This talk gave a fascinating insight into the humanitarian efforts of the Church and made me feel proud to be a member of this wonderful institution!
‘Latter-day Saints, as with other followers of Jesus Christ, are always looking for ways to help, to lift, and to love others. They who are willing to be called the Lord’s people “are willing to bear one another’s burdens, … to mourn with those that mourn; … and [to] comfort those that stand in need of comfort.”
They truly seek to live the first and second great commandments. When we love God with all our hearts, He turns our hearts to the well-being of others in a beautiful, virtuous cycle.‘
In what ways is turning our hearts to the well-being of others a ‘beautiful, virtuous cycle’?
‘The Church’s humanitarian outreach was launched in 1984. Then a Churchwide fast was held to raise funds to assist those afflicted by a devastating drought in eastern Africa. Church members donated $6.4 million on that single fast day. ‘
‘ Since that time, Latter-day Saint Charities has provided more than two billion dollars in aid to assist those in need throughout the world. This assistance is offered to recipients regardless of their church affiliation, nationality, race, sexual orientation, gender, or political persuasion. ‘
Were you aware of the humanitarian aid programme? Do you know how to contribute to it?
‘My dear brothers and sisters, the activities I have described are merely a small part of the growing welfare and humanitarian outreach of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. And you are the ones who make all this possible. Because of your exemplary lives, your generous hearts, and your helping hands, it is no wonder that many communities and government leaders are praising your efforts.’
How did you feel when you heard President Nelson list the Church’s humanitarian efforts?
Were any of the efforts discussed especially meaningful for you?
‘Since becoming President of the Church, I have been amazed at how many presidents, prime ministers, and ambassadors have sincerely thanked me for our humanitarian aid to their people. And they have also expressed gratitude for the strength that our faithful members bring to their country as loyal, contributing citizens.
I have also marveled as world leaders have visited the First Presidency expressing their hope for the Church to be established in their lands. Why? Because they know that Latter-day Saints will help to build strong families and communities, making life better for others wherever they live.’
Are we helping to build strong families and communities where we live?
‘That is not all. To assist members of the Lord’s Church in distress, we love and live the ancient law of the fast. We go hungry to help others who are hungry. One day each month, we go without food and donate the cost of that food (and more) to help those in need.‘
I love that concept that we go hungry to help others who are hungry. On fast day, we voluntarily refrain from eating so that those who do not have the means that we have may eat. I was also touched by the story of the African saints whose fast offering contributions exceed their fast offering expenditure.
President Nelson said that the example of thoese African Saints taught him a lesson about the power and spirit of the fast. Did you draw any lessons from it?
Do you need to review your fast offering contribution?
‘Regardless of where we call home, members of the Church feel passionately about the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man. Thus, our greatest joy comes as we help our brothers and sisters, no matter where we live in this wonderful world.‘
In what ways can we make a difference locally and internationally?
(Passages in italics are excerpts from President Nelson’s address.)
Latter-day Bloke 