Kiwi Youth Send Love to Christchurch Kids
16 March 2011
AUCKLAND, New Zealand — Hundreds of children and youth from across the country are sending letters, poems, cards,
pictures and other messages of love and support to young members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in
Christchurch following last month’s devastating earthquake.
Excerpts from some of the messages follow:
“Roses are red, violets are blue. Remember, Jesus always loves you.”
“I am sorry for what has happened to you. Don’t be afraid. Heavenly Father is with you every step of the way!”
“I know you have been through A LOT! This is just to let you know that I love you all and care about you. I know we have
never met, but I just know that you are AWESOME! I love you – KEEP SMILING!“
“Dear brother, I am at a loss for words. I’m not going to pretend I know how you feel. Your Heavenly Father is mindful
of you and your family and your needs and wants. Remember the Lord in all things and I promise you will be blessed.
Please brother, stand strong in the gospel – now when it’s hard and when it counts and you’ll find that things will take
care of themselves! Much Love brother!”
The letters, drawings and cards are being gathered at the Church’s Pacific Area Office in Takapuna, Auckland, and will
be sent next week to the Church’s stake president for Christchurch, Maurice MacDonald.
“We have received several hundred so far, and more are coming every day,” said Sister Joan Pferdner, a missionary in the
Church’s Pacific Area Welfare Services Department.
Sister Pferdner says she’s been overwhelmed with the outpouring of kindness, creativity and compassion evident in the
messages.
“I wish I had all day to read every card myself,” says Sister Pferdner. “Some have made books, drawn pictures, designed
pop-up art cards, included photographs of themselves and pictures of the Saviour, written long letters, been funny,
glued on glitter and stickers and trinkets, and been quite tender. But clearly all have been touched to see what the
people of Christchurch are going through.”
ENDS