difficult year for the people of the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands and elsewhere. The COVID pandemic had been devastating to the CNMI’s economy, forcing many to lose their jobs and income. This left the most vulnerable families and individuals in crisis as they struggled just to feed themselves. It also left the resources for Miracle Hands, whose mission is to provide humanitarian aid such as food, clothing and toiletries to families and individuals who are traditionally underserved, short on resources.
| Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. Gardeners work to prepare the ground for General Conference. © 2012 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. | 1 / 2 |
Miracle Hands reached out to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for assistance. On January 22, 2021, President Diego Sablan, Second Counselor in the Barrigada Guam Stake Presidency, and Bishop Valrick Welch of the Saipan Ward joined missionaries from the Barrigada Guam Stake in donating $5,000 to Miracle Hands. Other individuals and businesses provided food and monetary donations to Miracle Hands that same day. The groups joined together to provide volunteer service at Miracle Hands afterward.
In late May, Miracle Hands sent a letter to provide details of the impact of the Church’s donation. Chandis Cooper, Secretary of Miracle Hands, said “It really has made a difference in the families of the community. Because of your donation we were able to feed Over 300 families from different households. We are continuously feeding our clients upon request. Most families are still furloughed since the previous year.” A local hotel donated T-Shirts and mini teddy bears that same day, and a gas company on the island donate about 800 pounds of rice to add to the distributions. Chandis Cooper added, “We are so grateful for all the Lord has done. We were able to combine their donations with the purchased items from your donations. We have been blessed with your dedication to help those who are going through tough times. And we give God all the glory. We thank you so much. We look forward to seeing our relationship grow in Jesus' name. Thank you again.”
The Church is so happy to partner with outstanding organizations such as Miracle Hands that are making such a huge difference in the lives of those in most need on these islands. When churches, businesses and individuals come together, we see the miracles that can take place in people’s lives.