Residents of the small community of Arthington in Montserrado County, Liberia, were thrilled to witness the handover of renovated and newly constructed buildings at their local health clinic on November 21, 2021. Donated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the new facilities marked a significant upgrade to the health services available to residents, particularly maternity patients.
Elder Ojediran and the Liberian Minister of Health cut the ribbon for the donation handover ceremony on 21 November, 2025.
Elder Ojediran and the Liberian Minister of Health cut the ribbon for the donation handover ceremony on 21 November, 2025.© 2025 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.The Liberian health sector has grappled with many challenges, ranging from poor infrastructure to a lack of essential medicines and medical supplies for enhanced service delivery. These challenges were particularly severe at the Arthington Clinic, where the inability to ensure proper hygiene and sanitation threatened infections acquired at the hospital and created an environment lacking in both patient and health workers’ safety. At particular risk were pregnant women and children, especially newborns.
In a plea for assistance, the Liberian Ministry of Health, which was familiar with other humanitarian projects undertaken in Liberia by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, approached the Church for help. To alleviate some of the challenges the clinic was facing, the Church responded by renovating the water tower and toilet facilities, constructing a new maternity ward, and providing essential medical equipment and supplies—all with the goal of improving healthcare in general and, in particular, reducing maternal and neonatal deaths.
The handover ceremony was attended by government officials, local leaders, healthcare practitioners, community members, and Church leaders. In his opening remarks, Mr. Romeo R. Clarke, Mayor of Arthington, provided some historical background on the community and recounted the healthcare challenges facing the area. He then thanked the Ministry of Health and The Church for providing the needed assistance.
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Elder Daron and Sister Karen Haddock, the Welfare and Self-Reliance senior missionaries serving in Liberia who oversaw the ongoing work for this project, spoke briefly about its impact on the community—particularly improvements in childbirth and delivery. They then presented the caregivers with some baby blankets that Sister Haddock had made. For their involvement in the project, the Haddocks were presented with gifts from the community and clinic.
Elder Adeyinka Ojediran of the Seventy and First Counselor in the Africa West Area Presidency, who presided over the event, clarified that “this project is not funded by the government or outside institutions. It is made possible through the kind and quiet donations of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints around the world, including the faithful members here in Liberia.”
He proceeded to address the commonly asked question about why the Church devotes so much time, energy, and resources to humanitarian work, particularly in healthcare. He explained: “As a Church, we believe in following the example of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who devoted His life to lifting the burdens of others, healing the sick, comforting the afflicted, and showing compassion to the poor and the needy. As His disciples, we are commanded to love our neighbor as ourselves. So, our humanitarian efforts are one way we strive to live that commandment.”
He continued, referencing President Dallin H. Oaks: “We are all called to help one another. When we share the burdens of others, we come closer to Jesus Christ, and we become more like Him. These teachings guide us as a Church and as individuals, reminding us that true discipleship is measured not by what we receive, but by what we give.”
Dr. Louise M. Kpoto, the Liberian Minister of Health, shared her thoughts with the audience: “As I sat and listened to the speakers, what caught my eye was the mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Everything that happened here today encompasses what the mission means. It says we help others feel the love of Jesus Christ by relieving suffering, instilling hope, and building stability to strengthen families and promote individual dignity—and this is what happened here.”
After all speakers had expressed their gratitude to the Church for its generous donation, the dignitaries and attendees moved to the ribbon-cutting ceremony, where the buildings and equipment were officially handed over to the community for their use and care.
