Latter-day Saints Around the World: May 2026

Newsroom features stories from its dozens of websites worldwide to show what members and leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are doing to serve their communities. Today, we feature news from Chile, Guatemala, Mongolia, Peru, the Philippines, Rwanda, South Korea and Taiwan.

Guatemala: Donation Strengthens Elementary Education

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints donated to the computer center of the National Institute of Basic Education of Telesecundaria in Alta Verapaz, Guatemala, on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

The donations included classroom furniture, 25 computers, a printer, a television, a culinary technical training kit and a fully equipped solar energy system, benefiting more than 100 elementary students. Infrastructure improvements were also made, such as air conditioning, general repairs and painting.

“Access to education is one of the most effective ways to generate opportunities,” said Church leader Oswaldo Ico. “This project not only improves infrastructure but also represents an investment in the future of students and community development.”

Mongolia: Faith Groups Unite for National Tree-Planting Initiative

On Saturday, May 16, 2026, members of the Church, along with 50 other representatives of different religious organizations, gathered in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, to plant trees in honor of Mongolia’s “Billion Trees” National Movement. 

One hundred trees, which included 50 currant bushes and 50 honeysuckle bushes, were planted at the National Garden Park. The event was an example of diverse faiths coming together to make a positive contribution to society.

Peru: Free Health Campaign Benefits Families

The Church coordinated with the San Martín de Porras Base Health Center to carry out a free comprehensive health campaign on Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Lima, Peru. 

Free medical care was provided to people of all ages, including general medicine, psychology, dentistry and visual health. Preventive and vaccination campaigns were also carried out, such as ruling out anemia, ultrasounds, and tests for the prevention of syphilis, HIV, HPV and hepatitis. 

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Chile: Youth Assemble and Donate School Kits in Iquique

Youth from the stakes of Arica, Iquique and Alto Hospicio of the Church gathered in Iquique, Chile, on Friday, May 15, 2026, for a For the Strength of Youth conference. As part of the conference, the youth assembled and donated 692 school kits for children in vulnerable communities.

In collaboration with World Vision International, the kits were distributed to students in Alto Hospicio and Iquique to help strengthen access to education and support families in need.

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Taiwan: Initiative Supports Seniors in New Taipei City

The Church collaborated with the Xiaoyang Association and local community leaders in Banqiao District, New Taipei City, Taiwan, to launch the “Silver Hair Meal” program on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. The initiative, which serves 1,200 senior citizens each week, provides them with meals, activities and companionship to build a long-term community support network.

“Through this meal, we hope to embody Christ’s love, allowing neighbors to feel the care and warmth of the Church,” said Li Junming, president of the Church’s West Taipei Branch. “This not only nourishes the body but also nourishes the soul.”   

Philippines: Members Volunteer for Blood Drive

Seventeen units of blood were collected on Saturday, May 2, 2026, in San Pablo City, Laguna, Philippines, during a joint event with the Philippine Red Cross.

Members of the Church volunteered to help collect the blood, which will be directed to local medical providers and facilities to support trauma care, chronic illness treatment, and patients undergoing surgeries.

“This opportunity to serve by donating blood is service to our brothers and sisters, and we perform service to God,” said President Nephi L. Basco, second counselor in the San Pablo Philippines Stake presidency.

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South Korea: Community Supports Children and Elderly

The Busan Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ collaborated with the Yeonsan Social Welfare Center in Busan, South Korea, on Thursday, April 30, 2026, to provide shoes to teenagers and children and snacks to elderly residents in need.  

“I feel it is meaningful to be able to help children, teenagers and local elders,” said Kim Il-so, president of the Busan Stake.

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Rwanda: Donation Helps School Thrive

The Church of Jesus Christ participated in a handover ceremony in Kigali, Rwanda, on Thursday, April 30, 2026.

During the ceremony, the Church donated 185 desks, 16 student latrines, five toilets for teachers and a new wash station to the Kacyiru School in the Gasabo District. The donation is aimed at improving academic performance, sanitation and the overall well-being of the students.

President John A. Koranteng of the Kigali Rwanda Mission of the Church expressed appreciation for the opportunity to support this project.

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