In September of 2022, Shizuoka Prefecture (Japan) was hit with a massive amount of rain, causing severe damage, including flooding at the Udo no Sato Elderly Nursing Home and the Hikuma Elementary School. The Shizuoka Stake, along with the Welfare and Self-Reliance (WSR) Services of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, in an emergency response, were able to provide 10 wheelchairs for the nursing home, as well as books, DVDs and toys for the school. The presentation to the school was in December, so the church leaders pulled items from a big bag (like Santa) as the children watched in delight. “The children were so happy the day we delivered the toys and books, they jumped and cheered,” remembers Kenji Sugahara, Manager of WSR.
In June of this year, a follow-up visit was made to both facilities. President Suzuki, the Shizuoka Stake President and his counselor, President Miwa were joined by Kenji Sugahara, with Elder and Sister Strong, who serve as Humanitarian Aid missionaries in the area office. They were greeted warmly by the children; “They took us by the hand,” said Elder Strong, “and made us get on the floor to play games with them. Yes, we are much too old to be getting on the floor like that, but their enthusiasm was contagious!”
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President Suzuki tried to show the children the correct way to build the Mario Kart racetrack. With all the excited “helpers”, it took twice as long, but when it was finished, they raced the cars again and again. Of the experience, Sister Strong shared, “You can’t help but smile and laugh when you see happy children who are excited to greet visitors and be their friends.”
At the nursing home, Kenzo Kurita (Manager) expressed his appreciation, “We are so grateful for your kind donation. We are using the wheelchairs every day.”
“The Church works to care for those with the greatest need following a disaster. Emergency response is a program of Latter-day Saint Charities, the official humanitarian arm of the Church. Latter-day Charities gives relief by partnering with government ministries, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and community-based organizations, helping millions of people worldwide." (See "Caring For Those In Need")