What sacrifices do modern teens make for faith? They reject societal norms, embrace devotion, and shift priorities.
How did General Conference address modern faith struggles? By emphasizing obedience, selflessness, and Christ’s love.
Are church leaders power-driven? The leadership model focuses on sacrifice over personal ambition.
How do the Church of Jesus Christ Women-led initiatives, partnerships, and comprehensive care drive their mission?
Latter-day Saints can help create a safe haven for refugees. Their extensive support system can help create successful integrations.
In academia, servant leaders impact student lives through ethical guidance, respect, and adaptability.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has released its 2022 annual report on caring for those in need. It reports more than $1 billion in expenditures, 6.3 million hours of donated service and 3,692 projects in 190 countries and territories. The First Presidency said regarding the report: “As His followers, we seek to love God and our neighbors throughout the world,” the First Presidency said. “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is eager to bless others and to help those in need. We are blessed to have the ability, resources, and trusted global connections to carry out this sacred responsibility, which we consider a joyful privilege.”
Even with so much suffering around us, I rejoice to have witnessed much suffering tangibly relieved by real-life, creative ministries to the poor. What more is still possible?
I wanted to highlight some wonderful local news stories. In Seguin, Texas, the local ward has worked to donate more than 40,000 lbs of food to the Christian Cupboard food pantry. Much of the food had been produced by members themselves at local church farms and factories. Meanwhile, in Barranquilla, Colombia, the youth in the branch partnered with a local foundation for underprivileged youth to distribute breakfast, play sports, and give gifts to them. (The article is in Spanish.) While most service from Latter-day Saints goes unreported, it is always nice to be reminded of the great service those of our faith are inspired to do. Perhaps even their projects may inspire some of your own.
A charming local news story out of Guam on Tuesday praised The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who donated 324 wheelchairs to local support agencies. Be sure to read it here. I was particularly pleased to read the paper report, “The wheelchairs have been well thought out as they come in multiple sizes and extra cushions for comfort and are also durable in Guam weather conditions.” These kinds of local donations from locals who understand local needs are often at the heart of the best Christian service. And while the recently released report demonstrates the breadth of the Church’s charitable efforts, it’s still these local reports that best demonstrate the heart and giving spirit of Latter-day Saints.
Among the interesting details in LDS Daily’s stellar reporting today is about a Latter-day Saint meetinghouse that is being used to house and support refugees leaving the country. The baptismal font has been adapted to be used as a shower, and local church members come to the building every day to help clean. https://news-uk.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/places-of-refuge-from-the-storm Latter-day Saint Meetinghouse in Ukraine Used as Refugee Station This is an important article highlighting the ways we can in our own small spheres make a big difference in helping the lives of others. A full list of efforts the Church is making in helping with the current refugee situation can be found at the Church’s newsroom.
The Church News had a report yesterday on a ward in Calabar, Nigeria serving a local orphanage. The Young Single Adult Ward had recently been pondering the hymn “Have I Done Any Good,” and decided that they could make a difference by serving a local orphanage. The ward members brought food and supplies, and prayed and sang with the children. The staff noted how timely the gifts were as they continue to recover from the negative effects of COVID-19.
