Charity and the Good Samaritan


 

I had a chance this weekend to ponder the principle expressed by the esteemed Mrs. Thatcher in the attached graphic. What is it that enables us to make a difference in the world? Certainly it starts with good intentions - desire and willingness, in spite of obstacles that may prevent or discourage our help. Often it also requires knowledge, knowing what to do in a given situation to help with the challenges that exist. And then, it requires resources to accomplish the desired good.
In 1984-85 there were severe famines in Ethiopia, resulting in 400,000 deaths. Good intentions had always been a part of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in desiring to help those in need. But in this case, more was required. President Spencer W. Kimball invited the members of the Church to fast on two occasions during that period and make a special contribution; over $11 million was raised to help with food, tents, and medical supplies in the relief effort. To carry on this work, in 1985 the organization "Latter-day Saint Charities" was formed. It continues to this day to coordinate humanitarian service throughout the world. During 2020, there were 3,611 individual projects in 160 countries, blessing millions of lives.
During our 18 months of missionary service, we were privileged to serve in the programs sponsored and facilitated by Latter-day Saint Charities in Argentina and Paraguay. All these worldwide efforts are funded by donations made my members of the Church to the "humanitarian fund" as a part of their personal contributions to the Church, or by other personal donations from individuals, both members and friends of the Church; none of the funds come from tithes or fast offerings. There have been, literally, billions of dollars of donations shared in the past 36 years, and untold good spread to recipients, regardless of religious beliefs, race, culture, or nationality. Truly the work done by @latterdaysaintcharities reflects the very best in Christian expression of love for our neighbors.
I #GiveThanks for the opportunities I have in my life that have enabled me to begin to turn my own good intentions into actions. I hope to continue to seek for those opportunities.

 


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