How many poor people do you know, or interact with on a regular basis?
I have been poor – I spent 6 years living off $1,000 a month and less while getting through college. I worked hard, lived with few possessions, paid my 10% tithing, and somehow paid off all my student loans while still a student.
I am now our ward’s relief society secretary – the largest women’s organization in the world. I work with a lot of poor people, deal with health care issues, education issues, single parents, etc. etc. Our church (not the government) does a great job helping everyone get up on their feet. Most of the people I know are pretty nice. They are willing to volunteer and help people out without the government to force them.
JMO – but those I see on welfare, they think it is somehow owed to them, they don’t think anyone has sacrificed to give them that money, they don’t appreciate it as much. Those who are helped by volunteers seem to get on their feet faster. They personally know the people where that money is coming from, they know people care for them, they know people love them and want them to succeed. People helping because they want to help – not because they are forced to help – they feel loved and supported by money given voluntarily.
link providing in the Lord's way
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In 2007 the Church responded to major earthquakes in 5 countries, massive fires in 6 countries, hunger and famine in 18 countries, and flooding and severe storms in 34 countries. In total the Church and its members responded to 170 major events—nearly one every two days for the entire year. It was a busy year with many opportunities to serve.
In addition to responding to natural disasters, we undertook thousands of public health initiatives during the year. Over 1 million people benefited from Church-sponsored clean water projects in 25 countries. More than 60,500 people received wheelchairs in 60 nations. Early this year Sister Burton and I, with the South America North Area Presidency, participated with the First Lady of Colombia in a wheelchair presentation. Tears came easily as receivers and their caregivers expressed their appreciation. In 11 countries, over 54,000 individuals now enjoy improved vision. Over 16,500 health-care professionals in 23 countries were trained in infant neonatal resuscitation; they, in turn, will train many others. In a quest to eliminate measles, 2.8 million children and youth in 10 countries received immunizations. The combined effects of these outreach endeavors directly touched nearly 4 million people in 85 countries.
In August a major 8.0 earthquake killed 520 people and destroyed more than 58,000 homes in southern Peru. In a marvelous display of love and concern, each of the 29 stakes in Lima, Peru, provided basic assistance to ward areas in the devastated region....
all without being forced to do this - all volunteer.
