Elder Uchtdorf reflects on his own refugee experience during WWII in Facebook post

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, appears at a chunk of the Berlin Wall whereas seated in his workplace within the Church Administration Constructing in 2014. Elder Uchtdorf mirrored on his expertise as a refugee in Europe throughout World Battle II in a March 30 Fb publish.

Tad Walch, Deseret Information

One Latter-day Saint apostle has first-hand expertise with the plight of Ukrainian refugees.

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles was solely 4 years outdated when his father was drafted into the German military and his mom determined to maneuver their household out of Czechoslovakia looking for security.

They have been compelled to maneuver once more seven years later. The church chief can nonetheless bear in mind the sensation of worry and starvation. “It isn't one thing one simply forgets,” he wrote.

Elder Uchtdorf mirrored on his expertise as a refugee in Europe throughout World Battle II in a March 30 Fb publish.

“I'm completely heartbroken to see the horrible and horrifying circumstances amongst so lots of those that are searching for refuge from struggle and violence. I can’t assist however be reminded of my expertise as a refugee in Europe throughout World Battle II,” he wrote. “Whereas I pray for all of those that have been compelled out of their properties looking for peace in different nations — I particularly pray for the youngsters.”

Elder Uchtdorf talked about his refugee expertise in larger element on the twenty fifth anniversary of the autumn of the Berlin Wall in November 2014. He retains a chunk of the Berlin Wall in his workplace, the Deseret Information reported.

In his Fb publish, Elder Uchtdorf inspired folks to seek out therapeutic and peace via Jesus Christ and urged everybody to seek out a chance to assist others.

“Please discover a chance to assist these in want — even when all you are able to do is pray and quick in behalf of those that battle,” he wrote. “Small acts of kindness imply all the things to those that have misplaced a lot.”

Why the Church of Jesus Christ donated $4 million extra

Elder Uchtdorf’s social media publish comes lower than every week after The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints donated an further $4 million to humanitarian efforts in Europe.

The church first made an analogous contribution on March 14.

The newest $4 million donation will assist seven tasks:

1. Meals for meals hubs in Europe. The meals shall be picked up and delivered to these in want inside Ukraine.
2. Mission HOPE’s efforts to offer refugees with first support, medicine, hygiene provides, toddler care kits, shelter and trauma counseling.
3. Worldwide Medical Corps’ work to offer refugees in Poland with medicine, medical gear and private protecting gear.
4. Meals for the Estonian Meals Financial institution to feed 17,500 refugees for one month.
5. Underwear and different clothes for 30,000 ladies and youngsters on the Polish border, distributed by way of the Przemysl Municipality.
6. The Affiliation of Neonatologists of Ukraine’s efforts to offer antibiotics for infants in Ukraine. Some newborns are affected by fungal lung illness as a result of they're being born in hospital basements. These antibiotics shall be administered via established clinics inside the nation.
7. Jesuit Refugee Service’s work to offer shelter, transportation, meals, water, medical care and psychological assist for youngsters and the aged in Ukraine, Romania, Poland, Hungary, Bosnia, Croatia, Serbia, Kosovo and Macedonia.

The church and its members have additionally been engaged in numerous refugee and humanitarian tasks all through Europe.

Study how one can donate to the church’s humanitarian efforts at ChurchofJesusChrist.org.