SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico —Sisters J. Anette Dennis and Tracy Y. Browning, general officers of the Relief Society and Primary respectively, met in the Puerto Rico Senate with Senator Elizabeth Rosa Vélez, who heads the Special Commission for the Eradication of Poverty.
During the meeting, collaborative agreements emerged aimed at providing services and meeting the basic needs of families on the island. The senator recognized the Church's efforts in helping and serving those most in need.
In the meeting they discussed issues and needs of the country’s population, as well as humanitarian aid in which the Church could contribute to assist. Sister Browning recommended the inclusion of these efforts in the Just Serve initiative.
In a chance meeting in the senate chamber, Senator José Antonio Vargas Vidot, greeted the visitors and showed interest in help given by the Church, recognizing its efforts to help people in Puerto Rico. He added that these comments originate from previous experiences with the church, and from other organizations he represents that offer services to the homeless who have also received help.
In addition, the general officers were accompanied by Sister Rosanna Gómez, area organization advisor. They visited several families, sharing their experiences and testimonies, also answering any questions and showing their love while ministering.
Sister Clotilde Cifuentes, a member of the St. John's Stake, said, 'As I accompanied the sisters, they made me feel very comfortable and important; I felt like I was in the temple... my testimony is that they are women sent by the Lord, filled with the Spirit They are patient and the questions they ask are done so with love. I felt super special to be able to share with them and I thank Heavenly Father for giving me the opportunity to participate with them in the ministering.'
Sister Dennis and Sister Browning will continue a busy agenda of meetings in Puerto Rico and then continue their visit to the Caribbean countries of Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica, September 14-19.
About the General Officers
Sister J. Anette Dennis was sustained as first counselor in the Relief Society general presidency and Sister Tracy Y. Browning was sustained as second counselor in the Primary general presidency, both during general conference on April 2, 2022.