Presiding Bishop W. Christopher Waddell detailed the global scale of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' humanitarian and welfare efforts during a devotional at BYU–Hawaii on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026. Addressing students in the Cannon Activities Center, Waddell reported that the Church spent $1.58 billion in 2025 to care for those in need, averaging approximately $4.3 million every day.
The Role of the Presiding Bishopric
The Presiding Bishopric, one of three presiding councils within the Church alongside the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, holds the scriptural duty of administering all temporal things. During his address, Waddell explained that this responsibility includes managing Church finances and investments, as well as the design and construction of temples and the maintenance of approximately 22,000 meetinghouses worldwide.
Addressing the management of tithes and offerings, Waddell noted that those overseeing the funds are deeply mindful that the resources represent the sacrifice and faith of members globally, ranging from the wealthiest members to the widow's mite. He emphasized that tithing is a matter of faith and obedience to commandments rather than a financial necessity for the institution.
Four Divine Responsibilities
Waddell identified four divinely appointed responsibilities that Church resources are used to support: living the gospel of Jesus Christ, uniting families for eternity, inviting all to receive the gospel, and caring for those in need.
In the area of living the gospel, resources fund educational institutions such as schools, universities, seminaries, and institutes of religion. The Bishop also noted the significant costs associated with maintaining the global network of meetinghouses, which serve as revenue consumers rather than producers. To support missionary efforts and the goal of inviting all to receive the gospel, the Church utilizes more than 90,000 missionaries serving across 500 missions.
Rapid Temple Expansion
The Bishop provided a detailed look at the Church's rapid expansion of temples, a key component of the mission to unite families for eternity. He noted that in 1984, there were only 31 operating temples, with 19 located in the United States and 12 in other parts of the world.
In contrast, current temple development shows a massive global presence, including 27 temples in Mexico, 14 in the Philippines, and 17 in the rest of Asia. Waddell stated that the Church is currently on pace to have over 400 houses of the Lord in the near future, which will increase accessibility to sacred ordinances for members in locations such as Honolulu.
Global Humanitarian Impact
Highlighting the Church's humanitarian impact, Waddell shared that the $1.58 billion spent in 2025 on welfare and humanitarian efforts is overseen by the Presiding Bishopric in conjunction with the Relief Society general presidency. He cited specific global initiatives, including a health care project in Cambodia, an education project in Sri Lanka, and clean water projects in Samoa and Kiribati.
He also referenced humanitarian relief following the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. Additionally, Waddell recalled the Church's efforts to assist evacuees following the fires in Lahaina, Maui, by quickly distributing essential items, such as endowed Latter-day Saints' garments, to those who had lost their belongings.
A Call to Service
Waddell concluded his address by inviting students to seek divine guidance on how they can personally serve others. He encouraged listeners to ask God how He can use them and to act upon the promptings they receive, promising that the Lord provides discernment to help individuals find time for service amidst their busy lives.
He emphasized that the ultimate purpose of Church financial resources is to prepare a people for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
