Called to Support and Heal
“As disciples of Jesus Christ, our Master, we are called to support and heal rather than condemn.”
These profound words by Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf encapsulate the driving force behind our service projects at Cumorah Academy. Our mission is to comfort and support those who face struggles.
The world needs leaders who willingly serve others. However, altruism and selflessness are values often forgotten. For this reason, outreach projects are an integral part of our curriculum and foundational principles.
In this spirit, let us explore the wonderful ways our students contributed this semester to supporting and uplifting the community.
Supporting Connections: Isaiah Group at Gymnázium High School
On November 18th, the Isaiah group visited a high school in the Czech Republic, aiming to connect with students. They organized interactive activities to foster engagement, including:
- Bingo Game: Students found classmates who matched specific traits on a bingo chart.
- Literature Activity: Participants learned about prominent authors and presented their findings to the class.
These activities strengthened bonds and encouraged a mutual exchange of knowledge and culture.
Uplifting Through Music: Esther Group at ZŠ Vorlina
The Esther group taught three classrooms in Vlašim, using music as a central theme. A highlight was the game “Lyrics Meaning,” where students analyzed songs like Here Comes the Sun by The Beatles.
Reflecting on this cultural exchange, Diego from Brazil shared, “My heart swelled while interacting with students. It was a good way to be an example and share gospel principles through our actions.”
Milena, from Portugal, added, “The more you give, the more you receive. It helped me as a leader because I realized how influential my knowledge can be in helping others.”
Sharing Cultures and Support: Ruth Group at the Technical School in Vlašim
The Ruth group brought a rich blend of cultural diversity, with students from Moldova, Honduras, Brazil, Mexico, Spain, and Portugal. They used their backgrounds to enrich their lessons.
Kenneth shared insights about temples in Honduras and gave each student a Honduran Lempira. Silvio, from Brazil, reflected, “Seeing Czech youth so eager to learn not only English but also about culture was inspiring.”
Teaching Through Creativity: Moroni Group at Gymnázium High School
The Moroni group introduced themselves through a PowerPoint presentation highlighting their diverse origins—Hungary, Peru, Bolivia, Spain, the UK, the USA, Canada, Mexico, Germany, and Ukraine.
Activities included:
- Two Truths and a Lie: Students guessed facts about different countries.
- UK Literature Assignment: Students read works by J.K. Rowling, William Shakespeare, and Charles Dickens, then wrote short stories inspired by their themes.
This creative approach left a lasting impression on the students.
Inspiring Gratitude: Nephi Group at Vlašim
The Nephi group taught English to classes ranging from B1 to C1 levels. A memorable activity involved students designing their own holidays, sparking creativity and engagement.
Ester, a student from Portugal, reflected, “I felt grateful to teach English, remembering how my teachers supported me. Their efforts enabled me to come to Cumorah, and now I want to give back and help others access opportunities.”
The Hands of the Lord to Serve and Support
Teaching children and teenagers lies at the heart of Cumorah Academy’s mission. As Elder Uchtdorf said, “We are to be the Lord’s hands to support.” Whether through teaching, listening, or other acts of service, we can bring healing to those around us.
The world is brimming with opportunities to serve; all we need to do is seek them out. Together, we can create lasting change and be a source of comfort and support to others.
You can watch their experience in the clip below:
Written by Fernando L. Ferreira Jr.
Photos by Natalia Lopez
Supervision by Kamila Uberto Fullmer
