When we received our call as Welfare Service missionaries we weren't sure what exactly that meant. Soon we learned that it would be a humanitarian mission serving under the Latter-day Saints Charities organization. Our call begins in February and lasts for 18 months.
Here is some general information that puts the church's humanitarian efforts in context with the overall efforts of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. From the church's Humanitarian Services Operations Handbook (emphasis added):
"God’s work of salvation and exaltation focuses on four divinely appointed responsibilities: living the gospel of Jesus Christ, caring for those in need, inviting all to receive the gospel, and uniting families for eternity. Humanitarian efforts of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are vital to fulfilling its divinely appointed responsibility to care for those in need."
"The primary purpose of the Church’s humanitarian efforts is to relieve suffering and care for those most in need. It provides aid regardless of church affiliation, nationality, race, sexual orientation, gender or political persuasion. Secondary to this purpose, these activities also allow the Church’s light to shine while fostering relationships with other organizations and individuals seeking to do good."
"Humanitarian efforts are an important part of the Church’s divinely appointed responsibility to care for those in need. ... The Church seeks to “succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down and strengthen the feeble knees” through its humanitarian efforts (see Doctrine and Covenants 81:5). ..., with special focus on individuals and families that are most vulnerable, and the greatest needs exist. Often, Church humanitarian aid can be used to respond to neglected crises or locations where many organizations may be less willing to assist."
To fulfill the above objectives The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints donated over $1 billion worldwide in 2022. We will be managing the portion of church funds directed towards projects for north Vietnam in 2024/2025.
We will be replacing Elder and Sister Peterson who have served in Vietnam for the last 18 months. They completed many projects and have initiated about 20 projects that are in-process which we will carry on as we also initiate new projects. Our title will be LDS Charities Program Directors for Vietnam. Initially we thought we would be the only humanitarian missionaries in Vietnam but recently we learned that another couple has been called to serve in south Vietnam. We will be based in Hanoi with some trips to project sites. Our apartment will be our office. The apartment is in a high rise among the Vietnamese people (not a tourist area).
What we will be doing: As Program Directors for LDS Charities in Vietnam we will be working with NGOs (Non Government Agencies) and government representatives for various provinces. These agencies will provide projects that they want to accomplish. We will compare those projects with the LDS Charities goals for compatibility. For compatible projects we will write a proposal to obtain LDS Charities approval. For approved projects we will coordinate with the agencies and contractors to see the project through to completion. At the conclusion of the projects we will participate in a formal handover ceremony.
We'll see how much the above reflects reality once we arrive and get settled! Stay tuned for updates on our experience and the projects we will be working on. Send some luck and prayers our way!
UPDATE: It is looking like we will be serving somewhere on Temple Square in Salt Lake City for some weeks up to a few months while we wait for LDS Charities to be re-certified to operate in Vietnam. 😞