Pohnpei Hospital Receives Much Needed Wheelchairs and Other Medical Supplies

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints donated much needed medical supplies to the Pohnpei State Hospital.  Those supplies consisted of 300 wheelchairs, 90 walkers, and 96 crutches.  A handover ceremony was held at the hospital where three state senators, doctors, nurses, directors, community non-profit organizations and even some recipients attended. These donations will help benefit those who struggle economically to afford the medical equipment necessary to help them have a productive life and live as normally as they can, despite their disabilities. 

Chairman of health services Senator Shelton G. Neth said: “On behalf of the leadership and the eleventh Pohnpei State Legislature, specifically those in attendance, Senator Bill Edward, chairman of resources and development, and Senator Francisco Simram, the campaign manager for the Church and vice chairman of resources and development, we offer our sincere ‘Kalahngan’ or ‘Thank You’ to Bill Davis (welfare & self-reliance manager), and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints here in this region…Whatever English word you want to use; handover, turnover etc., we have only three words; Gift. Of. Love. Thank you for your gifts of love.  It is our prayers that the Good Lord continues to shower you with the abundant blessings unceasingly, and unfailingly today and forever more so that you can continue to do this kind of charity, this gift of love, to glorify His Holy Name.  It is our prayer also that the custodian of this gift of love will distribute, issue these wheelchairs, walkers, and crutches to the truly deserving beneficiaries and not their own personal choice and you will be blessed.”

The Representative of the Pohnpei consumer organization, Casiano Shoniber, who works with the national government for the Pohnpei State and serves with the diabetes and cardiovascular patients for prevention and control said: “Unfortunately, in the FSM (Federated States of Micronesia), thirty-four percent of the population are at risk or already have these diseases.  I spend some of my spare time with women who have disabilities. We have many representatives of the different disability organizations here.”  Casiano led a group singing of the song “Thank you Lord, for your blessings on me” written by Gloria and William Gaither.  The song summed up the gratitude for the donations as well as gratitude to our Father in Heaven for His many blessings on all of us.

Lyrics:

“While the world looks upon me as I struggle along, and they say I have nothing, but they are so wrong.  In my heart I’m rejoicing. How I wish they could see.  Thank you, Lord, for Your blessings on me.

There’s a roof up above me, I’ve a good place to sleep, and there’s food on my table and shoes on my feet; You gave me your love, Lord, and a fine family.  Thank you, Lord, for Your blessings on me.

 I know I’m not wealthy and these clothes they’re not new, and I don’t have much money, but Lord, I have You.  And to me that’s all that matters, tho’ the world may not see.  Thank you, Lord, for Your blessings on me.”   

Following the song, Bill Davis shared his thoughts and appreciation by saying: “That was a wonderful song.  Thank you for singing that.  We really ought to thank the Lord every day for the things we have in life, whether we have a lot, or a little.  Everything we have in our lives comes from the Lord.  Thank you to all of our senators, and all of you for attending this occasion. I want to especially thank Norleen Oliver DeOrio for the actions that she took to help this happen today.  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, like the other churches, teach that there are really only two great commandments; To love God and to love your neighbor as yourself.  One way to express that is by serving others.  In this case, we are able to serve you by providing wheelchairs, walkers, and crutches to the most vulnerable population in Pohnpei…These donations are made possible by the members of our Church.  In Malachi it talks about tithes and offerings.  These are given by faithful members of the Church.  A lot of these sacred funds and offerings go to help others. We appreciate the opportunity to help and assist in these communities.  We hope that those receiving these donations today and later on, will be blessed and your lives enriched so you’ll be able to live a fuller life.”  

Those in attendance who were receiving some of the donations expressed their gratitude.  “The wheelchair has enabled me to go anywhere I please.”  Another recipient said: “I lost my first leg three years ago.  At that time, I used my mother’s wheelchair.  Now I have lost my other leg.  I am so grateful for this wheelchair.  What I really appreciate is that it is free of charge to me!  May the blessings of the Mighty reciprocate your generosity as well.”

One of the doctors who attended also expressed his gratitude saying:  “It’s truly been a challenge because of the cost of wheelchairs.  Over ninety percent of the population would not be able to afford a wheelchair.  In Pohnpei, a wheelchair costs between $400 to $500 each.  I’m glad to see some of my patients here today receiving these donations so they can move around freely.  The walkers and crutches will also help other patients with diabetes who have sores or ulcers on their feet.”

The hospital provided lunch and fresh coconuts for all who attended. 

“When we love and serve the Lord and love and serve our neighbors, we will naturally feel more happiness that comes to us in no better way.”  Elder M. Russell Ballard