News Release

Coomera Children Share Books with Fijian Children

 

Children from the Coomera Stake (diocese) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Queensland recently participated in donating pre-loved reading books to children in Fiji, whose village schools and homes had been lost in Cyclone Winston.

Cyclone Winston caused devastating destruction to the Islands of Fiji the previous year. Queensland Church leaders felt they needed to give the children an opportunity to be of service to others. The children understood that by helping others it helped them become closer to God.

Upon seeing images of the devastation in Fiji, six-year-old Wiremu said the pictures of the ‘broken’ schools in Fiji made him feel sad, but now he felt good because he was helping.

Preparation started several weeks in advance. When approximately 330 children were told about the service project their response was overwhelming. Whilst small in stature, they had big hearts and were keen to be involved.

Full of excitement and love for their new friends of Fiji, the children gathered and donated 500 books, surpassing their original goal of 100. Inside the front page of each book they pasted a picture of themselves and a personal message to their new friends.

Seven-year-old Cassidy said she loved being able to write her own message in the front of her book.

President Layton of the Fiji Suva Mission and Elder Joseph Green a full-time missionary for the church helped distribute the books to the village of Vaturu Fiji.

It was a fantastic day enjoyed by all and extremely rewarding to see how the children were so willing to serve. They understood what they were doing and loved the opportunity to share.  

Eleven-year-old Bailee said, “the book activity helped me feel grateful for what I have”. She added, “while it was hard to give up my book I knew it was going to someone who didn’t have much and it would help them learn.”

When the missionaries in Fiji sent back photos of the children receiving their gifts, many Queensland children expressed how great it made them feel to be able to give to others. Eight-year-old William asked, “could we do it again next year because I have some more books at home I can give?”

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