Basic PrinciPles of Welfare and self-reliance

The ChurC h of Jesus ChrisT of LaTTer-day s ainT s

i Cover art: Arrival of the Good Samaritan at the Inn, by Paul Gustave Doré.

Published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Salt Lake City, Utah © 2009 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved Printed in the United States of America English approval 12/08. 08288 Elder Robert D. Hales What, then, are these principles of welfare? How Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles can we apply them as spiritual and temporal building blocks in our daily lives?

Provident Living and Self-Reliance A Gospel Vision The first building block may be described as provi- dent living. This means joyfully living within our of Welfare: Faith means and preparing for the ups and downs of life so that we can be ready for the rainy-day emergencies in Action when they come into our lives. Provident living means not coveting the things of this world. It means using the resources of the earth My brothers and sisters, wisely and not being wasteful, even in times of plenty. I am grateful for this Provident living means avoiding excessive debt and opportunity to visit being content with what we have. with you about a gospel We live in an age of entitlement. Many believe they vision of the priesthood should have all that others have—right now. Unable principles of welfare in to delay gratification, they go into debt to buy what the restored Church of they cannot afford. The results always affect both their Jesus Christ. temporal and spiritual welfare. The economic When we go into debt, we give away some of our clouds that have long precious, priceless agency and place ourselves in self- threatened the world imposed servitude. We obligate our time, energy, and are now fully upon us. means to repay what we have borrowed—resources The impact of this economic storm on our Heavenly that could have been used to help ourselves, our fami- Father’s children requires a gospel vision of wel- lies, and others. fare today more than ever before. Priesthood-based As our freedom is diminished by debt, increas- welfare principles are both temporal and spiritual. ing hopelessness depletes us physically, depresses us They are also eternal and apply in every circumstance. mentally, and burdens us spiritually. Our self-image is Whether we are rich or poor, they are for us. affected, as well as our relationships with our spouse Whenever we practice the principles of welfare, we and children, with our friends and neighbors, and are living “pure religion” as it is defined in scripture ultimately with the Lord. (James 1:27). The Savior taught, “Inasmuch as ye To pay our debts now and to avoid future debt have done it unto one of the least of these my breth- require us to exercise faith in the Savior—not just to do ren, ye have done it unto me” (Matthew 25:40). He better but to be better. It takes great faith to utter those also taught that we not only seek out and “visit the simple words, “We can’t afford it.” It takes faith to fatherless and widows in their affliction” but we also trust that life will be better as we sacrifice our wants “keep [ourselves] unspotted from the world” (James in order to meet our own and others’ needs. 1:27). In other words, we not only do good; we strive I testify that happy is the man who lives within his to be good. means and is able to save a little for future needs. As This, then, is the gospel vision of welfare: to put we live providently and increase our gifts and talents, our faith in Jesus Christ into action. We serve others as we become more self-reliant. Self-reliance is taking the Spirit directs. As we live gospel welfare principles, responsibility for our own spiritual and temporal we apply the Savior’s teachings here in mortality. welfare and for those whom Heavenly Father has

1 entrusted to our care. Only when we are self-reliant As true disciples of Christ, we also give as did the can we truly emulate the Savior in serving and bless- good Samaritan, who boldly rescued his unknown ing others. brother on the highway side (see Luke 10:25–37). Said It is important to understand that self-reliance is a Joseph Smith, “A man filled with the love of God, is means to an end. Our ultimate goal is to become like not content with blessing his family alone, but ranges the Savior, and that goal is enhanced by our unselfish through the whole world, anxious to bless the whole service to others. Our ability to serve is increased or human race” (History of the Church, 4:227). diminished by the level of our self-reliance. Preparing for the Future As President Marion G. Romney once said: “Food for the hungry cannot come from empty shelves. As Latter-day prophets have counseled, some of the Money to assist the needy cannot come from an empty most important welfare building blocks have to do purse. Support and understanding cannot come from with preparing for the future. the emotionally starved. Teaching cannot come from Budgeting the unlearned. And most important of all, spiritual guidance cannot come from the spiritually weak” (in Preparing for the future includes making a spend- Conference Report, Oct. 1982, 135; or Ensign, Nov. ing and savings plan with our income. Carefully mak- 1982, 93). ing and keeping a family or personal budget can help us recognize and control the difference between our Paying Tithes and Offerings wants and needs. Reviewing that budget in a family council will allow our children to learn and practice How, then, do we obtain Heavenly Father’s help so wise spending habits and to participate in planning that we have enough for our own needs and also and saving for the future. enough to serve others? One of the fundamental prin- ciples of welfare is the payment of tithes and offerings. Education The primary purpose of tithing is to develop our Preparing for the future also includes obtaining an faith. By keeping the commandment to pay “one- education or vocational training and finding gainful tenth of all [our increase] annually” (D&C 119:4), employment. If you are currently employed, do all we become better—our faith grows and sustains us that you can to be a valued, essential part of the orga- through the trials, tribulations, and sorrows of life. nization you work for. Work hard and be a “labourer With the payment of tithes, we also learn to control . . . worthy of [your] hire” (Luke 10:7; see also D&C our desires and appetites for the things of this world, 31:5; 70:12; 84:79; 106:3). to be honest in our dealings with our fellowmen, and As companies continue to downsize or close, even to make sacrifices for others. ideal employees may find themselves needing to find As our faith grows, so will our desire to keep the new employment. This is an opportunity to rely on commandment to pay fast offerings. This offering is the Lord, to grow, and to be strengthened. If you are at least the cost of the two meals we do not eat while seeking a new job, increase your faith in the Lord’s we are fasting. Fast offerings are the means provided desire and power to bless you. Also seek counsel from for us to participate in anonymous giving to bless our those you trust, and don’t be afraid to network and brothers and sisters in spiritual and temporal need— ask for help in finding a new job. If necessary, change giving with no expectation of earthly credit or benefit. your lifestyle—and possibly your place of residence— Freely giving allows us to follow the pattern of the to live within your means. Willingly seek additional Savior, who freely gave His life for all mankind. He training and learn new skills, regardless of your age. said, “Remember in all things the poor and the needy, Maintain your health and stay close to your spouse the sick and the afflicted, for he that doeth not these and children. And, above all, be grateful. Express your things, the same is not my disciple” (D&C 52:40). gratitude in prayer for all that has been given to you.

2 Heavenly Father loves you. His Son has promised, I testify that living the priesthood principles of “All these things shall give [you] experience, and shall welfare is the measure of our Christian love. It is our be for [your] good” (D&C 122:7). sacred opportunity to apply Christ’s restored gospel on earth—to put our faith into action and receive a Spiritual Preparation fulness of His joy in this life and in the world to come. My brothers and sisters, now is the time to lay the I bear my special witness that our Savior lives and building blocks of welfare in our lives and teach our that He gave His life for our eternal welfare. In the brothers and sisters to do the same. The scriptures name of Jesus Christ, amen. teach us, “If ye are prepared ye shall not fear” (D&C 38:30). By keeping the commandments and living wel- fare principles, we can have the Spirit of the Lord to be with us always—to sustain us through the storms of these last days and speak peace to our souls. Just as we save our temporal resources for rainy days, keeping the commandments, praying, read- ing the scriptures, and relying upon the Holy Ghost prepare us for the rainy-day tests of life. By our obedience, we store up the faith we need to meet the vicissitudes and challenges of life. Keeping ourselves unspotted from the world—being “good” in this way—we are able to do good for our brothers and sisters throughout the world, both temporally and spiritually. In closing, may I share just one example of how we do this in humanitarian service? Every year Church members contribute to the dig- ging of wells where there is no other source of drink- ing water. Consider the benefit of just one of these wells, dug in a remote village. While some might characterize it as a strictly temporal blessing, what are the spiritual blessings to a mother who had previously walked hours to get water and more hours to bring it back to her children? Before the well was dug, what time did she have to teach her children the gospel, to pray with them, and to nurture them in the love of the Lord? What time did she have to study the scriptures herself, ponder them, and receive strength to bear the challenges of her life? By putting their faith into action, Church members helped quench the temporal thirst of her family and also provided a way for them to drink freely of the water of life and never thirst again. By being faithful in living welfare principles, they were able to help dig “a well of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:14).

3 Julie B. Beck sisters to look after the poor and needy and help them Relief Society General President become self-reliant.

Looking After the Poor and the Needy Relief Society, which has responsibility “to look The Welfare after the spiritual welfare and salvation . . . of all the female members of the Church,”2 was organized to Responsibilities of provide “relief of the poor, the destitute, the widow and the orphan, and for the exercise of all benevolent the Relief Society purposes.”3 This includes “relief of poverty, relief of illness, relief of doubt, relief of ignorance—relief of all President that hinders the joy and progress of woman.”4 I have heard President Monson speak with great appreciation about the Relief Society presidents who served with him when he was a young bishop. He Purpose of and his Relief Society presidents followed the same Relief Society model we have today. Under his direction, the Relief My dear brothers and Society president went into the homes of the members sisters, it is a privilege to discover whether or not there was sufficient food, to speak to you about furnishings, skills, emotional strength, or other neces- the responsibilities of sities. With the help of prayer and the spiritual gifts the ward Relief Society they possessed, his Relief Society presidents sought president regarding inspiration to make a proper evaluation of the needs welfare. Behind me are in those homes. Using their assessment, he was then portraits of the women able to develop a self-reliance plan for his people. who have served as Self-Reliance and Provident Living general presidents of the Relief Society. As I have studied their histories, I Along with the responsibility for helping the bishop am reminded that this organization has accomplished look after those in need, Relief Society takes the lead its work in times of growth and prosperity but also in organizing, teaching, and inspiring Relief Society during times of war, famine, epidemic, and depres- sisters to become personally self-reliant. To under- sion. The lessons we learn from the past can help us stand their responsibilities, leaders could ask some navigate in our day as we are experiencing natural important questions: disasters, wars, government upheavals, personal 1. What is self-reliance? trials, and economic troubles. Relief Society is meant 2. What are the personal responsibilities of every to provide relief, which means to lift up, to lighten, sister regarding self-reliance? to raise someone up or out of trouble.1 We have 3. How self-reliant are the sisters in my ward? always been charged with helping women and their 4. What self-reliance skills do the sisters in my families in their lifelong responsibilities to increase ward need to acquire? faith and personal righteousness, strengthen families 5. How will we help one another become more and homes, and serve the Lord and His children. self-reliant? Today we will focus on that portion of our work that “Self-reliance means using all of our blessings from concerns welfare as we discuss working under the Heavenly Father to care for ourselves and our families direction of the bishop to organize, teach, and inspire and to find solutions for our own problems.”5 Each of

4 us has a responsibility to try to avoid problems before skills in marriages and families, and good parenting they happen and to learn to overcome challenges skills have never been more important. We also see an when they occur. increase of debt and consumerism in the world. This painting, which hangs in my office, shows a I asked several bishops what self-reliance skills the woman in a storage room. What we learn from this sisters in their wards needed most, and they said bud- painting is not geting. Women need to understand the implications of so much a les- buying on credit and not living within a budget. The son about storage second skill bishops listed was cooking. Meals pre- rooms and home pared and eaten at home generally cost less, are health- canning. Look at ier, and contribute to stronger family relationships. the woman. She I have seen great examples of sisters all over the stands alone, and world helping each other become self-reliant. In we do not know the United States, sisters are gathering to learn how if she is married to budget their finances so they can buy carefully or single. She is and reduce debt. Older sisters are teaching younger wearing an apron, women how to cook and prepare wholesome meals which implies at home. In Ghana, sisters learn to read together. In that she has been Peru, sisters seal up rice and beans in packages so working. Work they won’t go hungry when earthquakes strike. In the Woman With Food Storage, is a foundational Philippines, where typhoons occur with regularity, by Judith A. Mehr principle of self- sisters assemble short-term supplies and food to use reliance. We can assume that all the resources around when they need to evacuate their homes. her are the result of her own efforts. She has made some personal preparations. Look at her face. She seems a little weary but very peaceful. Her eyes show the contentment in her soul. She has the look of a self- reliant woman. How do we become self-reliant? We become self- reliant through obtaining sufficient knowledge, educa- tion, and literacy; by managing money and resources wisely, being spiritually strong, preparing for emer- gencies and eventualities; and by having physical health and social and emotional well-being. So what skills do we need to help us become self- The Family Prayer, by Abelardo Loria Lovendino, reliant? It was important for my grandmother to know courtesy Church History Museum how to kill and pluck a chicken. I have not yet had the necessity to kill and pluck a chicken. However, even in A second painting that hangs in my office shows the early days of the Church, Brigham Young pled with how this principle can be applied everywhere. Here we the sisters to learn to prevent illness in families, estab- see a Filipino family in their nipa hut of sticks, which lish home industries, and learn accounting and book- sits on stilts above ground. We see in the foreground keeping and other practical skills.6 Those principles still their large jar of water. They have a basket of mangos, apply today. Education continues to be vitally impor- they have some fuel to cook with, and they have a tant. Each of us is a teacher and a learner, and literacy, simple source of light to see by. They are sitting at the technical, and reasoning skills are a daily requirement. dinner table with heads bowed in prayer. Hanging There is also a great need for better communication on the wall are the hand-stitched words “Families are

5 Forever.” I would imagine the mother of this family mother-in-law, June, who served in Relief Society learned many of the self-reliance principles and skills presidencies almost continuously for 30 years. When shown here in Relief Society meetings and activities. she passed away suddenly last year, she left evidence How self-reliant are the sisters in your ward? How of her self-reliant life. She had a current temple rec- can you discern their needs? And who should help the ommend and well-used scriptures and gospel study Relief Society president in this effort? Because this is manuals. We lovingly divided up the pots, pans, and a divine work and because a Relief Society president dishes with which she had prepared thousands of has a divine call, she is entitled to divine help. She also meals. She left us quilts she had made from old cloth- has the help of good visiting teachers who understand ing. She believed in the old adage “Use it up, wear it their responsibility to watch over and care for those out, make it do, or do without.” We saw the supply of sisters. Through the reports she receives from them food she had grown, preserved, and stored. Particu- and other sisters, she is able to learn about their needs. larly touching were her little account books in which She can also use the help of committees and younger she faithfully recorded her expenditures over many sisters, who have great energy and are ready to serve. years. Because she lived providently, she left some money she had saved for emergencies, and she left no debts! Most importantly, she had taught and inspired many others with the skills she had acquired during her faithful life. As leaders, we demonstrate our faith when we use our time, talents, meetings, and activities to first take care of the things that are essential for temporal and spiritual welfare and salvation. As we do this, love, unity, joy, sisterhood, and blessings will abound. I testify that the work of Relief Society is an integral part of the Lord’s restored Church and that His work is directed by a living prophet today. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Notes 1. See Online Etymology Dictionary, “relief” and “relieve,” Midwife: Thy Path Her Chosen Way, by Crystal Haueter, courtesy Church History Museum www.etymonline.com. 2. Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith This third painting that hangs in my office depicts (Melchizedek Priesthood and Relief Society course of a pioneer midwife. It reminds me that one sister, with study, 1998), 185. one skill, can be a blessing to many. An example of 3. History of the Church, 4:567. this is my great-great-grandmother Mary Ann Ham- 4. John A. Widtsoe, Evidences and Reconciliations, arr. blin, who was a midwife. She helped bring over 2,000 G. Homer Durham (1987), 308. babies into this world. She made a valuable contribu- 5. Instructional Resources for Welfare Trainers, tion to the Lord’s storehouse of time and talents. Lesson 2: Self-Reliance, 3; PDF available online at providentliving.org. Fulfilling Our Responsibilities 6. See Eliza R. Snow, “Female Relief Society,” Deseret Providing for ourselves and others is evidence that News, Apr. 22, 1868, 1; Brigham Young, Deseret News, we are disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ. Like many July 28, 1869, 5. of you, I have been inspired and taught principles of self-reliance by the example of my mother and other Relief Society sisters. One such woman was my sweet

6 Bishop H. David Burton that right,” he said, “and the privilege, and for that Presiding Bishop reason I am calling you, requesting you to do what you feel should be done in her case.” On another occasion, President Clark, while giving The Welfare a very powerful address, said: “By the word of the Lord the sole mandate to care Responsibilities for and the sole discretion in caring for, the poor of the Church is lodged [with] the bishops. . . . It is his duty and his only to determine to whom, when, how, and of the Bishop how much shall be given to any member of his ward from Church funds. . . . “This is his high and solemn obligation imposed by the Lord Himself. The bishop cannot escape his duty; Seeking Out he cannot shirk it; he cannot pass it on to someone and Caring for else, and so relieve himself. Whatever help he calls in, the Needy he is still responsible” (quoted in Thomas S. Monson, Hello, I am Bishop in Conference Report, Oct. 1980, 132; or Ensign, Nov. David Burton, and 1980, 90). today I have the privi- What are the bishop’s welfare-related responsibili- lege of being with six ties? They are at least threefold! They include: marvelous bishops 1. Teaching members the basic principles of from the Centerville self-reliance and encouraging them to become Utah North Stake. We self-reliant. The two recently published booklets, are at Welfare Square in All Is Safely Gathered In: Family Finances and All Salt Lake City. Thank Is Safely Gathered In: Family Home Storage can be you for joining us as we discuss the responsibilities of very helpful in helping members understand the bishops in seeking out and caring for those who may importance of self-reliance.. not be self-reliant. 2. Helping ward council members know and act As we begin, I am reminded of two quotations from upon their responsibilities. President J. Reuben Clark Jr. President Clark served for many years in the First Presidency of the Church 3. Providing assistance according to basic welfare and was very instrumental in the development of principles. what was then called the Church Security Plan and is The newly published booklet entitled Providing in now referred to as the Church welfare plan. the Lord’s Way: Summary of a Leader’s Guide to Welfare On one occasion, President J. Reuben Clark Jr. tele- will remind you of the basic objective of welfare, self- phoned a bishop to tell him that a single mother with reliance, and supporting principles. three little children had, that very day, moved into the bishop’s ward. President Clark asked the bishop to The Lord’s Storehouse go as quickly as possible to her new residence and do The Lord has revealed that members of the Church what he could to help her. should “impart of [their] substance unto the poor, . . . President Clark told the bishop, “If I could, I would and they shall be laid before the bishop . . . [and] kept help this sister, but I am only the First Counselor to in my storehouse, to administer to the poor and the the President of the Church and do not have authority needy” (D&C 42:31–32, 34). to write a bishop’s order on the storehouse. You have

7 Each bishop has a variety of “tools” laid before him for themselves. When individuals are not capable of to assist in helping the poor. We call this collection of providing for themselves, immediate family, as well as tools the Lord’s storehouse. extended family, have an obligation and opportunity The storehouse includes: to assist. 1. Cash contributed as members live and receive 3. Sustain life not lifestyle. the blessings of participating in the fast. We use the little phrase, “sustain life but not 2. Commodities produced internally or purchased lifestyle.” As we sustain life, Church assistance is for use by the bishops. designed to furnish food, clothing, and appropriate 3. The time, talents, and resources of members. shelter as well as other assistance, as determined by These talents, as may be helpful and required, the bishop, needed to help the individual become self- along with the cash and commodities, constitute the reliant. Individuals are expected to use any assets they Lord’s storehouse. The Lord’s storehouse is available have for their support and in an orderly way down- to every bishop and exists in every ward. Contrary size to accommodate their budget restraints. to conventional wisdom, the Lord’s storehouse is not 4. Provide commodities before cash. limited to a building or a warehouse filled with com- modities awaiting distribution. Another basic principle that we generally use is to provide commodities before we provide cash. Basic Principles When possible, the bishop provides members with As bishops carry out their divine mandate to seek out commodities instead of giving them money or pay- and care for the poor in the Lord’s way, they will often ing their bills. Where bishops’ storehouses are not be required to make difficult decisions. Bishops are available, fast offerings may be used to buy needed blessed with and very much entitled to the gift of dis- commodities. cernment as they are faced with this task. Each indi- 5. Provide work and service opportunities. vidual case that you deal with requires inspiration. Guided by the Spirit, while keeping in mind basic One of the most important basic principles includes welfare principles, bishops can best determine who providing work and service opportunities. For is in need, how much and what kind of assistance is individuals to retain their dignity during a time of needed, and how long it may be required. personal distress, opportunities for service and work commensurate with the recipients’ circumstances You may ask, what are some of these basic, time- should be found. The value of the work or service tested welfare principles that will help bishops opti- need not be equal to the assistance received but rather mize their decisions? sufficient to avoid the evils of the dole and the foster- 1. Seek out the poor. ing of an entitlement mentality. The ward council can assist by compiling and maintaining a list of meaning- Bishops should keep in mind that it is their respon- ful work opportunities. sibility to seek out the poor. It is not enough to assist only when asked. The bishop should encourage Questions from Bishops priesthood and Relief Society leaders, along with With this short background presentation, let’s discuss home teachers and visiting teachers, to help identify some issues you would like to raise as they relate to those who need assistance. your important stewardship of looking after and seek- 2. Promote personal responsibility. ing out the poor. Bishops have the responsibility to keep in mind, Question: Recognizing that we, as bishops, have spe- as they assist individuals, that they must promote cific responsibilities for welfare assistance, are there personal responsibility. Individuals are responsible

8 others to whom we may appropriately turn for help in In some areas of the world, bishops’ storehouses that responsibility? are available to help provide food and clothing. Where Response: The bishop has the opportunity to use a a bishops’ storehouse is not available, fast offerings number of others in assisting in this responsibility. are used to provide food and clothing. They are also Particularly, members of the ward council, priest- used to pay for shelter, medical assistance, and other hood quorums, and the Relief Society all can help life-sustaining aid. the bishop meet members’ temporary and long-term There is no requirement, however, that fast-offering welfare needs. These leaders are assisted by home expenditures within the ward and stake remain in bal- teachers, visiting teachers, and others who have ance with fast-offering contributions. special skills. Question: With the economy in the state that it is Question: In regard to these welfare matters, how currently in, we are seeing an increased number of can I, as a bishop, better utilize my Relief Society and families and members struggling to meet mortgage quorum leaders? payments. Is it permissible for us to use funds to assist with their mortgage payments? Response: Relief Society and quorum leaders can be extremely helpful in this whole process, and welfare Response: As you undoubtedly remember, welfare should be central to the role of priesthood quorums assistance is usually designed to be temporary. Bish- and also the Relief Society. It should be a regularly ops, along with quorum and Relief Society leaders, discussed item in presidency meetings. Under the and other specialists if needed, should help recipients direction of the bishop, priesthood quorums and the design a plan to become self-reliant so they will no Relief Society should help members find solutions longer need welfare assistance. to both short-term and long-term welfare needs and If a payment of a mortgage in the short run will become self-reliant. enable them to carry out their plan to become self- The Relief Society president holds a special place in reliant, then payment of a mortgage could be very this process. Normally, she assists the bishop by visit- desirable and permissible. ing members who need welfare assistance. She helps Question: Is it appropriate if an individual is receiv- them assess their needs and suggests to the bishop ing governmental welfare assistance to use Church what assistance to provide. The bishop and the Relief welfare assistance as well? Society president may use the Needs and Resources Members may choose to use resources in Analysis form to assist them in determining those Response: the community, including government resources, to needs. meet their basic needs. The bishop should become Question: Bishop Burton, how would you recommend familiar with these resources. Resources that are often that we teach the law of the fast so as to bring greater used include: understanding to our members? • Hospitals, physicians, or other sources of medical Response: The law of the fast is basic to the spiritual aid. welfare of our Father in Heaven’s children. He has • Job training and placement services, where avail- established the law of the fast, and the law of tithing able in the community. as well, to bless His people. The bishop should teach • Help for people with disabilities. all members the importance of living these laws. He • Professional counselors or social workers. Most should also teach about the blessings the Lord prom- every community has counselors or social workers ises for living these laws. These blessings include a who share our values. closeness to the Lord, increased spiritual strength, • Addiction-recovery resources, which are more temporal well-being, greater compassion, and a stron- broadly available than ever before. ger desire to serve.

9 When Church members receive assistance from non-Church sources, the bishop may also give Church assistance and should help members avoid becoming dependent in any way on these sources. Where pos- sible, members should work in return for assistance received. We need to avoid the evils of the dole and the feeling of having some kind of entitlement. Brothers and sisters, we have had the opportunity for just a few moments to discuss sacred principles relating to helping and assisting those who are in need. May the Lord bless each of you as you perform your role in reaching out to our Father in Heaven’s children and displaying the capacity to love and the compassion that comes from service. I humbly pray the Lord’s blessings to be upon you, and I do so in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

10 President Thomas S. Monson vegetables or wheat—even a variety of staples, that President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints the storehouses might be filled and the elderly and needy supplied. The Lord provided the way when He declared, “And the storehouse shall be kept by the consecrations of the church; and the widows and The Way orphans shall be provided for, as also the poor” (D&C 83:6). Then the reminder, “But it must needs be done of the Lord in mine own way” (D&C 104:16). In the vicinity where I lived and served, we oper- ated a poultry project. Most of the time it was an effi- My brothers and sisters, ciently operated project supplying to the storehouse how grateful I am to thousands of dozens of fresh eggs and hundreds of have the opportunity to pounds of dressed poultry. On a few occasions, how- speak to you concern- ever, the experience of being volunteer city farmers ing a subject that is provided not only blisters on the hands but frustration very dear to my heart— of heart and mind. namely, the welfare For instance, I shall ever remember the time we program of the Church. gathered together the teenaged Aaronic Priesthood young men to really give the poultry project a spring Service in Welfare cleaning treatment. Our enthusiastic and energetic Projects throng gathered at the project and in a speedy fashion Situated somewhat uprooted, gathered, and burned large quantities of off the beaten path in Salt Lake City, away from the weeds and debris. By the light of the glowing bonfires crowd, is a well-known square. Here, in a quiet fash- we ate hot dogs and congratulated ourselves on a job ion, motivated by a Christlike love, workers serve one well done. The project was now neat and tidy. How- another after the divine plan of the Master. I speak ever, there was just one disastrous problem. The noise of Welfare Square, sometimes known as the bishops’ and the fires had so disturbed the fragile and tem- storehouse. At this central location and at numerous peramental population of 5,000 laying hens that most other sites throughout the world, fruits and vegetables of them went into a sudden molt and ceased laying. are canned, and commodities are processed, labeled, Thereafter we tolerated a few weeds that we might stored, and distributed to those persons who are in produce more eggs. need. There is no sign of government help nor the No member of The Church of Jesus Christ of exchange of currency here, since only the signed order Latter-day Saints who has canned peas, topped beets, from an ordained bishop is honored. hauled hay, shoveled coal or helped in any way to I had the privilege during the period of 1950 serve others ever forgets or regrets the experience of through 1955 to preside as a bishop over 1,080 mem- helping provide for those in need. Devoted men and bers situated in the central part of Salt Lake City. In women help to operate this vast and inspired welfare the congregation were 84 widows and perhaps 40 program. In reality, the plan would never succeed on families who were judged to be in need of welfare at effort alone, for this program operates through faith varying times and to some extent. after the way of the Lord. Specific assignments were given to units of the Church, that the requirements of the needy might be Motivated by Faith met. In one ecclesiastical unit the Church members Sharing with others that which we have is not new would produce beef, in another oranges, in another to our generation. We need but to turn to the account found in 1 Kings in the Holy Bible to appreciate anew

11 the principle that when we follow the counsel of the “Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, Lord, when we care for those in need, the outcome and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy benefits all. There we read that a most severe drought righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the had gripped the land. Famine followed. Elijah the Lord shall be thy [reward]. prophet received from the Lord what to him must “Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; have been an amazing instruction: “Get thee to thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. . . . Zarephath . . . : behold, I have commanded a widow “And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and woman there to sustain thee.” When he had found the satisfy thy soul in drought, . . . and thou shalt be like widow, Elijah declared: a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose “Fetch me, I pray thee, a little water in a vessel, that waters fail not” (Isaiah 58:7–9, 11). I may drink. Our sacred fast offerings finance the operation of “And as she was going to fetch it, he called to her, storehouses, supply cash needs of the poor, and pro- and said, Bring me, I pray thee, a morsel of bread in vide medical care for the sick who are without funds. thine hand.” Of course, in many areas the fast offerings are col- Her response described her pathetic situation as lected each month by the young men of the Aaronic she explained that she was preparing a final and Priesthood, generally quite early on the Sabbath day. scanty meal for her son and for herself, and then they I recall that the boys in the congregation over which I would die. presided had assembled one morning, sleepy eyed, a How implausible to her must have been Elijah’s bit disheveled, and mildly complaining about aris- response: ing so early to fulfill their assignment. Not a word of “Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make reproof was spoken, but during the following week, me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and we escorted the boys to Welfare Square for a guided after make for thee and for thy son. tour. They saw firsthand a lame person operating “For thus saith the Lord God of Israel, The barrel of the telephone switchboard, an older man stocking meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, shelves, women arranging clothing to be distributed— until the day that the Lord sendeth rain upon the earth. even a blind person placing labels on cans. Here were individuals earning their sustenance through their “And she went and did according to the saying of contributed labors. A penetrating silence came over Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, did eat many the boys as they witnessed how their efforts each days. month helped to collect the sacred fast-offering funds “And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the which aided the needy and provided employment for cruse of oil fail” (1 Kings 17:9–11, 13–16). those who otherwise would be idle. This is the faith that has ever motivated and From that hallowed day forward, there was no inspired the welfare plan of the Lord. urging required. On fast Sunday mornings they were present at 7:00, dressed in their Sunday best, anxious The True Fast to do their duty as holders of the Aaronic Priesthood. As we fast one day each month and contribute gener- No longer were they simply distributing and collect- ously to a fast-offering fund at least the equivalent of ing envelopes. They were helping to provide food for the meals forfeited, may we remember the words of the hungry and shelter for the homeless—all after the Isaiah as he described the true fast: way of the Lord. Their smiles were more frequent, “Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that their pace more eager. Perhaps now they better under- thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? stood the classic passage, “Inasmuch as ye have done when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? done it unto me” (Matthew 25:40).

12 A Miracle of Love was the home chilly and uninviting. It now seemed to One might ask, concerning those who assist in the whisper a warm welcome. welfare program, What prompts such devotion on Lou saved until last showing me his pride and joy: the part of every worker? The answer can be stated there on his bed was a beautiful plaid quilt bearing simply: An individual testimony of the gospel of the the crest of his McDonald family clan. It had been Lord Jesus Christ, even a heartfelt desire to love the made with loving care by the women of the Relief Lord with all one’s heart, mind, and soul, and one’s Society. Before leaving, I discovered that each week neighbor as oneself. the young adults were bringing in a hot dinner and This is what motivated a personal friend, now sharing a home evening. Warmth had replaced the deceased, who was in the produce business, to tele- cold. Repairs had transformed the wear of years. But phone me during those days as a bishop and say, more significantly, hope had dispelled despair, and “I’m sending to the storehouse a semitruck and trailer now love reigned triumphant. filled with citrus fruits for those who would otherwise All who participated in this moving drama of real go without. Let the storehouse management know life had discovered a new and personal appreciation the truck is coming, and there will be no charge; but, of the Master’s teaching, “It is more blessed to give Bishop, no one is to know who sent it.” Rarely have I than to receive” (Acts 20:35). seen the joy and appreciation this generous act brought To all within the sound of my voice I declare that forth. Never have I questioned the eternal reward to the welfare plan of The Church of Jesus Christ of which that unnamed benefactor has now gone. Latter-day Saints is inspired of Almighty God. Indeed, Such kind deeds of generosity are not a rarity but the Lord Jesus Christ is its architect. He beckons to are frequently found. Beneath the heavily traveled you and to me, “Behold, I stand at the door, and freeway which girds Salt Lake City there once stood knock; if any man hear my voice, and open the door, the home of an elderly single man named Louis, who, I will come in to him” (Revelation 3:20). due to a crippling disease, had never known a day May we hear His voice, may we open to His pres- without pain nor many days without loneliness. One ence the doorways of our hearts, and may He be our winter’s day as I visited him, he was slow in answer- constant companion as we strive to serve His children, ing the doorbell’s ring. I entered his well-kept home; I pray humbly in His holy name, even Jesus Christ our the temperature in save but one room, the kitchen, Lord, amen. was a chilly 40 degrees. The reason: not sufficient money to heat any other room. The walls needed papering, the ceilings to be lowered, the cupboards to be filled. I was troubled by the experience of visiting my friend. A bishop was consulted, and a miracle of love, prompted by testimony, took place. The ward members were organized, the labor of love begun. A month later, my friend Louis called and asked if I would come and see what had happened to him. I did and indeed beheld a miracle. The sidewalks, which had been uprooted by large poplar trees, had been replaced, the porch of the home rebuilt, a new door with glistening hardware installed, the ceilings lowered, the walls papered, the woodwork painted, the roof replaced, and the cupboards filled. No longer

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