Make a Difference.
Humanitarian missionaries serve to make a difference in the lives of those in greatest need.
They play a pivotal role in supporting the mission of Latter-day Saint Charities – The humanitarian arm of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – to, “relieve suffering, foster self-reliance and provide opportunities for service.”
Serving in countries with the greatest need, humanitarian missionaries coordinate the Church’s responses to natural disasters and other emergencies and spearhead longer-term development efforts to strengthen individuals and communities.
Primary Responsibilities.
Humanitarian missionaries' primary responsibilities fall into three categories:
Engage
- Build relationships with senior government and community leaders to understand the most pressing needs of the community/country
- Build relationships with NGOs operating locally who can help us perform the work
- Build relationships with trusted contractors who can help us do the work when an NGO partner cannot be found
- Connect these parties with LDSC and with each other as needed
Identify
- Identify the needs of those with whom you connect and of the people they serve
- Identify where and how the Church can help
Coordinate
- Mobilize resources and efforts to address identified needs
- Coordinate between different stakeholders to address needs
- Monitor and evaluate work performed to ensure high quality standards
Not your average mission experience.
Humanitarian missions are unlike any other mission experience in the Church.
Humanitarian missionaries serve directly in developing countries and often work to help the poorest and most marginalized in society. Schedules are flexible to accommodate missionary needs but are full of impactful work.
A humanitarian mission is for the adventurous and energetic who are looking to spend their time in a meaningful, rewarding way to bless the lives of God's children around the world.
Living Situation.
All humanitarian missionaries are provided modern, modestly furnished apartments that are clean and comfortable. Apartments are generally located in a larger city and have grocery and other shopping nearby.
Depending on needs, missionaries may be provided with a car, driver, and/or interpreter to help accomplish the work.
Top quality hospitals and other healthcare are usually located in a country’s main cities, where humanitarian missionaries often live. When traveling or serving in remote areas basic emergency health and other medical assistance is usually available.
