Church Lights the World in London

“It’s the first time in Europe that we’ve done this on this scale,” said Elder Robert F. Schwartz, an Area Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who joined with hundreds of people gathered in London to Light the World on Wednesday, November 13, 2024.

Images of Jesus Christ were projected on the historic County Hall for several hours in London’s South Bank area along the River Thames, near the iconic London Eye, as part of the Church’s global Christmas initiative.

“It’s been magical. It’s been beautiful,” said Sister Kristin M. Yee of the Relief Society General Presidency, who attended the event and mingled with the crowd in the famous London tourist spot.

“There’s a feeling of peace here, too, because we’re talking about Christ,” she said. “We’re talking about the Savior and His light, and we’re doing it in a way that others can be a part of. And that’s the peace that comes from Him.”

Kim Morales, a local Latter-day Saint, was excited to meet Sister Yee at the London event.

“I really feel blessed to be here, to be able to be part of this,” Morales said. “It was amazing to speak to her about it.”

To read the full report in the Church Newsroom, CLICK HERE.

Lighting the World in New York

People passing through Times Square this Christmas season can lift others again by donating to a Light the World Giving Machine.

Dozens of people gathered on the morning of Monday, December 2, 2024, at the popular New York City destination to unveil this year’s giving-focused vending machines. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sponsors each machine.

“These Giving Machines afford all of us a very unique giving experience,” said Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson. “Rather than purchasing a soda or a treat, we have the opportunity to bless those who are most vulnerable, to care for those in need, to address the needs of our neighbors — both those who live right around the corner from us and those who live on the other side of the world.”

To read the full report on the Church Newsroom, CLICK HERE. 

Light the World Launches in Kansas City, Missouri

Dignitaries joined community organizations and a senior Church leader on Saturday, November 30, 2024, to unveil Light the World Giving Machines inside historic Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri.

Elder W. Gerrit W. Gong, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, addressed a large holiday gathering of families, noting the benefit of the Giving Machines.

“In this world where there are many needs, none of us can do everything, but every one of us can do something,” Elder Gong said.

The Light the World Giving Machines are large red vending machines scattered across 107 cities, 13 countries and five continents. They are now in their fourth year in Kansas City. Unlike traditional vending machines, these machines are about giving rather than receiving.

“Kansas City does a heck of a job bringing everyone out here to these Giving Machines,” said Michael Parson, the governor of Missouri. “And I’ve been to a lot of them.”

His comments were echoed by Quinton Lucas, the mayor of Kansas City. “More than four years ago,” he recalled, “several very special people came to me from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and said, ‘We want to do something special and different, and it relates to vending machines.’”

To read the full report on the Church Newsroom, CLICK HERE.