Church Coordinates Relief Efforts After Mindanao Earthquake

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is working alongside government officials and relief groups to help communities recover from a powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake. The disaster hit off the coast of Maasim, Sarangani, in Mindanao on Monday, June 8, 2026.

The impact of the quake has been severe:

• Casualties: At least 37 people lost their lives, over 470 were injured, and four individuals are still missing.

• Displacement: More than 88,000 residents have been affected.

• Damage: The tremor destroyed or damaged homes, public buildings, utilities, roads, and bridges.

Safety and Relief Efforts

• Missionary Safety: All Church missionaries serving in the region have been contacted and are safe.

• Emergency Shelters: After passing safety inspections, multiple Church meetinghouses have opened their doors to act as temporary housing for displaced residents.

• On-the-Ground Aid: Local Church leaders are evaluating what communities need most, focusing on delivering food, clean water, and sanitation supplies.

• Community Service: Local members—even those whose own homes were damaged—are actively volunteering to help their neighbors.

Challenges and Next Steps

Reaching certain affected Latter-day Saint communities in Sarangani is currently difficult because a landslide blocked a major highway and a bridge collapsed. Members who need urgent help should reach out to their local bishop or branch president right away.

This response aligns with the Church’s long-standing global tradition of providing both immediate crisis relief (like food and medical supplies) and long-term rebuilding assistance during natural disasters.

Journalists Preview the Church’s New Humanitarian Center

On May 27, 2026, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints previewed its new 250,000-square-foot Humanitarian Center to the media. Located at 1999 West 1700 South in Salt Lake City, the updated facility sits directly across from the old site. It is designed to process global donations more efficiently while providing job and language training to hundreds of immigrants and refugees from over 25 countries.

The center’s leadership, including Welfare and Self-Reliance Services Managing Director Blaine Maxfield, emphasized that the facility’s mission is rooted in Jesus Christ’s teachings to love and serve one’s neighbor, regardless of their religious background. The Church’s First Presidency previously toured the site on May 22.

Core Operations and Programs

The center runs several daily operations aimed at both global relief and local self-reliance:

• Job Training & Education: Employees (called “associates”) spend about half their day in English language classes. They also learn culinary skills in a large kitchen and get hands-on experience in production, maintenance, and food service.

• Donation Processing & Recycling: Associates sort through surplus donations from Deseret Industries thrift stores. Clothing is sorted and compressed into 100-pound bales for worldwide shipment, while unusable items are recycled. The facility also decommissions and recycles electronics.

• Volunteer Services: Church volunteers work alongside associates to assemble emergency relief and cleaning kits. They also craft roughly 12,000 quilts each year using donated materials to aid those facing disasters.

Real-World Impact

The center serves as a career launching pad. For instance, Zipporah Markus, an immigrant from Nigeria, used her time at the center to earn a phlebotomy certificate, learn to operate a forklift, get her driver’s license, and take civics classes. Similarly, Tina Jones from Peru recently completed a medical certificate while operating a forklift at the facility, noting that the diverse workforce shares a daily tradition of praying together for the world.

Public Open House and Dedication Info

Following a private dedication ceremony on the evening of May 27, the center will open to the general public.

• Dates: Monday, June 1, 2026, through July 23, 2026.

• Hours: Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

• Activities: Visitors can tour the facility and participate in hands-on service, such as sorting clothes or assembling relief kits.

• Scheduling: While walk-ins are welcome, guests are encouraged to book a time via the Temple Square app or by calling 801-240-5954.

The First Presidency Tours the New Humanitarian Center Ahead of Dedication

The following news release and photos were originally published by the Church Newsroom. To visit their website, CLICK HERE.

The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints toured the Church’s new Humanitarian Center in Salt Lake City on Friday, May 22, 2026, five days ahead of the facility’s dedication.

The Humanitarian Center, located at 1999 West 1700 South in Salt Lake City, is a key part of the Church’s mission to follow Jesus Christ’s second great commandment: “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”

The new center provides job training, language courses and employment counseling for people working to overcome barriers to employment. It also prepares and distributes humanitarian supplies for those in need worldwide. Established in 1991, the Humanitarian Center has long served this dual purpose of fostering self-reliance and caring for those in need.

The new 250,000-square-foot facility, located across the street from the previous site, is designed to improve efficiency and strengthen collaboration. It includes space for job training classrooms, donation processing and large-scale preparation of humanitarian supplies, enhancing the Church’s ability to serve those in need.

To read the full article, CLICK HERE.

 

The Church’s 2025 Caring Report Shows More Than $1.5 Billion in 196 Countries

Press release, video, and photos are courtesy of the Church Newsroom.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints seeks to follow the Savior’s teaching to love God and our neighbor. The Church engages in a global ministry to bless all of God’s children.

 The “Caring for Those in Need 2025 Report” details the Church’s commitment to welfare, self-reliance, humanitarian aid, emergency relief, and volunteer service, with expenditures totaling US$1.58 billion. The Church provided assistance in 196 countries and territories, showing its global reach. This included 3,514 humanitarian projects worldwide. Church members volunteered 7.4 million hours of service at Church Welfare and Self-reliance facilities, in service missions, and in community service projects, demonstrating their dedication to caring for God’s children.

“We are guided by [Jesus Christ’s] example,” the First Presidency said in the report. “As The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we seek to follow Him by ministering to the sick, feeding the hungry, and comforting the afflicted. Ours is a ministry of great joy to all of God’s children.”

In 2025, Latter-day Saints and friends of the Church engaged in significant community-focused service. JustServe grew by 114,639 new users and 38,597 new projects. The platform surpassed 1 million registered users.

The work of caring also advanced through 13,789 welfare and self-reliance missionaries and the ministering efforts of more than 8.2 million Relief Society sisters around the world. Together, they strengthened individuals, families, and communities in quiet but meaningful ways.

“While the Church works globally, much of this meaningful service happens within our communities,” said Bishop W. Christopher Waddell, the Church’s Presiding Bishop. “It is inspiring to see members and friends of the Church participating in simple, daily acts of service as they strive to serve others as Christ would.”

Read the rest of this important story here.

A Year of Milestones, Mourning and Momentum: The Church of Jesus Christ in 2025

The following was originally published on the Church Newsroom. To visit their website, CLICK HERE. 

The past year was one of milestones, mourning and momentum for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The days were punctuated with sorrow from tragedies such as those in Lesotho and Michigan, as well as joy and progress from expanded opportunities for service and the continued growth of the Church around the globe.

The Church also experienced changes in leadership: President Russell M. Nelson died at age 101, and President Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles died at age 85. President Dallin H. Oaks was named the faith’s 18th Prophet and President.

Throughout the year, Latter-day Saints everywhere continued to carry out the Church’s mission to pattern their lives after Christ’s, care for people in need, invite the world to receive Christ’s teachings, and unite families for eternity.

Caring for People in Need

To carry out Jesus Christ’s two great commandments to love God and our neighbor, the Church continued to care for people in need around the world. One significant way the Church did this was by sharing the first of 250 truckloads of food with 250 food banks across all 50 United States to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary.

In Michigan, FISH of Grand Blanc received one of the first food truck deliveries on Wednesday, November 19. Grand Blanc was chosen as one of five cities to lead the initiative in recognition of the community’s remarkable support after the September 28 shooting and fire that claimed four lives and injured eight others at a local Church meetinghouse of the Church of Jesus Christ.

Latter-day Saints also reached out in the wake of natural disasters, such as flooding in central Texas and the Philippines, fires in Southern California and Peru, earthquakes in Myanmar and Vanuatu, and Hurricane Melissa in the Caribbean.

In Sri Lanka in May, Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson observed the tangible effect that funding from the Church to UNICEF is having on women and children in the South Asian nation. During meetings on Temple Square in June, President Johnson told representatives from eight global humanitarian organizations that the Church is donating another US$63.4 million to its global initiative to improve the well-being of women and children.

In May, Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles visited The Felix Project, the largest food redistribution charity in London. The Church collaborates with Muslim Aid to support The Felix Project’s work of providing tens of millions of meals for those in need across the city.

In June, Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles visited Centro Sonrisas de Heroes (Smiles of Heroes Center) in Santiago, Chile. This care center serves children with terminal illnesses and complex disabilities through various therapies and programs. The Church donated two vans to support children with mobility needs.

Rome’s First Giving Machine Kiosks Launched at Piazza della Repubblica

The following was originally published on the Church Newsroom. To visit their website, CLICK HERE. 

Rome’s first Giving Machine kiosks were launched in Piazza della Repubblica on Monday, December 8, 2025, offering a simple and impactful way for the public to support UNICEF, the Community of Sant’Egidio and the Italian Red Cross during the Christmas season. The humanitarian collaborators emphasized the initiative’s unique ability to direct practical aid to vulnerable children, families and the elderly.

Representatives from the three nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) were joined by civic and Church leaders for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, including Senate Majority Leader Lucio Malan.

“The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is very active in Italy, much more active than the numbers suggest, and this also explains why you are growing,” said Senator Malan. “This initiative also represents the implementation of the word of Jesus Christ. Thank you for everything you do!”

Rome Joins a Proven Global Initiative 

The Giving Machine kiosks are part of Light the World, a global charitable initiative of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that encourages people to celebrate Christmas through simple acts of service. Since their introduction in 2017, the vending machines have raised more than US $22 million, supporting hundreds of humanitarian projects in over a dozen countries. Rome joins cities such as New York, London, Sydney and Manila in hosting the initiative—reinforcing the capital’s commitment to compassion and community support during the holiday season.

“Today, we are truly happy to have managed [to accomplish this project] together in this square that shines with a different light, a light of solidarity that finds us at your side,” said Alderwoman Barbara Funari, who is responsible for social and health policies. “Thanks to you, we make solidarity more accessible.”

A special Light the World visual presentation —similar to displays seen in New York City’s Times Square and London—illuminated Piazza della Repubblica to mark the occasion.

Elder Emanuel Petrignani, an Area Seventy of the Church, greeted visitors and expressed gratitude for the charitable organizations serving Rome and beyond.

“Jesus taught that true discipleship is expressed through love, compassion and service,” said Elder Petrignani. “Tonight’s event shows what becomes possible when faith, civic commitment, and human kindness come together, allowing the light of Christ to shine even more brightly in our lives.”

How the Giving Machine Works

The red vending machine-style kiosks allow donors to purchase items—such as meals, winter clothing, hygiene kits, or educational materials—for people in need. One hundred percent of each donation goes directly to the charities, with the Church covering all operational costs.

Available Throughout the Christmas Season 

The Giving Machine kiosks at Piazza della Repubblica will remain open throughout December, inviting residents and visitors to support UNICEF, Sant’Egidio and the Italian Red Cross in their efforts to uplift communities across Italy and around the world.

This year, Giving Machine kiosks are available in 126 cities across 21 countries and on six continents.

December 8

• Rome’s First Giving Machine Kiosks Launched at Piazza della Repubblica 

December 5

• Light the World Initiative Shares the Love of Christ Across the Globe
• Light the World Giving Machine Kiosks Return to Canada for the Holiday Season
• Giving Machine Kiosks in Kenya Spread Christ’s Light

December 3

• Giving Machine Kiosks Arrive in South America for the First Time
• Southeast Asia’s First Automated Giving Machine Launches in Bangkok

December 2

• Light the World Giving Machine Kiosks Come to BYU

December 1

• Tokyo Turns Vending Culture Into a Culture of Giving

November 30

• Children Tell About the First Christmas in 2025 Light the World Video

November 26

• Elder Stevenson Attends Light the World Launch in Kansas City, Missouri

• Giving Machine Kiosks Debut in LA During Tree Lighting Event

November 12

• Celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ by Helping Those in Need Around the World

To visit the Church Newsroom website, CLICK HERE. 

Meet the Church of Jesus Christ’s New Presiding Bishopric

The following was originally published on the Church Newsroom. To visit their website, CLICK HERE. 

The First Presidency has named W. Christopher Waddell the new Presiding Bishop of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. L. Todd Budge will serve as First Counselor and Sean Douglas will serve as Second Counselor.

This announcement fills the gap left by Elder Gérald Caussé, who was called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on November 6, 2025. Elder Caussé had served as Presiding Bishop for more than 10 years. Bishop Waddell and Bishop Budge were Elder Caussé’s counselors.

The Presiding Bishopric serves under the direction of the First Presidency. They manage such matters as humanitarian aid, welfare programs, tithing and fast offerings, physical facilities, and the organization of membership records, among others. They also travel frequently to minister to Church members around the world.

Below are brief biographical details about each bishopric member.

Bishop W. Christopher Waddell (Presiding Bishop)

When he was first called to the Presiding Bishopric in 2016, Bishop Waddell noted that every aspect of the work of the Church — including the more immediate work of the Presiding Bishopric focused on caring for others in need — is about helping people return to God.

“If we do everything thinking ultimately of exalting God’s children, whether we are starting from a temporal standpoint or an ecclesiastical standpoint, it still all goes to the same place in the end,” he said. “That’s what we are building towards.”

In caring for God’s children, the Presiding Bishopric has also focused on caring for God’s creations. One example of this is the major environmental sustainability priorities the Church has established to help Latter-day Saints be wise stewards of the earth.

In 2023, Bishop Waddell spoke about one of those priorities — conserving water — in the context of the Great Salt Lake.

“We should acknowledge God’s hands in providing us this blessing [of water] and that our work is not done yet,” Bishop Waddell said. “We must continue with all diligence if we are to make the difference that is needed. May the Lord grant us all the faith and perseverance to be wise stewards of our water, our land, and the resources that flow through them.”

As with other General Authorities, the new Presiding Bishop’s sermons have focused on Jesus Christ.

“No leader has ever shown more courage, no humanitarian has shown more kindness, no physician has cured more disease, and no artist has been more creative than Jesus Christ,” Bishop Waddell said in October 2023, his most recent general conference address. “In a world of heroes, with monuments and museums devoted to the exploits of mortal men and women, there is One who stands above all others.”

Bishop Waddell was born in Los Angeles, California, on June 28, 1959. He married Carol Stansel in July 1984. They are the parents of four children.

He received a bachelor’s degree in 1984 from San Diego State University. Beginning in 1984 he worked with Merrill Lynch in several positions, including first vice president of investments.

Prior to his call as Presiding Bishop, Bishop Waddell had served for five years as First Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric (2020–2025), five years as Second Counselor (2015–2020) and four years as a General Authority Seventy (2011–2015). His other assignments have included full-time missionary in Spain, bishop, high councilor, mission president’s counselor, stake president, president of the Barcelona Spain Mission, and Area Seventy.

Bishop L. Todd Budge (First Counselor)

Bishop Budge was called as a General Authority Seventy in 2019. In 2020, he was called as a counselor in the Presiding Bishopric. In a general conference address a year later, Bishop Budge explained to Latter-day Saints around the world the bishopric’s role.

“Among many other things, the Presiding Bishopric oversees the welfare and humanitarian work of the Church,” he said. “This work now spans the entire globe and blesses more of God’s children than ever before.”

One aspect of this worldwide work came in 2022 when Bishop Budge presented a donation from the Church of US$32 million to the World Food Programme to address what that organization called a “seismic hunger crisis.”

“We are so grateful to collaborate with the World Food Programme because we know they will get food to those who need it most,” Bishop Budge said. “And we thank Latter-day Saints and friends of the faith whose financial sacrifices have made this gift possible. Such giving makes God’s children a little happier and all of us a little holier.”

Celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ by Helping Those in Need Around the World

The following is excerpted from the Church Newsroom. To read the full article, CLICK HERE. 

Each Christmas season, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Light the World Giving Machine initiative offers a meaningful way to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ by helping those in need. Whether it’s beehives for a family in Kenya or a warm blanket for a child in your own city, these tangible gifts turn generosity into joy.

This December, Giving Machine kiosks will be hosted in 126 cities, in 21 countries and on six continents — including the first in South America. New international countries this year include Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Chile, El Salvador, Italy, Japan, Spain and Thailand.

Each customized machine is stocked with tangible items and services to help people in need — nearby or across the world — providing a meaningful and memorable way to show love and extend hope to individuals and families.

This year, more than 4,000 items will be available worldwide from over 500 local nonprofit organizations, including these twelve global participants:

1. American Red Cross
2. Care
3. Church World Service
4. Days for Girls International
5. Lifting Hands International
6. Mentors International
7. Right to Play
8. Special Olympics
9. Splash
10. UNHCR for USA
11. UNICEF
12. Water for Good

Instead of purchasing candy or snacks from a vending machine, people buy goods and services to support those in need. It’s a machine that enables a person to give — rather than receive. Items vary by city, but a typical machine includes food, clean water, clothing, shelter, healthcare, education support, hygiene kits, bedding, job and career training, and even livestock such as chickens, goats, pigs and beehives.

Tiffany Larson, CEO of Days for Girls International, was present for a media event at the Conference Center on Temple Square on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, where the season’s Giving Machine host cities were announced. She shared a story of a 15-year-old girl in Nepal who benefited from a Giving Machine gift of a feminine hygiene kit.

“These cards in the machine might just look like cards, but they’re giving back girls dignity and health and opportunity,” said Larson, whose organization alleviates period poverty for women.

Ana Peña of Mentors International’s leadership team shared a story of a woman in Nicaragua who started a business thanks to a Giving Machine gift of chickens.

“We have thousands of stories like that of families that have started businesses thanks to these gifts,” Peña said. “I have visited so many of them, and they’re so, so grateful for the initiative and the families that come out and buy these gifts for them.”

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints covers all operating costs, ensuring that 100% of each donation goes directly to the participating nonprofits. The Church does not receive any financial benefit from this initiative.

Young Women General President Emily Belle Freeman said Wednesday that her family has donated through Giving Machine kiosks every year since 2017. And every year they have donated chickens.

“It’s so fun to think about how what begins as a three-to-five-minute experience in front of one of these machines turned into a lifetime change for a family or even just one young woman,” President Freeman said. “That’s such an amazing and remarkable thing for all of us to be able to participate in.”

 

Sister Kristin M. Yee of the Relief Society General Presidency spoke of the importance of the many nonprofits the Church is serving with to make these good things happen.

“We have so many wonderful participating nonprofits that are part of this work,” Sister Yee said. “We are so grateful to work with them in this effort. There are many hands that are part of this. We cannot do this on our own. It’s only together that we can do this. Whether we’re a nonprofit or just an individual, we can have the opportunity to help and offer acts of kindness and help move goods to those in need.”

When donations are transferred to each nonprofit organization, the Church also provides an itemized list of purchases, ensuring that every donor’s gift is delivered. These organizations have 12 months to fulfill those orders. Nonprofits can use up to 10% of their Giving Machine receipts for overhead costs, but most choose to use much less or none.

Since 2017, nearly US$50 million has been donated through the Giving Machine initiative.

Elders Matthew S. Holland and W. Mark Bassett of the Seventy also shared thoughts at Wednesday’s event. Both emphasized that the Giving Machine initiative is grounded in Jesus Christ.

“In John 8:12 we read, ‘I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life,’” said Elder Holland, who serves as executive director of the Church Communication Department. “Jesus Christ is the Light of the World. When we focus our Christmas activities on Him and give gifts of love and service as He did, we fill the world with more light. As we share abundantly with others, we experience an abundance of light and joy in our hearts and homes. This is the true Christmas experience.”

“Jesus Christ is the Light of the World,” added Elder Bassett, who is executive director of the Church’s Missionary Department. “He has asked us, commanded us, pled with us to love one another. This is just one way that we can love our neighbors. Might we do so this Christmas season as we remember the birth of the Son of God, Jesus Christ.”

To read the full article on the Church Newsroom, CLICK HERE. 

Do You Ever Feel God has Forgotten You? A Rising Star Outreach Miracle

Author’s note: I want to send a heartfelt thanks to all the hundreds of Meridian readers who helped make this story possible. You raised over $400K to build this school. You also contributed enough money to bring dozens of children into the school this year.

We All Have Enough to Share (Even When it Doesn’t Feel Like It)

My friend Betty Johnson was a teacher.  She arranged her schedule so that she could spend some time one year helping at our school at Rising Star Outreach in Tamilnadu, India.  She wrote and shared this story with me:

While serving at Rising Star, I received a care package from my daughter. She sent a flashlight, candy, and other little things. When I received the package, everything in it had been stolen except one piece of red vine licorice.

I wondered what I could do with just one piece of licorice. I decided I would offer it as a reward for good behavior in my small class of nine 8th graders. So, I awarded the piece of licorice to a deserving boy.

Then the most interesting thing happened. He cut the stick of licorice into nine equal pieces and gave each student a tiny piece of his ‘award’. I will always remember how quiet and attentive those students were while he was cutting the licorice. There were no shouts of someone getting more than another, etc. They just patiently waited until the pieces had all been distributed. Nobody ate a piece until everyone was served. Then they all ate their candy together. It was AMAZING. One little stick of licorice. What a lesson for me that was!

One stick of licorice, yet it fed the entire class!  Sometimes we erroneously tell ourselves that we would share with others if we had more.  Sharing is not a matter of having more; it is a matter of having more heart.

After my mother died, my father lived alone for many years.  Each winter we would bring our family to visit him and while there, we would use his home as a base for skiing the beautiful mountain slopes of Utah.

Dad was retired, so I knew he didn’t have a lot of extra income.  When we would come with our ten children, I worried about him feeling stressed over the increased food bill for the week.  Thinking to put his mind at ease, as soon as I got to Pleasant Grove, where he lived, I headed for the Kohler’s grocery store, so I could buy the necessary food for the week.

Upon arriving back at the house, as I was bringing all the food in from the car, to my surprise, Dad acted hurt and disappointed.  “Now what did you do that for?” he asked with some obvious irritation.  I explained simply that I was only trying to keep from putting a strain on his budget with all the extra mouths to feed from our family.  I was surprised that he was not pleased.  In fact, he acted as if I had done something terrible.  I was a bit confused.

The next day, I realized what I had done.  As Dad and I were coming back from visiting my sister, Diana, as we were about to pass the Kohler’s grocery store, Dad said suddenly, “Pull into the Kohler’s parking lot.” Instead of complying I asked, “Why?  I’ve already bought everything we need this week.”  But he was insistent.  He said, “Well, we’re going to need more butter.” I objected, “Dad, I bought an entire package of butter.”  He countered with, “Well, we’re going to need something else.”  We were about to pass by the Kohler’s.  He insisted strongly, “Pull into Kohler’s!”

I could sense an edge in his voice.  So, I reluctantly pulled into the parking lot.  We got out of the car and went into the store.  Dad kind of wandered around the food aisles a bit.  I asked him what he was looking for, thinking I might be able to help him find what he needed.  He seemed not to know what he was looking for.

Finally, he said, “Aha!  Here it is!” and grabbed some obscure sauce from the condiment shelf.  When I asked him what he was going to use the sauce for, he mumbled, “You’ll see.”  He now seemed excited as we approached the checkout lanes.  There was a lane open, so I quickly headed into the checkout.

He said, “No!  No! Let’s use this lane over here” as he took my arm, backed up, and pointed to a checkout lane two rows down, that had a young teenage checkout clerk who was ringing up a long order.  Mystified by this crazy behavior, I didn’t even protest.

When the man in front of us finally paid for his groceries and left, I was surprised that the checkout girl broke into a big smile.  “Hi Don!” she said enthusiastically.  “I wondered if you would be coming in today.”

Dad was clearly pleased.  His entire face lit up as he grinned his biggest grin and said, “I know, I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to make it. Thank heavens I remembered I needed this sauce.”  This checkout girl rang up his purchase.  Then as she prepared to hand him his receipt, she came around the counter and gave him a hug along with his receipt.

She couldn’t have been more than 16 or 17 years old.  At that moment, she suddenly seemed like the most beautiful girl in the world to me.  What a sweetheart!  Dad was beaming!  As we walked back to our car, he seemed transformed.  Instead of irritated, he was ebullient.  “She hugs me every time I come in,” he said exultantly.

Now everything made sense to me.  With Mom gone, Dad didn’t get many hugs.  This sweet girl had sensed that and made sure that every time he came to the store, he got a hug from her.  Consequently, I instantly realized why Dad was so displeased when he saw all the groceries I had bought.  He needed an excuse to go to the store every day—he needed that hug!  It was the high point of his day every day.

I work in India with people affected by leprosy. I have many opportunities to speak about my work throughout the U.S. and in several foreign countries.  Typically, after I speak there is usually a line of people wanting to know how they can get involved in our work.  What’s stunning, is that even though I do not mention the Church in my talk, it inevitably turns out that most of the people in line, turn out to be members of the Church.  It doesn’t seem to matter which state the forum is in, or even which country I am speaking in.  The result is almost always the same.

Why is this?  In the Church, we are taught from a young age that we serve God by serving others.  It just becomes a part of who we are.  It’s part of  being a member of the Church.

One of our former Executive Directors at Rising Star Outreach, Amy Antonelli, had a similar experience one time in Palo Alto.  She had joined a local service organization.  They were preparing for an event.  They needed volunteers to help pull off the event.  Amy offered to get the volunteers.  One of the women said to her, “You’ll need help.”  Amy responded that she thought she could handle the assignment herself.  The woman warned, “You have no idea how difficult it is to get volunteers in Palo Alto.  In this place, no one has time to volunteer.”    Amy said “Well, I’m a Mormon. . . .”  Before she could even finish her sentence, they all in unison shouted, “YES!!!!”  Clearly, problem solved!  I love that even non-members of the Church can recognize that as a characteristic of members.

Isn’t that wonderful?  We don’t have to have a large bank account or a lot of leisure time.  We don’t have to have influential friends or be successful.  Each of us has the power within us to bless the life of another person.

When we were serving as Mission Leaders in the Dominican Republic, we challenged our missionaries to spend part of every Prep Day doing volunteer service in their communities.  In Monte Cristi, the missionaries began assisting the Mother Teresa Foundation which was providing medical care for the Haitian workers in the Bateys.  The Bateys are extremely poor areas of the Dominican Republic where Haitian workers work on sugar plantations or banana plantations. They are not recognized as citizens of the D.R. and so receive no services.  They have no access to medical care or even schooling for their children. They earn only pennies per day. The poverty in the Bateys is crushing.

The Mother Teresa Foundation was run by a woman named Petra.  She had our missionaries carrying people to and from the clinic for treatment, who were unable to walk. They provided interpretation for the patients and helped with their medications.

After we did a joint medical clinic together, Petra was effusive in her praise of the missionaries. She said of them, “I simply love the missionaries.  They’re such good workers!  So clean!  So respectful!  So happy!  So humble!  And the work that your Church is doing in this country is wonderful!”

Then she said something that stunned me, “It’s not only this country. Your church is doing great work all over the world.  In fact, I told my sister who is having problems in Mexico not to waste time looking for help from the Catholic Church.  I told her to ‘Go find the Mormons!’”  While it drew a laugh from all of us, I have to admit that I was pretty proud to be a part of a Church that even Mother Teresa’s missionaries could recommend without reservation to someone who needed help!

So, let’s all live up to our reputation!  And each time we reach out to serve, our own life can be blessed.  Pres. Spencer W. Kimball taught, “Only when you lift a burden, will God lift your burden. Divine paradox this! The man who staggers and falls because his burden is too great can lighten that burden by taking on the weight of another’s burden. You get by giving, but your part of giving must be given first.” (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, 251.)

Lewis Carroll once famously said, “One of the secrets of life is that all that is really worth the doing is what we do for others.”  Notice he didn’t say it had to be big.

I once read that we each meet around 10,000 people in our lives.  If we could change two people for the better this year, and next year each of those could change two more, and the next year each of those could change two more, by the thirtieth year we would have lifted and changed the entire population of the earth!  Imagine!  These simple acts of service, given freely from the abundance of our hearts, (not necessarily of our pocketbooks) have tremendous power to bless.

We all carry burdens.  What a wonderful gift to know that we can lighten our own burdens by reaching out to help others.  From the abundance of our hearts, we can lift and heal, often through simple acts of kindness.