USS Cleveland, a hospital ship that tours the world providing medical care to many in need, will sail through Pacific waters in the coming months. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is supporting the ship's mission by donating medical supplies and translation services.
"We see this as a wonderful opportunity to assist in this very worthwhile project," says Steve Stebbings, Pacific Area welfare manager for the Church.
"We support in these kinds of efforts because we are followers of Jesus Christ. This leads us to try to improve our own lives and do good in the world. As our resources allow, we do what we can to work with others to relieve suffering and help individuals to become self-reliant."
Translation services will be provided by Latter-day Saint volunteers, and medical supplies contributed by the Church will be funded by donations made by Church members worldwide.
USS Cleveland will make stops in Tonga, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and The Federated States of Micronesia from April to July.
Photo by the United States Army. Available in the Public Domain