No secret in world humanitarian circles
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GENEVA, Switzerland — With so many of the world humanitarian organizations headquartered here, and well aware of the Church's worldwide humanitarian effort, it seemed appropriate to organizers of the annual International Aid and Trade Show to invite the Church to participate.
"I came away (from the exhibition) with an appreciation for how well known the Church is for emergency relief," said Garry R. Flake. "It's an indication of how quickly the world agencies are becoming aware of the Church's contribution."
As director of the Church's humanitarian emergency response, Brother Flake was invited to attend the exhibition Jan. 28-29 and share with high-level officials of the various organizations the extent of the Church's worldwide humanitarian reach.
Despite a general awareness of the Church's contributions, leaders of the various organizations were "astonished that the Church would respond to areas of the world where there were no members," said Brother Flake.
"They were very complimentary."
With several relief agencies of the United Nations headquartered in Geneva, as well as other organizations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent, the International Labor Organization and the World Health Organization, Geneva is often recognized as the center of the world's humanitarian efforts.
Because of its position in world humanitarian affairs, an international expo is held each year to showcase the efforts of the more than 100 humanitarian organizations located there.
Brother Flake gave an overview of the Church's worldwide humanitarian program by describing the ability to provide food and clothing in times of disaster or crises. He also told of the Church's plan to ease suffering by providing wheelchairs for the disabled, drilling for clean water for communities, resuscitation training for medical professionals to revive newborns, and improving skills of doctors in eye care.
Brother Flake said representatives of the different organizations were particularly interested in aid sent to Ethiopia and the Church's effort to eradicate measles.
Many organizations expressed interest in working with the Church that included projects to help land mine victims and those in need of prosthetic devices.
"I came away from the expo with appreciation for the Church and its focused initiatives," Brother Flake said. "A by-product of the expo is that the Church is becoming very well known and very appreciated."
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