Craigs in Cauayan

Being a boy who grew up in cattle country in Alberta, Canada, I love cowboy movies.  One of my favourite cowboy movies of all time is Sergio Leone's 1966 classic, "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly".  One reason for the success of this movie is the unforgettable title and theme song.  I am far from cattle country, but will borrow this title to share with you three experiences of this past week. THE GOOD Last Monday Sister Craig and I were up early so we could travel to Amulung, a town in the northern tip of our Mission.  We participated in the hand over of three rescue boats, motors and related equipment to the Municipality by Latter-Day Saint Charities.  Last November, the area was hit hard by the typhoon Ulisses, which put over 70% of the Municipality under water and placed many lives in danger.  The equipment cost 2.7 million Pesos and will bless immeasurably the wonderful people of Amulung, who live next to the great Cagayan River.  The local leaders of the Municipality

A favorite hymn in our hymnbook is "Because I have Been Given Much".   "Because I have been given much, I too must give;   because of thy great bounty Lord, each day I live  I shall divide my gifts from thee With ev'ry brother that I see  Who has the need of help from me." Latter-day Saints Charities works worldwide to help those in need.  They are actively engage in helping those in need of relief due to floods, earthquakes and even pandemics.  Earlier this year, Latter-day Saints Charities supported the effort to distribute 2 billion COVID-19 vaccines around the world with a US$20 million grant to UNICEF for its role in COVAX.  The Philippines is one of many countries that have benefitted from these vaccines.  Also, as there are many natural disasters in this country, Latter-day Saints Charities has been able to help many people and help them to get back on their feet after they lose everything.  The "Helping Hands" vests are recognisable worldwide.