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PHOTOGRAPHY BY JERRY GARNS explain how I felt about the Church, Fully Participate in the Ward to true that there are some callings
what I do in it, and what the gospel Which You Belong that a single brother cannot hold
does for me. I hope he comes back —he cannot be a bishop, for exam-
someday soon. Every time I move into a new ple—I have found that there are
ward, I schedule an appointment with many more ways I can serve than
The Church is exactly where single the bishop. In that appointment, I ways I cannot. The way I see it is
adults belong. It has had a profound introduce myself, telling him what I that this is Christ’s church, not mine.
influence in my life, but I under- am doing in my life, explaining how I want to do everything I can to help
stand that being a single adult in I feel about the gospel, and placing His work succeed.
the Church—and especially a single myself at the Lord’s service. This
man—can bring with it some difficul- usually leads to my receiving some I also try to get to know the other
ties. There are several things that have responsibility in the ward, at which I members of the ward, married and
helped me get along in a Church try to do my best. single. For instance, when I have
that is decidedly (and rightfully) been new to a ward, I obtain a copy
pro-family. I have occasionally heard some of the ward list. Then, either before
single men complain about not being or after church, I call someone I
Don’t Be Resentful able to hold certain callings because do not yet know and ask if I can
In my early 20s, I met some of their marital status. Although it’s
deliver some bread
never-married singles in their 30s There are many more or other treats I
who were resentful or depressed ways I can serve than have made. When
about their situation. Although I ear- ways I cannot. The I deliver them,
nestly did not want to be over 30 and way I see it is that this I usually have
single, I decided then that no matter is Christ’s church, not an opportunity
what course my life took, I would not mine. I want to do to talk with the
harbor negative feelings toward those everything I can to ward members I’m
who had family blessings I hoped help His work succeed. visiting and get to
to have myself. Instead, I choose to know them a little
congratulate those I know when they bit. Later, after get-
marry or have children. As a sociol- ting to know most
ogist I have studied young couples members of the
with children, and I now live in a ward, I pay attention to new fam-
ward with lots of recently married ilies who attend the ward, writing
couples and young children. It can down their address and delivering
hurt to hear some married men com- treats to them during the upcoming
plain that they do not want children week. Many have appreciated that
since I have not had the opportu- someone noticed them and wel-
nity to become a father. Still, I seek comed them into the ward. Doing
to learn from married people and this has helped me to get to know
remind myself that someday I will people in the ward and feel as
receive the blessings of marriage and though I can talk to and do things
parenthood too. with them.

J u n e 2 0 1 1 49

Teach the Full Gospel I welcome teachings in a God of miracles.” He
Some single adults get offended about family in Sunday requires that we “go with
School and priesthood. all [our] might and with
when the concept of family is dis- I want to feel the Spirit all [we] have” to do what
cussed at church. I would be offended when we talk about the He has commanded “and
if we did not talk about families at gospel of Jesus Christ— cease not [our] diligence”
church! Families are central to the not the sense of emptiness (D&C 124:49, emphasis
gospel. Our purpose in being here is that comes when we skip added). I do not have to
to create eternal families composed of some portion of the gospel be perfect right now; I just
exalted individuals. We are not perfect out of fear or distaste. have to do my very best—
yet, but we can be made so through and not give up. Heavenly
the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I per- stop hoping for promised blessings Father will take care of
sonally welcome teachings about and instead do things that make the whatever I cannot do for
family in Sunday School and priest- promised blessings less likely. For reasons beyond my con-
hood. On a practical level, I want to instance, when people “give up,” they trol. I cannot stop trying.
learn how to be a good husband and might stop attending church meetings Instead of “giving up,” make big
father before I get there. On a spiritual or singles activities, or they might date, decisions with reference to the bless-
level, I want to feel the Spirit when we cohabit with, or marry someone not of ing you want to receive. I decided I
talk about the gospel of Jesus Christ— our faith. If I were to “give up,” even if would do things that would make me
not the sense of emptiness that comes it were only for a short time, that might more marriageable in time, whenever
when we skip some portion of the be just the time when I could have met that time came. So I went ahead with
gospel out of fear or distaste. a wonderful woman. I do not want to my schooling and started my career. I
miss the opportunity. realized I do not have to wait until I am
Don’t “Give Up” married to put myself in a position to
I put “give up” in quotation marks And the opportunity can still come. support a family. However, I made sure
As one friend told me: “We believe that along the way I was still available to
because that is what many single date and willing to marry. I like the way
adults say they are doing when they German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer
put it: “We must be ready to allow
ourselves to be interrupted by God.” 1 
In addition, I have tried to make sure
that I do not get so set in my ways that
I would be unable to adjust to having a
wife and children with me too. Finally,
I try to give meaningful service and
become a more interesting person than
I would be if I just sat around watching
television. In the course of doing so, I
have met other people who are trying
to accomplish something good.

50 E n s i g n



Respond to Rude Comments with general. That created an awkward felt gratitude and love for this brother
Kindness situation, but I understood it as an who was trying to repair any damage
unfortunate mistake by a brother he had caused.
Sometimes members assume that who was basically good. Later that
the lack of a blessing is the result of day he caught me between meetings Live As Much of the Gospel As
a person’s unrighteousness, and and apologized. He said that he had You Can
occasionally they can say things not realized that I was not married,
without considering others’ feelings. but even if I were married, he said, When my stake presidency asked
At times all I can do is remind myself his comment would have been inap- stake members to obtain a home
that the Church exists as a means of propriate. I felt better. One evening storage supply, I set about doing that. I
helping imperfect people become a couple of days later, there was a laughed at my awkward attempts to be
perfected through the Atonement of knock on my door. I opened the door obedient and at how some foods come
Christ. Other times I find that I can to find that same brother. I invited in containers so large that much of the
do more than this. Many married him in, and he again apologized food, when the container was opened,
people do not know how to talk for what he had said the previous would spoil before an individual could
about singlehood. They do not have Sunday. He said his comment was eat it all. But I built my home storage
concepts or experiences that express flippant, irresponsible, and wrong. I anyway, in containers that made sense
what it is like. for a single person who lives alone.
STRIVE
Once, in a public setting, a local FOR EXCELLENCE Likewise, I do not yet have a wife I
church leader made a remark about “Remember that we have can take to the temple, but because I
my marital status that left me embar- all been single, are now plan to attend regularly with my wife
rassed. Wanting to resolve the situa- single, or at some time may when I am married, there is no reason
tion and also treat him with respect, again be single; so being I cannot establish the habit of regular
I called him a week or two later. I single in the Church is not temple service while I am single. For
told him that I was glad that he was extraordinary. . . . now, I can invite the Spirit to attend me
concerned about my welfare, and in my daily scripture study. Someday
I hoped he would feel comfortable “If you are striving for my wife will be able to add her insights
talking with me about my marital sta- excellence—if you are too as we study the gospel together.
tus. It turned out that he was unsure trying your best day by day
how to bring up the subject. I sug- with the wisest use of your These practices and attitudes have
gested that in the future, instead of time and energy to reach helped me as a single member in
doing it the way he had, he could ask realistic goals—you will be the Church. As I explained to the
me—privately—“What have you been a success whether you are gentleman I met at the civic event,
through?” “How do you feel about married or single.” even though some promised bless-
it?” and “Is there anything I can do to ings have not come yet, that does not
help?” In this manner, we established President James E. Faust (1920– mean they will never come. What
a means by which we could talk 2007), “Welcoming Every Single matters is that we do things now to
about this topic. One,” ­Ensign, Aug. 2007, 5–6; keep ourselves available to receive
L­ iahona, Aug. 2007, 2–6. the blessing. ◼
On another occasion, a different
married brother made an unkind NOTE
remark about unmarried men in 1. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together: The

Classic Exploration of Faith in Community
(1954), 99.

J u n e 2 0 1 1 51

GOSPEL CLASSICS

Concept ofThe Latter-day Saint together, let not man put asun-
Marriage der” (Matthew 19:4–6).

Hugh B. Brown was born on October 24, 1883, in Marriage Fulfills God’s
Granger, Utah. He was ordained an Apostle in 1958. Purposes
He served as a counselor to President David O.
McKay for eight years. The following article is an It is plain that God intended
excerpt from his book You and Your Marriage. that man and woman should
become one. By personally
By President Hugh B. Brown (1883–1975) officiating at this first wedding,
He sanctified the institution of
First Counselor in the First Presidency marriage. It is a normal, health-
ful, and desirable state and was
Marriage is and should shall cleave unto his wife: and instituted to fulfill God’s purpose
be a sacrament. The they shall be one flesh” (Genesis in the earth.
word sacrament is 2:18, 24).
variously defined, but among It is the central element in
Christian people it signifies a When Jesus departed from the domestic establishment. It is
religious act or ceremony, sol- Galilee and came into the coasts more than a human institution
emnized by one having proper of Judea beyond Jordan, a great to be regulated solely by custom
authority. It is a pledge, or sol- multitude followed Him, and and civil law. It is more than a
emn covenant, a spiritual sign or the Pharisees questioned Him contract under the sanction of
bond between the contracting regarding divorce. moral law. It is or should be a
parties themselves and between religious sacrament by which
them and God. That marriage “And he answered and said men and women solemnly
was instituted and sanctified by unto them, Have ye not read, undertake to cooperate with
the Lord Himself is shown by that he which made them at the God in His avowed purpose
the following quotations: beginning made them male and to make earth life and mortal-
female, ity available to His spirit chil-
“And the Lord God said, it is dren and to bring to pass their
not good that the man should “And said, For this cause shall immortality and eternal life.
be alone; I will make him an a man leave father and mother,
help meet for him. . . . and shall cleave to his wife: and There are those who say that
they twain shall be one flesh? the highest, most dedicated,
“Therefore shall a man leave and most desirable life may
his father and his mother, and “Wherefore they are no be achieved outside the mar-
more twain, but one flesh. riage covenant. In other words,
What therefore God hath joined they would forbid those who
seek the highest glory to be
“contaminated by physical and
animal-like associations.” There

52 E n s i g n

is no warrant in the scripture man cannot achieve a godlike He said, “Whatsoever thou shalt
for such doctrine. In the book stature or receive a fulness of
of Proverbs we read, “Whoso joy. . . . bind on earth shall be bound in
findeth a wife findeth a good
thing, and obtaineth favour of To a Latter-day Saint, there is heaven” (Matthew 16:19).
the Lord” (Proverbs 18:22). . . . only one kind of marriage that
is wholly acceptable: temple or This authority is referred to in
And in the Doctrine and celestial marriage, which is per-
Covenants we read, “And again, formed only in the temples of the scriptures as “the keys of the
verily I say unto you, that whoso the Church. Temples are erected
forbiddeth to marry is not and dedicated in holiness to the kingdom of heaven”
ordained of God, for marriage Lord to provide a place where
is ordained of God unto man” spiritual and eternal ceremonies Latter-day Saints (Matthew 16:19), and
(D&C 49:15). and ordinances may be per- believe that in in celestial marriage
formed. While we recognize civil those keys open the
Temple Marriage Brings marriages performed by minis-
True Happiness ters of other churches and civil order to attain the door to that kingdom.
marriages performed by officers
The Latter-day Saints believe of the law or others legally best in life and the
that in order to attain the best qualified to perform them, we
in life and the greatest happi- believe that only in a temple of greatest happiness Needs Are Fully
ness in this world and for the God can a marriage for time and in this world and Realized
next, men and women must be eternity be performed and then
married in the temple for time only by one having the authority for the next, men Man has certain
and eternity. Without the sealing which Christ gave to Peter when
ordinances of temple marriage, and women must basic needs—moral,

be married in the social, biological,

temple. and spiritual—and

these can only be

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY JERRY GARNS fully realized in the

God-ordained insti-

tution of eternal marriage.

To live the abundant life here

and eternal life hereafter, man

must love and be loved, serve

J u n e 2 0 1 1 53

blessings are intended to con-

tinue throughout the eternities

to come. But to enjoy the privi-

leges and advantages of eternal

love as it relates to husbands

and wives, parents and children,

the ordinance that authorizes

and sanctifies this most beautiful

of all relationships is not accept-

able if it contains the limitation

“until death do you part.” For

and sacrifice, have responsibil- for eternal element and eternal family relationships and conju-
ity and exercise his God-given spirit to be inseparably con-
creative powers. “I am come that nected and receive a fulness of gal associations to be eternal,
they might have life, and that joy. Latter-day Saints therefore
they might have it more abun- believe that God is actually the the marriage contract must
dantly” ( John 10:10). third partner in this relationship
and that bringing children into authoritatively state,
But perhaps the greatest the world within the divinely
value of marriage is not that sanctioned institution of mar- “for time and for all
which accrues to the individual riage is part of His plan to bring
man and woman. The purpose to pass the immortality and Latter-day Saints eternity.”
of their union in the beginning eternal life of man. believe that All people should
is indicated by the Lord’s com-
mandment: “Be fruitful, and The Eternal Nature of realize their respon-
multiply, and replenish the earth, Marriage
and subdue it” (Genesis 1:28). God is actually the sibility to their off-
In proper marriage, there is When the Lord Jesus des- third partner in this spring and to the
opportunity for man to realize ignated love of God and love
his natural urge to be creative of fellowmen as the two great marriage relation- covenants they make
and productive. This can be commandments, He glorified ship and that bring- with respect thereto.
completely fulfilled and properly love. In fact, we are told that
enjoyed only in the marriage God is love. Therefore, as ing children into When the Lord said,
relationship, in child bearing God is eternal, so love must the world within the “We without them
and child rearing. Parents should be eternal, and its fruits and
remember that the children born divinely sanctioned cannot be made per-
to them—their children—are
also the children of God. He is institution of mar- fect” (D&C 128:18),
the Father of their spirit bodies, riage is part of His He was referring
and during the pre-earth exis-
tence He wisely made provision plan. to a chain whose

links extend into the

future as well as the

past. In fact, we may

have more direct responsibility

for those entrusted to us in this

life than to our ancestors. We

cannot be held responsible for

the sins, either of commission

or of omission, of our ancestors,

but He has warned that in case

of failure on the part of our

54 E n s i g n

G ospel C lassics

posterity, if it can be attributed to our failure in God and of angels. Surely such a concept and practice,
our duty to them, then the sins will be upon our with its accompanying obligations, makes for the per-
heads. manence of the home, the glorifying of the institution of
marriage, and the salvation of the souls of men.
Among the blessings of those who attain the
highest degree in the celestial kingdom is the An Act of Faith
blessing of eternal increase, which, among other Such marriage is essentially an act of faith, solemnized
things, means that even after death men may con-
tinue to cooperate with God in bringing to pass in the presence of a divine partner. There must be faith
the immortality and eternal life of man.
and courage to see it through,
Progressing as Eternal Companions
The Latter-day Saint concept of eternal pro- NO to endure to the end, despite
BLESSINGS the difficulties, trials, disap-
gression includes eternal development, eternal WITHHELD pointments, and occasional
increase of knowledge, power, intelligence,
awareness, and all the characteristics and capac- “What of the bereavements which may be
ities that make for godhood. But in the economy many mature encountered.
of God, man cannot attain this state of continuing
perfection in his unfinished or unmarried state. members of When one accepts the con-
There must be growth and increase of the whole
man—in other words, the man who has found the Church ditions and obligations of this
and been united to his other half.
who are not married? Through eternal partnership, he must
This concept of marriage, with its divine per-
spective, gives new meaning and adds impor- no failing of their own, they realize that failure here is almost
tance, dignity, and glory to the idea of marriage.
With this concept the thoughtful person will be deal with the trials of life total failure. Whatever his suc-
more careful and selective in the choice of his
eternal companion. Certainly before entering into alone. Be we all reminded cesses may be in other fields of
such an eternal contract, both men and women that, in the Lord’s own way activity, if a man fails to dis-
should be humble and thoughtful and should and time, no blessings will charge the obligations imposed
prayerfully seek for divine guidance.
be withheld from His faithful by the eternal covenant, the
The religious sanctity and sanction of the
marriage relationship [are] greatly enhanced and Saints. The Lord will judge and appalling penalty will be the
appreciated where the couple, before marriage—
and they must, necessarily, be of the same faith— reward each individual accord- loss of celestial glory, accom-
start with the same goal in mind. They must
TOP: PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY JERRY GARNS; BOTTOM: PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY APRIL NEWMAN prepare and be worthy to receive the sacred ing to heartfelt desire as well panied by responsibility for the
ordinance in edifices where only the worthy may
enter. Here they receive instruction, make cov- as deed.” losses sustained by those with
enants, and then at the altar pledge eternal love whom he made the contract and
and fidelity, each for the other, in the presence of Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum for whom he is responsible.
of the Twelve Apostles, “Celestial
Marriage,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. “Marriage is ordained of God
2008, 94.

unto man.

“Wherefore, it is lawful that

he should have one wife, and

they twain shall be one flesh,

and all this that the earth might
answer the end of its creation;

“And that it might be filled with the measure of man,

according to his creation before the world was made”

(D&C 49:15–17). ◼

Subheads added; punctuation and capitalization standardized.

J u n e 2 0 1 1 55

I DESPERATELY
WANTED TO

STOP

Name withheld

How I am overcoming my addiction to pornography.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ROBERT CASEY My struggle with pornog- repented. I advanced in the priesthood. are like that; they create great liars. I
raphy began during my I held a calling. I was doing so well, in knew it was creating a wedge in our
youth, when others intro- fact, that I was called to serve a mission, marriage and causing her great pain,
duced me to inappropriate materi- and I had a period of several years but I would not acknowledge that I
als and behaviors. The gospel was when my addiction was under control. had a problem. What mattered most
not a major part of my life then. to me was not my behavior but how
Although my family had attended Caught in the Net people perceived me.
church through my Primary years, by When I returned home from my
the time I was 13 or 14, we stopped My double life—and the resulting
going altogether. As a result, the mission, I did not struggle with pornog- loss of the Spirit—made me vulnerable
teachings of the gospel did not really raphy; I simply did not have access to to increasingly serious sins, including
play a role in my decision making. it. That changed in the late 1990s, when infidelity. My wife had strong impres-
the Internet became increasingly per- sions that something was wrong
It never occurred to me to tell my vasive. I accidentally stumbled across and told me about them. With great
parents what neighbors and so-called some pornographic images online, and remorse, I admitted to what I had done.
friends were introducing me to. I was I returned to pornographic sites over
too embarrassed to bring up what I and over again during the following That was my lowest point, the
had seen and experienced. I had no months. The web had ensnared me. point at which I realized that I had to
idea how to deal with it. For decades change. Sitting across from me was
to come, my pornography addiction I wanted to reach out to someone the woman I loved. She loved me. I
would remain my secret. for help, but I wasn’t sure whom—or had betrayed her. I determined then
how. How could I talk to my parents to do whatever it took to save our
Influence of the Gospel about this? How could I admit to my relationship and our family.
Shortly before I graduated from bishop that even though I had made
so much progress, I couldn’t stop Recovery
high school, a seemingly small miracle engaging in this immoral behavior? I I began meeting with my bishop
happened, an event that would turn desperately wanted to stop, but I was
my life in another direction. Despite too embarrassed by my weakness regularly in working through the
the distance between my actions and to confide in anyone, so I kept my repentance process and Church dis-
gospel standards, one Sunday morn- addiction to myself. cipline. He recommended I attend
ing I followed a strong prompting to meetings of the addiction recovery
go to church and pay tithing. When I I didn’t even tell my wife, whom I program, offered through LDS Family
arrived at the chapel, I asked for peo- married in 2000. I wanted to tell her Services. I had never heard of the
ple I knew. One of the names I gave about my struggle when we were dat- program. I learned that the group held
was the Young Men president I had ing, but I was terrified that she would free, confidential meetings based on
when I was a deacon, the last time look down on me or, worse yet, refuse the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous,
I had attended church. He was now to marry me. So I lied. And I contin- adapted into a framework of the doc-
serving as bishop of the ward. ued to do so in our marriage. I found trines and principles of the Church.
myself being sneaky to prevent being
That good bishop helped bring me caught. I hid pictures on my computer. I admit that during the first few
back into the Church. I confessed my When my wife asked me about partic- meetings, I thought, “I don’t need to
sins, and he worked with me to set up ular Internet links, I denied knowing be here. I don’t really have a prob-
a progress plan. Over several months I what she was talking about. Addictions lem with pornography. I can quit any
time.” That, of course, wasn’t true.

J u n e 2 0 1 1 57

DELIVERANCE: ONLY IN GOD I learned that most people battling constant, conscious efforts to turn to
“Are you struggling addictions have turned to some kind of the good. Several of the 12 steps have
with some sin or “self-medication” to fill the voids they helped me do this by bringing me
weakness? It can be feel in their lives. Pain, sorrow, lone- closer to God.
something as simple liness, fear, or other kinds of discom-
as not having the fort can act as triggers that can entice Every day when I wake up, I get on
willpower to rise in people to use this self-medication to my knees and thank Heavenly Father
the morning early make them feel better. Some people for giving me the opportunity to repent
use prescription drugs. Others use illicit of my sins and to come to Him through
enough to have time for scripture drugs. Others use alcohol. For me, the Atonement of His Son, Jesus Christ.
study and prayer. It can be something pornography offered the short-term, I ask Him to let me know His will so
so powerful, such as Internet pornog- artificial “quick fix” I thought I needed. that I can do it. I ask Him to lead me
raphy or lack of moral self-control, that away from temptation. I pray as though
you feel you have been pulled down Knowing what triggered my addic- I rely on Heavenly Father every minute
into an abyss and there is no hope tion was one thing. Avoiding environ- of the day—because I do—and I keep
for you. Do you find yourself hating ments that aided my addiction was that prayer in my heart throughout
what you are doing but not able another. This stance requires being the day. I pray again each night. I also
to find the willpower to turn away vigilant 24 hours a day, seven days a spend some time in the scriptures daily
from it? Then reach out and humble week for the rest of my life. I cannot so that I can focus my thoughts on
yourself. The Lord’s enabling power get online “just to browse.” In fact, if virtuous things. If I don’t make these a
is sufficient to change your heart, to I am by myself, I don’t go online at habit, I don’t have the Spirit in my life.
turn your life, to purge your soul. But all. I can’t look at an ad and enter- And left on my own, I am not strong
you must make the first move, which tain thoughts in my mind. We don’t enough to resist temptation.
is to humble yourself and realize that have cable TV in our home. When
only in God can you find deliverance.” I commute to work, I avoid taking For a long time I believed I could
certain roads because I know there overcome my behavior anytime I
Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of are billboards along those roads that wanted to by my own willpower. But
the Twelve Apostles, “Be Strong in the Lord,” could trigger inappropriate thoughts. I failed miserably. After a while I got
­Ensign, July 2004, 12. If I start to slip and my mind begins tired of doing it on my own, especially
to wander, I turn to my wife, to my when “on my own” wasn’t working.
With my bishop’s encouragement, bishop, and to prayer for strength. I realized that I could not do what I
I continued to attend. My pride began needed to do without the Lord’s help.
to melt away, and I began to work the My addiction affects the most Ether 12:27 helped me understand this
steps of the program: honesty, hope, minute parts of my life, but taking better. The Lord told Moroni, “My grace
trust in God, truth, confession, change these precautions is worth it. I can- is sufficient for all men that humble
of heart, humility, seeking forgiveness, not neglect these defenses because I themselves before me; for if they
restitution and reconciliation, daily know what my addiction can do to humble themselves before me, and
accountability, personal revelation, me and to those I love. have faith in me, then will I make weak
and service. For the first time in a things become strong unto them.”
long time, I was living a “sober” life, Reliance on Deity
a life free of pornography. Recovery It’s not just a matter of avoiding Once I went to Him, still doing all
isn’t ever really “over,” but I had been I could do (see 2 Nephi 25:23), I real-
introduced to a new level of freedom. the bad, though. I also must make ized that I could do much better and
It came because as I participated in
the 12 steps, I came to understand
what was behind my addiction.

58 E n s i g n

become much more with His help HELP IN OVERCOMING PORNOGRAPHY
than I ever could dream of by relying
on my own merits (see Alma 7:14). The addiction recovery program, offered through LDS Family Services, includes
free, confidential support meetings for people dealing with addictions to alcohol,
My wife and I now serve as facilita- drugs (both prescription and illegal), tobacco, coffee or tea, pornography, inappropri-
tors at the addiction recovery program ate sexual behavior, gambling, codependency, and eating disorders. To find a meeting
meetings. She has learned—and is near you, visit www.ldsfamilyservices.org. Your priesthood leader may also have infor-
helping others understand—that the mation about nearby meetings.
Atonement is for not only those who
are working to overcome an addiction Even if you cannot attend one of the meetings, you may benefit from the program
but also those who have been affected study guide. Addiction Recovery Program: A Guide to Addiction Recovery and Healing
by the addiction through no choice of (item no. 36764) is available in many languages from Distribution Services or as a PDF
their own. If we turn to the Savior, His at www.recoveryworkbook.lds.org.
grace can work in all of our lives.
CombatingPornography.org is a Church-sponsored website offering help for indi-
To those who are battling addiction viduals facing addiction. It can also help their spouses, parents, and priesthood leaders.
and to the people they love, I can attest
that there is hope. There is always Let Virtue Garnish Thy Thoughts (item no. 00460) is a booklet designed to
hope in the gospel of Jesus Christ. help those struggling with pornography. It discusses how to recognize destructive
media, resist and avoid the temptation of pornography, and abandon pornography
Hope in the Savior addictions. It also lists scriptures and other Church resources on repentance, the
I am deeply grateful to Jesus Christ sanctity of the body, and overcoming worldly influences. Church leaders and family
members can share the booklet with loved ones struggling with pornography. The
because He literally saved me from booklet is available from Distribution Services in many languages. It is also available
the chains of sin. Addiction is like in American Sign Language on DVD.
being held by chains that “bind the
children of men, that they are carried Other talks and articles on this topic are listed at www.liahona.lds.org.
away captive down to the eternal gulf
of misery and woe” (2 Nephi 1:13). J u n e 2 0 1 1 59
When I realized I was in trouble, I
didn’t know where to turn. I was
desperate because I could not free
myself from my predicament. But the
Lord could free me. When I turned to
Him, He was there to help.

I can relate with Ammon: “Yea,
I know that I am nothing; as to my
strength I am weak; therefore I will
not boast of myself, but I will boast of
my God, for in his strength I can do all
things” (Alma 26:12). I know that God
can help us do all things, including
overcoming the chains of addiction. ◼

THE POWER OF

Education

By Suzy Taggy Coelho
Caldas Nelsen

My mother grew up knowing My mother told me to Even though we worked hard, we ILLUSTRATION BY DAN BURR
nothing but abandonment, work hard in school never seemed to have enough money.
starvation, and poverty. She because it was the one Sometimes we would have hardly
didn’t receive much formal schooling, thing that could over- anything to eat. My mom gave us her
but she knew the value of education come poverty. food and sometimes went for days
and its power to change lives. In without any for herself. We would
sewing together scrap pieces of paper enough money to rent a house, so drink water and go to bed because
to make me a notebook for school, instead we rented a plot of dirt. We it was all we could do to avoid the
my mother made one thing clear: built our home of scrap wood, paper, hunger pangs.
education could help me escape a life and plastic with a roof made of dried
of poverty. leaves. We had no furniture other than Do you know how to split one egg
a hammock, which two or three peo- among six people? I do. 
Humble Beginnings ple would often share, and our bed,
I was born in northern Brazil more which we made from a few flattened I had a small group of friends when
cardboard boxes. We had no running I was young, but as we grew up, we
than three months premature. Thirty water, no electricity. We had nothing. took different paths. The girls turned
years ago, there was almost no chance to selling their bodies to make money,
for a premature baby to survive in the Mom worked as a housekeeper and the boys would steal. When they
cockroach-infested public hospital. The and did people’s laundry. I went invited me to join them, I felt some-
doctors told my mother that I would be with her to the river and helped the thing inside tell me it wasn’t right. I
dead within a few hours. I did not die. best I could; then we would walk for know the Lord was aware of me even
The Lord helped me survive. hours delivering the clothes. This time then, before I was a member of the
working side by side was precious for Church, and I have continued to see
When I was about five years old, me. It is when I built a relationship evidence of His hand in my life.
my father left my mother, my four with my mother.
siblings, and me. My mother had also Refusing to Give Up on School
been abandoned by her parents when My siblings and I had long been
she was small, so she had no family
to turn to for support. We didn’t have on a waiting list for public schools.
When our opportunity to enroll

60 E n s i g n

finally came, my mother told me A New Faith
good things about school. She said Because my mother had suf-
if I took education seriously, I would
be someone someday. I will never fered so much her entire life, she
forget her words: “I am sorry that I didn’t believe there could be a God.
am not able to provide a good life Throughout my childhood, neither
for you. I am sorry that you had to did I. But as I got a little older, I
learn the hard way the importance started asking questions about God.
of work so early in your life, but I asked myself why my family never
now you will have the opportunity had a chance to have a good life and
to get an education. Whatever hap- why I never had toys, enough food,
pens, never give up school because or new clothes. Every time I asked
it is the only thing that will take you these questions, I felt somehow in my
away from this life.”  heart that I wasn’t alone. This feeling
comforted me for many years.
Once I was in school, we had to
be inventive to come up with school When I was about 13 years old,
supplies. I would find blank pieces Latter-day Saint missionaries came
of paper in garbage cans and bring to our home. They answered all of
them home. My mother sewed them my questions and taught me about
together to make a notebook. She Jesus Christ. They told me there was
would buy a pencil to divide in three a church where I could learn more
so my two sisters and I could each about the gospel in special classes for
take a section to write with at school. people my age. They taught me how
Our other two siblings were not yet to pray. They told me about the Book
old enough to come to school with us. of Mormon. When I was baptized,
none of my family came.
My mother sent me
off to school with a I felt lonely, but I knew I was doing
homemade notebook the right thing. I was introduced to a
and a third of new life—a life of hope, happiness,
a pencil. faith, and love. My peers, I knew, were
seeking solace in drugs and immoral-
ity. I found mine in a loving Heavenly
Father and the gospel of His Son. After
my baptism I knew that the Lord had
been aware of me my entire life.

I learned a lot about the gospel. I
met people who shared my beliefs.
Some of the members got to know
a little bit about my life when they
visited me at home. They generously
helped me buy clothes and shoes for

J u n e 2 0 1 1 61

OBTAIN TRAINING church and notebooks for school. I companion, I was able to go to the PHOTOGRAPH OF PRESIDENT HINCKLEY BY DRAKE BUSATH
“The Lord wants you to babysat regularly for Church mem- United States to study. I knew this
educate your minds and bers and made more money than I would indeed change my life forever.
hands, whatever your chosen ever had before. Because I was so I knew my Heavenly Father was aware
field. Whether it be repairing young, it might have been easy for of me and had a specific plan for me.
refrigerators, or the work of a me to stray from the gospel. But with This opportunity to further my educa-
skilled surgeon, you must train the support of Church members, I tion was an answer to my prayers.
yourselves. . . . You will bring remained firm in my newfound faith.
honor to the Church and you I knew that it would be challeng-
will be generously blessed The gospel truly changed my life. ing to learn a second language, but I
because of that training.” After I was baptized, I felt I had more also knew it was possible if I worked
energy to learn in school. I learned hard enough. I studied at the Brigham
President Gordon B. Hinckley a lot and became a tutor. If I did not Young University English Language
(1910–2008), “A Prophet’s Counsel and Center and spent up to 10 hours a
Prayer for Youth,” L­ iahona, Apr. 2001, know a subject, I would study until I day in the library. One of my teach-
34; E­ nsign, Jan. 2001, 8. knew it so well I could teach it. I used ers suggested we pray for the gift of
the money to help at home. tongues, so every night I prayed and
When I was asked Heavenly Father for this gift.
accepted into the I received my patriarchal blessing He certainly helped me.
nursing program, and was counseled to serve a mission
because the Lord reserved a special After I completed my studies at
I knew it would blessing in my mission that would the English Language Center, I was
be hard, but I also change my life forever. I didn’t know accepted at several universities. I
what that meant, but I knew I would decided to attend Brigham Young
knew the Lord understand in time if I was obedient. University–Idaho and apply for the
would be with me. nursing program. I heard that it was
New Opportunities very difficult to get into the program,
INSTITUTE I served in the Brazil Curitiba especially for international students.
So I studied my hardest. My friends
No matter where you Mission from 2000 to 2002. Through teased me, saying I should move into
obtain your education, my association with a particular the library because I spent so much
you can gather with other time there. Even when it closed, I
young adults at one of the went home and kept studying.
more than 500 institutes of
religion around the world. When times were difficult, I remem-
To find a location near you, bered the words of President Gordon B.
contact your local priest- Hinckley (1910–2008): “You need all
hood leaders or visit www. the education you can get. Sacrifice a
lds.org/institutes. car; sacrifice anything that is needed to
be sacrificed to qualify yourselves to do
62 E n s i g n the work of the world.” 1 I knew those
were the words of a prophet of God,
and I took them seriously.



“Sacrifice anything that So my husband and I carefully PERPETUATING EDUCATION
is needed to be sacrificed organized our time so we could prop-
to qualify yourselves to do erly balance our priorities and I could The Perpetual Education Fund
the work of the world.” complete my education. I scheduled (PEF) was established in 2001 to
I knew those were the my study time so I could give my help members of the Church obtain
words of a prophet of God, husband and our son the attention the education and training they need
and I took them seriously. they needed. Sometimes my hus- to be self-reliant. Members of the
band’s parents stayed with our son Church who qualify for the program
When I was accepted to the nurs- while I was in class. Two great class- receive a loan to help pay for their
ing program, my heart filled with mates helped me review class materi- education. They repay the loan after
gratitude and happiness. I knew it als. I felt that the Lord had sent all of gaining employment. In order to
would be hard and I would have to these people to support me through qualify for a PEF loan, an applicant
continue to make sacrifices, but I this difficult time. must do several things, including the
knew the Lord would be with me. following:
A Better Life
While in school, I met my hus- After graduation I passed the state • Be a worthy, active member of
band, and we were married in 2007. The Church of Jesus Christ of
My mother also joined the Church certification exam and started work- Latter-day Saints. Single male
that year. She told me that she had ing as a nurse to help support our applicants between 19 and 26
never known why I was so happy, family while my husband completes must be returned missionaries or
even with all the terrible things that his education. Even though I am not have an approved exemption.
had happened to us. But once she planning on working once my hus-
joined the Church, she understood. band starts his career, if a tragedy • Be endorsed by priesthood
The gospel of Jesus Christ has blessed or economic hardship requires me leaders.
my family, and I’m happy to see my to work in the future, my education
mother blessed after all the sacrifices helps me feel prepared to do so. • Enroll in an institute of religion,
she has made. I will always be grate- unless married or over age 30.
ful for her. Mom was right: education does
have the capacity to change lives. It • Live, work, and attend school in a
By the beginning of 2010, I was pre- has changed mine, and it will change PEF–approved country. PEF loans
paring for graduation—and was preg- the lives of my children. I hope are available to members in over
nant with our first child. Two months they will realize that I am successful 40 countries.
before I was to graduate from the because I followed the Lord’s plan for
nursing program, I had complications me. He wanted me to get an educa- • Commit to pay as many school
with my pregnancy, and our baby was tion, and He helped me every step costs as possible with personal
born via cesarean section. My teachers of the way. I hope my children learn money, graduate and gain better
told me I should take time off from how to work like I did and that they work, and fully repay the loan.
school and graduate later. But I was so come to value education as much as
close—only two months away! I do. ◼ If you are interested in applying
for a loan through PEF, contact
NOTE your local priesthood leader. Learn
1. Gordon B. Hinckley, “A Prophet’s Counsel more about the program by visiting
pef.lds.org.
and Prayer for Youth,” ­Liahona, Apr. 2001,
34; New Era, Jan. 2001, 8. J u n e 2 0 1 1 63

MAKING Attending institute has helped
me study more effectively. In
Spiritual addition, it has helped me to
Education be a better husband and father
when I am at home.
A PRIORITY
By Joel Childress

One Saturday afternoon at the beginning of four years—a regular, midweek spiritual uplift. PHOTOGRAPH BY ROBERT CASEY
a new semester of college, I called a good I was able to study the scriptures, sing beautiful
friend whom I had not seen for several hymns, and feel the Spirit. I couldn’t believe I had
months. He and I talked for a while and caught up cut myself off from such spiritual nourishment just
on each other’s lives. I asked him what his sched- to save a bit of time two days a week.
ule was like, and he mentioned that he was taking
some business classes and an institute class. He As I have made institute part of my remain-
admitted that he had initially signed up to get the ing college experience, I have found that even
free parking the institute offered to its students, but with the extra commitment, I still have plenty of
he also said that he was really enjoying the course. time to complete my assignments for my other
classes—in some cases, well before the due date.
I thought about that for a moment. I had spent I am able to study more effectively at school and
four years at Arizona State University and had not at home. In addition, it has helped me to be a
attended a single institute class. In the past I usually better husband and father when I am at home.
rationalized this by saying that I didn’t have time (I
was attending school and working full time). After When I read the scriptures, instead of just
all, I am married, and certainly my family needed checking it off my to-do list, I am reading with
my time and attention. I did not want to take more “real intent” (see Moroni 10:4; see also 2 Nephi
time away from them by adding more classes, 31:13) and finding passages that have new mean-
but at that moment while talking to my friend, I ing to me. Institute has also helped me to be
realized that maybe I could fit institute into my more vigilant in keeping my covenants and has
schedule. (Besides, I thought, free parking would brought me closer to my Heavenly Father. In
be nice!) I talked it over with my wife and then short, the investment of my time spent at insti-
enrolled in a class. tute has repaid me tenfold.

The parking spot, I’ll admit, was great, but it was I cannot get back the missed opportunities
just a convenience. The real blessing of institute was from the years when I did not attend institute, but
found in the classes I took. Over the next several I can take advantage of the ones I have going for-
weeks, I realized what I had been missing the past ward. I am grateful for the blessings I have found
in making spiritual learning a priority. ◼

64 E n s i g n



J u n e 2 0 1 1 65

L AT TER- DAY SAINT VOICES

PRESIDENT MONSON find him, one of President Monson’s
WANTS TO SEE YOU traveling companions reminded him
that if they didn’t leave soon, they
About 15 years ago I was diagnosed intention of doing that, but a few would not make it to the Edinburgh
with Parkinson’s disease. Four minutes later the man returned. airport on time.
years later my health was steadily
declining, and I was using a wheel- “Brother Sharkey,” he said, President Monson smiled and,
chair. I felt extremely frustrated by my “President Monson is waiting to referring to himself and to me,
condition because for my entire life, I see you.” responded, “When you’re our age,
had been very active. you learn to prioritize. We’ll be there
“But he doesn’t know me,” I in time.”
About that time I went to a confer- replied.
ence in Dundee, Scotland, attended When my bishop arrived, he and
by President Thomas S. Monson, “Even so, he is waiting to see you. President Monson administered to
then a counselor in the First He has heard about your illness.” me. The blessing President Monson
Presidency. Following the meet- gave me was not a blessing of heal-
ing, a member approached me. I agreed and went to see ing; it was about managing my con-
President Monson. He dition and its accompanying ailments.
“Brother Sharkey?” greeted me warmly and It was also a blessing for my family
“Aye?” to be able to help me in managing
“Come down to the front asked whether my disease.
to see President Monson.” I would like a
priesthood bless- Now, a decade later, I still have
I had no Parkinson’s, but at age 74 I am doing
ing. I told him I well. I have indeed found ways to
would. manage my illness. I feel good, and I
have not used a wheelchair since the
We found day I received the blessing. My doctor
a room, and calls me his “star patient.”
President
Monson I will always be grateful to
asked whom President Monson for his kindness
I would like in speaking to and blessing a man he
to anoint me. didn’t know. But I’ll also be grateful
I asked if we for what he taught me about using
could send for the priesthood.
my bishop. When
someone left to We hold different keys and offices
in the Church, but we hold the same
President Monson greeted priesthood. President Monson’s kind ILLUSTRATIONS BY BJORN THORKELSON
me warmly and asked act taught me that the priesthood isn’t
whether I would like a about who holds it but about how we
priesthood blessing. use it to bless the lives of Heavenly
Father’s children. ◼

George Sharkey, Scotland

BLESSED BY THE Upon hearing the news that I had it was the only time during my three-
PRIESTHOOD breast cancer, I received a spiri- year battle that I felt such anxiety. The
tual prompting that I should seek peace from the priesthood blessings
I joined the Church as a single a priesthood blessing. I received sustained me and enabled
mother in 1996, several years after me to get through things I thought I
my twin sister, Theresa, joined. When operation. I remember waking up in couldn’t endure.
Theresa was baptized, a mutual friend extreme pain. Just then this thought
said to me, “Why would she join that entered my mind: “You know that The priesthood continued to
church? They make their women stay you will get better. You have been strengthen me through a postopera-
in the background.” promised that your body will be tive infection and a serious fever. One
made whole. You know you’re going night during this time my brother-in-
From association with members of to get through this.” law came to the hospital and gave me
the Church, I knew that my friend’s a blessing. My temperature had been
understanding was inaccurate—the On another occasion I woke up rising all day, but after the blessing it
marriages I saw among members of in the middle of the night worried steadily declined. I was amazed but
the Church were some of the stron- about the future. “What is going to not surprised.
gest and most equal I had ever seen. happen to me?” I wondered. That
I knew that only men in the Church panic lasted for a couple of hours, but I saw the promise come to fruition
held the priesthood, but I sensed that that my doctors would be guided.
they used the priesthood to benefit all. When I awoke after one of my opera-
tions, the surgeon came to see me.
That truth was reinforced to me
when I was diagnosed with breast “I was all done,” she explained,
cancer 11 years after my baptism. Upon “but something told me to go deeper,
hearing the news, I received a spiritual and I found additional problem areas,
prompting that I should seek a priest- which I was able to remove. We’re
hood blessing, which I did that evening. fortunate to have found them.”
In the blessing, I was promised that the
cancer would leave my body, that my She is not a member of the Church,
body would be made whole, and that but the promise of the blessing I had
the Spirit would guide my doctors. received early on had come to pass.
The Spirit had guided her.
That blessing was the first of many
I would receive over the next three I am grateful for the worthy priest-
years of treatment and surgeries. It hood holders in my ward and family
gave me faith to know that healing who have reached out to me and
would come physically if it was the used the priesthood to bless my life. I
Lord’s will or that it would come am grateful for their wives who sup-
spiritually—and I would be given port and sustain them as they honor
strength to deal with my trial. their priesthood and use it to bless
others. Most of all, I am grateful that
I experienced the second kind Heavenly Father has blessed us with
of healing one night following an His power on earth, a power that
blesses all of His children. ◼

Virginia Gillis, Massachusetts, USA

J u n e 2 0 1 1 67

L atter - day S aint V oices

DAD, I NEED YOU didn’t. That made me feel even worse.
I scrambled to the top of the bank,
I was moving sprinkler pipes on a We were cruising along fairly fast
section of our farm in northern when I veered off the trail and hit a but my dad was nowhere in sight.
California, USA. This particular day clump of sagebrush with my right rear I said a silent prayer to my Father
was a treat because Dad was there tire. The impact forced me to turn the in Heaven, asking Him to send
to help me. When we finished, we ATV sharply to the left toward the river Dad back to get me. Then I started
jumped on our all-terrain vehicles and down the embankment. I tried walking.
(ATVs) and headed for home with stopping, but the bank was too steep
dinner on our minds. Dad led the and I was going too fast. I thought Meanwhile, Dad was almost home
way. for sure I was going in the river. when he thought he heard me call
Fortunately, there was a tree on the out to him. He looked back for the
Our farm was bordered on one bank right in my path. The next thing first time since we had left the field.
side by the Pit River. We rode on the I knew, I was looking down at the Only then did he notice that I wasn’t
edge of the field so we wouldn’t flat- ATV—from the tree! I was as scared as behind him. He knew something was
ten the alfalfa with the big tires on I had ever been. wrong and came looking for me until
our ATVs. The field was on our right, he found me.
and the river, at the bottom of a I felt that I had just had a brush with
steep embankment, was on our left. death, but other than a few scratches Dad later told me that he had
We couldn’t see very well because it and bruises, I was unhurt. After I heard me say, “Dad, I need you!” At
was misty. calmed down and took a few breaths, I the time, he was more than two miles
realized there was no way I was going (3 km) away. I knew then that a lov-
to get the ATV back up the bank by ing Father in Heaven had heard my
myself. I kept expecting my dad to prayer and let my father know that I
poke his head over the edge of the needed his help.
embankment, looking for me, but he
I am grateful for the Holy Ghost
and the whisperings of truth and
guidance that we receive from Him.
I am also grateful for a loving father
who had lived his life in such a way
that the Holy Ghost could talk to him
and be heard. ◼

Michael K. Hewett, Utah, USA

I said a silent prayer to my Father
in Heaven, asking Him to send
Dad back to get me.

WOULD YOU LIKE
A BLESSING?

One morning I was walking up the way and asked the young man The injured young man groaned
a steep hill on the south side his name. and feebly gestured toward his
of the Brigham Young University pocket. The student next to him
campus when I heard a crash behind “David,” he said, sobbing softly. reached inside it and pulled out
me. I turned around and saw a young “Where am I?” he asked again. a small vial of consecrated oil.
man lying facedown on the pave-
ment, his bike several yards away An older man in a suit—likely a laid their hands on his head and gave
in pieces. I stood in shock until he professor—approached and asked him a blessing. A feeling of calm
weakly tried to lift his head. Then I David if he wanted a blessing. He came over me too as the professor
hurried toward him, along with four nodded gratefully. promised the young man that he
other people who had been walking would recover, be at peace, and
up the hill. The professor paused. “I don’t draw nearer to the Savior through
have any oil, though,” he said, look- this experience.
The student who reached the ing around. Those nearby shook
biker first carefully turned him their heads. The injured young man Soon the paramedics came and
over, revealing severe cuts on the groaned and feebly gestured toward took the biker away. As I walked
biker’s lips, nose, chin, and eye- his pocket. The student next to him to class, I realized that he carried
brow. Another student called for reached inside it and pulled out a consecrated oil with him so he
help on his cell phone. A young large key ring with a small vial of could use the priesthood to bless
mother standing next to me offered consecrated oil attached. someone in need. This day, however,
a piece of cloth, and the first student he himself was blessed. I left with
stanched the biker’s bleeding lip “He has some!” exclaimed the a deep feeling of love for faithful
with it. A second woman and I stood student. men who live ready to bless others
by, anxiously waiting for paramedics and for the Lord, who also blesses
to come. The biker calmed down as soon as them. ◼
the professor and the male students
The injured man’s eyes flickered Lia McClanahan, Utah, USA
open, and he looked in confusion at
the faces around him. J u n e 2 0 1 1 69

“Where am I?” he said. “What
happened?”

The student holding the cloth to
his lips answered, “You’re on the
south side of campus. You crashed
your bike.”

The biker groaned. “It hurts,” he
said. “Help me.”

The student said that help was on

Small & Simple Things

“Out of small things proceedeth that which is great”
(D&C 64:33).

CHURCH HISTORY AROUND THE WORLD

Germany

Although missionary work After World War I, Germany country had been divided into Karl G. Maeser emi-
began in Germany in the experienced great growth in East Germany and West Germany. grated from his native
1840s, it wasn’t until 1851 that two Church converts, particularly However, missionary work con- Germany to Utah,
people who were likely the first from 1921 to 1925. The German tinued, and on June 19, 1985, the arriving in 1860.
converts there were baptized. The Mission was divided into the Freiberg Germany Temple was
same year, President John Taylor, German-Austrian Mission and the dedicated in East Germany—the
then of the Quorum of the Twelve Swiss-German Mission. The East first temple in a communist coun-
Apostles, went to Hamburg to help German Mission was created in try. Another temple was dedicated
supervise the translation of the 1937. Missionaries were pulled out two years later, in Frankfurt, West
Book of Mormon into German. A of Germany during World War II. Germany. The country was unified
branch was organized in Hamburg When they returned in 1947, the in 1990.
in 1852, but most of the early con-
verts emigrated to Utah because of The Freiberg Germany
persecution. These included Karl G. Temple, dedicated in 1985.
Maeser, who later became presi-
dent of Brigham Young Academy
in Provo, Utah.

ANY Berlin PHOTOGRAPH OF MUNICH © GETTY IMAGES; MAP BY MOUNTAIN HIGH MAPS © 1993 DIGITAL WISDOM, INC.
M Freiberg
R
E
G

Frankfurt

Above: A view of Munich, Germany. Below: THE CHURCH IN GERMANY
The Frankfurt Germany Temple, dedicated
in 1987.

Members 38,204

Missions 3

Stakes 14

Wards and Branches 173

Temples 2

70 E n s i g n

The Gospel Comes First Create a Profile on Mormon.org

Missionaries found and taught Members of the Church across the 3. When creating your profile, keep in
my great-grandfather in world can share the gospel by mind that you are talking to people who
Samoa. In joining the Church, creating a profile on Mormon.org. Visitors are not members of the Church. Avoid
my grandfather had to forsake to the site use these profiles to learn about phrases they may not be familiar with.
some of the traditional beliefs the Church directly from members. Create For example, you might say, “I teach
and religious practices of his a profile and share your testimony by a class of adult women once a month
people. Our family is proud of our following these steps: from the words of living prophets,”
Samoan heritage, but because instead of, “I serve as the Teachings for
of my grandfather’s example, 1. Visit mormon.org/create. Sign in Our Time instructor in Relief Society.”
we have learned that the gospel using your LDS account. If you don’t
comes first. have an LDS account, register for a 4. Provide your picture, first name, and
user name and password by providing a short introduction. You can also link
When I was a young man, my your membership record number and your profile to your blog, Facebook
dad talked to me about the tribal date of birth. Find your membership account, or Twitter account, though
band tattoos that are common record number on your temple recom- this isn’t required. Avoid including
and some of the popular foods mend or by contacting your ward or detailed personal information, such as
that wouldn’t necessarily be in branch membership clerk. your last name or city of residence.
harmony with the teachings of
the Church. Dad said, “Don’t 2. Provide information in the follow- Once your profile is complete, it will
participate in any of that. You’re ing fields: “About Me,” “Why I Am be sent to moderators for approval. Once
a child of God before you’re a Mormon,” “How I Live My Faith,” the profile is approved, visitors to the site
Samoan, before you’re a big, “Frequently Asked Questions,” will be able to read your testimony and
tough guy from the islands.” “Personal Stories,” and “Additional contact you for more information about
That is something I have always Information.” the Church.
remembered.

Today my wife and I live in
Costa Rica. There are traditions
and cultural etiquette here, as
there are everywhere, that do
not align with what the Church
teaches. Sometimes we have to
have the courage to turn from
these practices and to the teach-
ings of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Morgan Sa Mataalii, Costa Rica

J u n e 2 0 1 1 71

S ma l l & S im p l e T h i n gs

Presidents of the Church Quiz

Match each item below to the President of
the Church with whom it is associated.

1. Sunglasses. Worn by this A. Joseph Smith Jr. (1805–44) 9. Cane. This President used a cane LEFT: PHOTOGRAPH OF BYU JERUSALEM CENTER BY D. KELLY OGDEN; PHOTOGRAPH OF CANE
BY JOHN LUKE; PHOTOGRAPH OF SILVER BUFFALO AWARD BY CHRISTINA SMITH
President of the Church as B. Brigham Young (1801–77) in his later years, which he lovingly
he traveled to visit settlements waved in the air to greet groups of
throughout the Utah territory. C. John Taylor (1808–87) Latter-day Saints.

2. Top hat. This item is D. Wilford Woodruff (1807–98) 1 0. Tithing slip. This President

indicative of this proph- E. Lorenzo Snow (1814–1901) emphasized Joseph Smith’s
et’s renown for refined teachings on tithing.
appearance and F. Joseph F. Smith (1838–1918)
behavior. 11. Fiddler on the Roof. This President
G. Heber J. Grant (1856–1945)
3. Medal of Distinguished Service. loves literature and has quoted
H. G eorge Albert Smith (1870– this classic on more than
This Church President received this one occasion.
award for his service as Secretary of 1951)
Agriculture in the cabinet of U.S. pres- 12. Typewriter. This
ident Dwight D. Eisenhower. I. David O. McKay (1873–1970)
President was one
4. Welfare commodity tokens. This J. Joseph Fielding Smith of the Church’s most
prolific writers.
President initiated and led the (1876–1972)
Church welfare program during 1 3. Sword. This Church
the Great Depression. K. Harold B. Lee (1899–
President served as commander
5. Saddle. This prophet loved his 1973) of the Nauvoo Legion.

horse named Sonny Boy. L. Spencer W. Kimball (1895– 14. Floral lei. This prophet

6. Journal. This 1985) went to Hawaii at age 15
as one of the first
prophet was commit- M. Ezra Taft Benson (1899– Latter-day Saint
ted to preserving Church missionaries there.
history, and his records are 1994)
among the most valuable 15. Pocket watch.
histories of the Church. N. H oward W. Hunter (1907–95)
This item was worn by
7. Photo of BYU Jerusalem Center. This O. G ordon B. Hinckley (1910– this prophet on the day
of the Martyrdom at
Church President negotiated to obtain 2008) Carthage Jail.
land in Jerusalem to
build the center. P. Thomas S. Monson (1927–) 1 6. Scouting Silver Buffalo

8. Miniature micro- Award. This President
was the first major
phone. This
President used this promoter of Scouting
device, mounted on his glasses, in the Church.
because several throat operations
treating cancer affected his voice.

72 E n s i g n Answers: 1. B; 2. G; 3. M; 4. K; 5. I; 6. D; 7. N; 8. L; 9. O; 10. E; 11. P; 12. J; 13. A; 14. F; 15. C; 16. H

FAMILY HOME E VENING IDE A S

Reinforcing Lessons from Primary

My children often bring previous day. Through recalling and and reflect upon the gospel
home handouts they This has been a fun teaching what they learned
have colored or assembled in class and sharing time, principles from Primary as
in Primary. These drawings, and valuable way to use my children have the
finger puppets, popsicle the handouts my chil- opportunity to internalize our family learns together.
stick figures, and other dren receive and create.
crafts illustrate the stories Emily Cushing,
and principles they learned Utah, USA
in class.
ILLUSTRATION BY BETH WHITTAKER
When we arrive home
from church, I gather their
handouts. The following
night at family home eve-
ning, I return the items
to my children, and they
use them to explain the
Primary lessons from the

HELPS FOR HOME EVENING

“The True Path to Happiness,” page 22: After all the education you can get. Sacrifice a car; sacrifice any-
sharing the article with your family, discuss what President thing that is needed to be sacrificed to qualify yourselves
Monson meant by “Decisions determine destiny.” Consider to do the work of the world.” As a family define sacrifice
asking the following questions: How do the decisions we and discuss the blessings that come from it. Consider
make now affect our happiness in the future? How can sharing your feelings about the importance of education
we be sure we are making righteous decisions? Invite and preparing for the future.
family members to share examples of how making good
decisions has brought them more happiness. By Elder
Quentin L. Cook
“The Heart and a Willing Mind,” page 30: Discuss
with your family what it means to submit our will to God’s Of the Quorum of the
will. Ask family members to think of examples of how the Twelve Apostles
Savior was the perfect example of submitting His will to
God’s. Then consider making a list of the five ways we The True PaTh To scriptures that we are to honor our parents. which they would hope to bestow upon us.
can give our heart and mind to the Lord, as outlined by A proverb reads, “My son, keep thy father’s This is a step toward personal happiness.
Elder Hallstrom. Happiness commandment, and forsake not the law
of thy mother” (Proverbs 6:20). The great Commit Yourself to the Family
“The Power of Education,” page 60: Share the quote German philosopher Goethe put it this way: Second, commit yourself to the eternal
in the story from President Hinckley that says, “You need
What from your fathers’ heritage is lent, institution of the family as the foundation for
Earn it anew, to really possess it! 5 happiness. In the world at large, many are
choosing not to get married or are delaying
It is clear that we need to be grateful for our marriage. The family is an eternal institution
parents and take positive action to acquire that ordained of God from before the foundation

As we pursue The recipe for “the good life” has been to spend less time “preparing students for Photo illustrations by robert Casey, welden C. andersen, and john luke
the true path debated for centuries. When the careers” and more time “preparing them to
to happiness in Apostle Paul was in Athens on Mars make social decisions.” 3
our families and Hill, he encountered “philosophers of the
professions, I pray Epicureans, and of the Stoicks” (Acts 17:18). As I read these statements, I reflected
we will use our The Stoics believed that the highest good was on what the Prophet Joseph Smith taught:
knowledge and virtue, while the Epicureans believed that the “Happiness is the object and design of our
influence to bring highest good was pleasure. Many Stoics had existence; and will be the end thereof, if we
greater righ- become proud and used the philosophy as pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is
teousness, peace, “a cloak for . . . ambition and iniquity.” Many virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and
understanding, Epicureans had become hedonists who took keeping all the commandments of God.” 4
and freedom to as their motto “Let us eat and drink, for
people all over to-morrow we die.” 1 In the spirit of the statement in the New
the world. York Times about marriage and the Prophet’s
Many in the academic world have long optimistic declaration, I am confident that we
22 E n s i g n pointed to Aristotle’s advocacy of “intellec- can have the happiness that we desire and
tual contemplation” as a blueprint for “the that God wants for us. What must we do to
good life.” A reviewer writing in the New York attain it?
Times Book Review asserted that modern phi-
losophers “have concluded that there is no Be Grateful for Your Heritage
single right balance of elements that consti- Always be grateful for your blessings, espe-
tutes ‘the good life for man.’” 2
cially your heritage. When we are blessed with
An article in the New York Times asserted, goodly parents, we should be grateful. This is
“Marital happiness is far more important the debt each of us owes for our heritage.
than anything else in determining personal
well-being.” The author challenged colleges An old Chinese proverb reads, “When
you drink the water, don’t forget the well
from whence it sprung.” It is clear from the

J u n e 2 0 1 1 73

News of the Church

Building History, Building Testimonies

By Heather Whittle Wrigley

Church Magazines

The Lord commands us to remember (see In Missouri, Historic Sites
D&C 21:1), but history, like a photograph Saints can Historic sites are places where events of great
bleached by time, often fades until it is tour a replica
lost—unless someone steps in and stops it from of Liberty Jail, significance to Church history occurred, such as
being lost. where Doctrine the Joseph Smith farm or historic Kirtland. About
and Covenants two dozen historic sites dot the United States, with
Steven L. Olsen, senior curator of the Church 121 to 123 one site outside the United States, Worcestershire’s
History Department and former member of the orginated as Gadfield Elm Chapel, the first chapel of The Church
Church Historic Sites Committee, is one of those the Prophet of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in England.
people. The Historic Sites Committee collaborates Joseph Smith
with several departments to help stop time in its and others were Historic Landmarks
tracks by preserving places of historical value to subjected to Historic landmarks, of which there are about
the Church. many hardships.
four dozen, comprise temples, tabernacles, and
“We preserve sites to help provide an experi- meetinghouses that are distinctive in architectural
ence that opens a person’s heart and soul to the or aesthetic value. According to Brother Olsen,
message [of the gospel],” he said. “Many have these landmarks exist to celebrate the importance
found the beginnings of their testimonies when of worship in the Church.
they have gone to the historic sites and had the
Spirit bear witness to them.” “In our history, we have invested a lot of energy
to create spaces that are appropriate for the nature
The Church History Department stewards the of that worship,” he said. “Temples do that in a way
historical accuracy of the messages, furnishings,
and settings found at historic sites.

The Missionary Department takes care of man-
aging the sites daily, welcoming visitors, giving
tours, and answering questions.

The Temple and Special Projects Departments
are responsible for managing any maintenance
concerns for temples and for the construction of
major new projects.

The Meetinghouse Facilities Department
ensures that each site is properly constructed and
maintained and that the site stays accurate, attrac-
tive, and appropriate.

These departments work with historians, archi-
tects, archaeologists, lawyers, artisans, contractors,
and groundskeepers to preserve historic sites,
landmarks, and markers.

74 E n s i g n

Church to Restore Harmony Site The Importance of Historic Sites
One of the qualifications for a place to become a
In April 2011, the First Presidency announced
plans to restore a historic site formerly known historic site is that the site communicate key gospel
as Harmony (near present-day Susquehanna), messages, which Brother Olsen explained are “the simple
Pennsylvania, USA, where the Prophet Joseph messages of the Restoration that anchor our identity . . .
Smith translated much of the Book of Mormon as Latter-day Saints—the reality of the First Vision, the
and where John the Baptist restored the Aaronic coming forth of the Book of Mormon, and the organiza-
Priesthood in 1829. tion of the Church, for example.”

The project will include construction of historic Today in upstate New York, families walk along paths
buildings and the farm setting at Harmony as well through the Sacred Grove, imagining Joseph Smith kneel-
as monuments commemorating the restoration of ing among the low-lying ferns and sun-splashed leaves. In
the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods in 1829. Missouri, Saints can tour a replica of Liberty Jail, where some
The groundbreaking is expected to take place in of the most beloved parts of the Doctrine and Covenants,
2012, and the project is estimated to take two years sections 121 to 123, originated as the Prophet Joseph Smith
to complete. and others were subjected to many hardships.

Church leaders have invited members who are “Places give people a really strong connection to the
interested to make a small, one-time contribution events of the Restoration of the gospel,” Sister Lund said.
to the project. This can be done by specifying “There’s no substitute for being . . . in the very place and
“Priesthood Restoration Site” on the “Other” cate- being able to imagine what happened there.”
gory on the tithing slip that is available from bishops
and branch presidents. Part of the power of those experiences comes from
the veracity of the structures and settings found at the
“Our historic sites help us tell the unique story of Church’s historic sites.
the Latter-day Saints,” said Elder Marlin K. Jensen,
Church historian and recorder. “Each site is filled “We want to make it all as true to the experience as
with historically accurate details and engaging the message is,” Brother Olsen said. “A setting [often] can
exhibits to help people better understand who we evoke a dimension of understanding about the First Vision
are and what is important to us.” or the Book of Mormon that can’t be achieved just by
reading about it.”
that . . . allows us all to receive those blessings. Tabernacles
and meetinghouses provide another way to worship.” Each log home, frame house, brick building, land-
scape, stone structure, and furnishing—including floor-
Historic Markers ing, appliances, curtains, and other knickknacks—is
Finally, because not every important site can be restored, exhaustively researched and re-created to be as true to
the original as possible.
historic markers—more than 100 of them—identify other
places the Church desires to preserve in the hearts and Artisans strive to match time period, region, economic
minds of Latter-day Saints. Markers can also designate status, and cultural forces present at that place and time,
areas (such as the Far West Temple site) where there is not right down to the methods used historically to create each
enough information to restore the site accurately. setting and object.

There are dozens of international historic markers; often Brother Olsen said that he hopes that as people catch a
a marker being placed is the first step to a location becom- glimpse of modern-day history, their knowledge of Church
ing a historic site. history will grow and their testimonies of the gospel will
be strengthened. ◼
“People recognize that a place is important to them and to
the Church, and many work to get a marker in that location,”
Sister Lund said. For those who are interested in marking a
location, she said, “there’s a policy and a process; they just
need to contact the Church History Department.”

J u l y 2 0 1 0 75

News of the Church

DI Partners Employees interest. It’s a win-win-win situation: DI fulfills its
with Success mission to help people help themselves by paying
the associate’s wages, liability, and workers’ com-

Ariela had just immigrated to the United pensation; the company receives an employee
States from Peru, and although she spoke resource free of charge; and the associate receives
English and Spanish and had a college pay and training. Many partnerships end with a
job offer or recommendation.

degree, she was unfamiliar with the work environ- The program began in 2008; today, nearly 1,500

ment in the United States and felt unsure about people have been placed in business partnerships

finding a job. Her bishop suggested she work with through DI. Roughly half of those have been hired

Deseret Industries (DI), a nonprofit, vocational into full-time, benefit-paying jobs. Eight out of

rehabilitation facility sponsored by the Church every 10 placements are done with companies

that doubles as a thrift store. that have partnered with DI in the past.

Soon after beginning work at her local DI, Ariela “At first businesses want people to come because

enlisted in DI’s business partnership program, it means free help,” said Danny Brock, who helped

where she was able to have an internship-type create the program. “But after a while, they . . .

decide what they really like is

being able to help someone.”

Before entering the business

partnership program, DI asso-

ciates are rigorously screened

and evaluated, cleared for work,

and instructed in character, work

habits, and business relation-

ships to ensure they are capable

and informed.

“The beauty is that the asso-

ciates get to do something they

experience at a local government justice service Deseret actually want to do,” Brother Brock said. “Dog

company that taught her basic business proce- Industries is grooming, contracting, bookkeeping, welding,
dures. She soon felt comfortable with her career
skills and was able to find permanent employment. not just a thrift medical assisting—you name the occupation,

Ariela’s is just one of thousands of success store; through its and we can make a partnership.”
stories that have come out of the business part– business partner- Besides the increase in skills, the certifications,
nership program, which exists at each of DI’s
43 locations as well as at 12 employment centers— ship program,
3 of which are in Mexico, the Philippines, and
associates have and the financial benefits, he said, the program
the opportunity supplies the emotional benefits of fulfilling

to get on-the-job dreams and providing prayed-for opportunities for

training in their both those in the program and employers.

Haiti. field of interest. “Every day I get to see [people] find hope and

In this program, DI partners with local com- happiness,” Brother Brock said, “and I see the

panies to allow associates to train in their field of Lord’s love for His children.” ◼

76 E n s i g n

ON THE WEB

Young Single Adults, Mesa Easter Pageant Teaches of Christ
Leaders See Benefits Each year the Mesa Arizona Easter Pageant
of Reorganization
draws more than 100,000 people, who watch the
In an effort to improve the experience of single story of Christ’s life, mission, and Resurrection PHOTOGRAPH BY STEVE PORTER
Church members ages 18 to 30, the Church unfold through speech, music, dance, and drama
is reorganizing young single adult wards and Participants played out on a 9,600-square-foot (890 square
stakes throughout Utah. in the Mesa meter) stage.
Arizona Easter
YSA wards have been realigned geographi- Pageant Many who attended this year’s performances
cally and included in newly formed YSA stakes. portray the April 13–16 and 19–23, 2011, as well as the nearly
Student wards have been discontinued. Some story of Jesus
40,000 young single adults have been affected by Christ’s life, 1,000 cast and crew members, say that the pag-
the change. mission, and eant brought them closer to the Savior.
Resurrection.
Young single adults may choose to attend “I know that the people who come to our
the YSA ward or the conventional ward in which pageant leave with a peace and a hope in their
they live. heart that maybe wasn’t there when they came,”
said Nanci Wudel, who has directed the pageant
“This age group tends to drift a little bit, to dif- for nine years. “We want so much to bring to
ferent units, different wards,” said Elder Steven E. the heart of every person sitting in the audience
Snow of the Presidency of the Seventy. “We hope [the message that] there is peace, there is hope,
[the change] will provide enhanced opportuni- because Jesus lives and He loves them.”
ties for them to serve in leadership positions, to
teach, and to lead. . . . We hope it enhances their J u n e 2 0 1 1 77
opportunities to meet other people and to do
meaningful service, and we want to deliver these
opportunities in their geographic area.”

Young single adults and their leaders in areas
where the change has taken place are already
experiencing a difference.

Wess R. Greene, president of the Logan Utah
YSA Fourth Stake, said the change has created a
feeling of belonging. “In regards to what President
Monson has said about rescuing the one, it has
really facilitated that process,” he said.

The transition began in Ogden in April 2010,
and stakes in Logan, Cedar City, St. George, and
Ephraim have also made the change. Utah’s Salt
Lake, Davis, and Utah Counties will have made
the change by this month. At this time, there are no
plans to extend the changes into other areas. ◼

WORLD BRIEFS

Tabernacle Organists Share Talents Museum Exhibit online at mormonchannel.org/
to Bless Church, World Engages Children Joseph.
in Book of Mormon History
The pipes of the Tabernacle organ on Temple The original 2005 film focuses
Square almost have become an icon for the A new exhibit, A Book on the role that Joseph Smith
Church; they’re easily recognizable, both by their of Mormon Fiesta: A Latin played in restoring the Church
sheer size and by their rich sound. American Celebration uses of Jesus Christ.
state-of-the-art technology to
But what of the people behind those pipes, the engage children and adults in The new version stays true
ones producing that sound? understanding and appreciating to that purpose, using both
the stories of Latin American reedited footage from the
In April, Church News and Events featured members of the Church. original film and new foot-
a three-part series about the Temple Square age to create a product that
organists: Clay Christiansen, Richard Elliott, and This exhibit is free of charge is more easily shared with a
Andrew Unsworth. To read the stories of how and will run through January 6, wider audience, including non-
these three men came to be full-time organists 2013. For more information, members. About 40 percent of
on Temple Square, visit news.lds.org and use including location and hours, the film is new.
the keyword “organist” in the search box. (Be visit lds.org/museum.
sure to use the search box for News and Events, Mormon Channel,
located just above the Global Church Events New Art Exhibit Invites Church Magazines
box, rather than the LDS.org search box in the Visitors to Seek the Savior Share Similar Messages
top right corner.)
The Church History Museum This month, two episodes on
Orchestra at Temple Square Musicians has opened a new exhibit fea- the Mormon Channel program
Dedicate Time, Talent turing works based on the life Mormon Identities will expand
and teachings of Jesus Christ. on content previously published
Anyone who has watched and listened to Seek My Face: Recent Artwork in the Ensign.
a professional orchestra would agree that a on Scriptural Themes features
performance is quite an undertaking. From the the work of 29 artists and is a Kenneth W. Matheson, profes-
harmony of the music itself to the unison of touring exhibition by the Artist sor in the school of social work
movement among the strings to the aesthetics Guild International, L.L.C. at Brigham Young University,
of the stage, orchestral concerts take a lot of will speak about fidelity in mar-
work. The exhibit will remain in riage. Brother Matheson wrote
Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, until on the same subject for the
Which makes the Orchestra at Temple Square June 20, 2011. For more infor- September 2009 Ensign. Church
all the more remarkable. mation, including location and magazines writer Joshua Perkey
hours, visit lds.org/museum. will also speak this month
The orchestra—which was first assembled in about the role of the Church
1999—operates in a way that no professional Joseph Smith Movie magazines in reaching a wide
orchestra does, from the scheduling of events to Reach Wider spectrum of members around
to the dedication of performers. News and Audience Online the world.
Events includes an April article about all the
people—musicians, librarians, staging crew, A new version of Joseph For information about Mormon
and others—who devote their time and talent Smith: The Prophet of the Identities and other programming,
to the orchestra and its mission. Find the story Restoration is now available visit radio.lds.org. ◼
at news.lds.org. ◼

78 E n s i g n

In Other
Church Magazines

THE NEW ERA COMMENTS

A Testimony of Her Own Good Examples THANKS FOR THE HARD
There comes a time for every young Elder Joseph W. Sitati tells about four WORK

person when they must decide for young people from Africa who are all Ijust want to thank you and
themselves if they have a testimony. For great examples of living the gospel. Read your staff for the changes
Jennie, it came during family home eve- “Your Example Matters” on page 40 to you have been making. The
ning when her parents and siblings took see how setting a good example not only pagination and column design
turns sharing their testimonies. Read “A strengthens you, but it can strengthen makes the magazine flow and
Testimony of My Own” on page 6. others also. easy to read. The artwork is
amazing and the articles are so
On Being Shy well planned. I worked in the
Do you have sons or daughters who publishing industry for several
years. I managed ad sales and
consider themselves shy? “From Shyness almost every issue, artwork
to Strength” on page 30 tells about what from advertisers was always
causes shyness, the two main types of last minute. So I watched our
shy people, what they can do about it, editors almost pull their hair
and what others can do to help. out trying to make deadlines
with late ads and overdue
THE FRIEND Crash “I will keep my mind and body sacred articles. I’m glad you don’t
and pure.” have advertisers. On rare
Internet Safety Telland occasions you might experience
In “Crash and Tell” on pages 8–9, My Gospel Standards our leaders, maybe including
8 Friend our beloved Prophet President
Connor learns what to do when he By Danielle Kennington Finally, Connor decided to talk to her. He went to Monson (a publisher), creating
encounters inappropriate content on (Based on a true story) Mom’s room and sat on her bed, where she was some interesting deadlines, but
the Internet. An accompanying list of Be faithful, and yield to no temptation (D&C 9:13). reading. their words on print and elec-
Internet safety tips on page 10 gives tronic copy are so worth your
helpful guidelines all children need Connor sat down at the family computer and typed “Mom, can I talk to you?” he asked. late night efforts.
to know. in the website address his friend had given him. “Sure, honey,” Mom said. “What is it?”
“You’ve got to check it out!” his friend had said. He blurted it all out. He told her about what his friend Again, thank you for your
said, and he told her about what he saw when he visited hard work. The Ensign has
But as soon as the website appeared, Connor felt the site. Mom watched him closely, but she didn’t seem always been an important part
awful. He quickly tried to close the page, but the more angry. of my life. Every month there
he clicked, the more bad pictures popped up. In a “I didn’t know what to do,” Connor said. “So I just are articles that have helped
panic, Connor hit the off button on the computer and turned off the computer and ran away. I’m so sorry, me to stay close to the Lord.
ran to his bedroom. Mom. I shouldn’t have typed in that address in the first
place, but I didn’t know it was bad.” Larry Willes
Connor felt sorry he had seen those pictures. Since Mom gave Connor a hug. “Connor, I am so sorry you California, USA
his baptism a few months ago, he had started to feel the saw those pictures,” she said. “Some people try to trick
special peace of the Holy Ghost. But after seeing those children into seeing bad things. But you did the right
pictures, Connor didn’t feel peace at all. He felt guilty thing. If you see bad pictures on the computer, you need
and scared that someone would know what he had to ‘crash and tell.’ That means push the power button to
seen. turn off the computer and then come and tell me right
away. You did exactly the right thing.”
Connor was quiet during dinner. He tried to listen to Connor felt so relieved!
his family’s conversation, but the pictures he had seen “Connor, I want you to know it is not your fault,”
kept coming back into his mind. The sick feeling in his Mom said. “It was a mistake, and you don’t need to feel
stomach wouldn’t go away. guilty about what happened.”
“But, Mom, if I did the right thing, why did I feel so
When he said his prayer that night, Connor told bad inside?”
Heavenly Father about the pictures he had seen. He
said he was sorry and wouldn’t do it again. After the June 2011 9
prayer he felt a little more peace, but he also had a feel-
ing that he should go talk to Mom. Connor really didn’t
want to tell her what had happened. What if she got
angry or was disappointed?

IllustratIons by bryan beach

Summer Reading
The Friend summer reading program

(pages 24–25) will keep children busy
and happy with a whole summer full of
reading and activities from the pages of
the Friend.

J u n e 2 0 1 1 79

UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN

BUILDING ON A need for the Atonement, priesthood authority,
SURE FOUNDATION and prophets. Indeed, my journey to conver-
sion took me six long years of constantly chal-
By Joshua J. Perkey A testimony lenging and questioning who I was, what I
can become believed, and whether there could, in fact, be
Church Magazines unshakable. a God who had established eternal principles
of truth and error, sin and consequence.
Not far from the vast expanse of the
Ohio River lies a small town on the Remarkably, I did receive a spiritual confir-
outskirts of Louisville, Kentucky, mation, but it did not come until I was humble
called Anchorage. Once a farming commu-
nity where a riverboat captain established enough to accept it.
his last portage, it has become home to First came a witness
families of many diverse faiths. of baptism, then of
the Book of Mormon,
It was there in church, at home, and then of Joseph Smith
while exploring the marvelous world as a true prophet.
beneath the woods of sycamore, oak, Additional witnesses
maple, chestnut, and willow trees that I learned followed, line upon
one of the fundamentals of Christianity: that line, regarding today’s
Jesus came as the master teacher, instructing us prophets and apostles.
in the ways of goodness and integrity. Eventually, there came a point in my life
when I didn’t just believe the gospel was
My parents were good folks, faithful in their true—I knew it. The culmination of many little
church. They taught me how to be a good witnesses created a foundation upon which
person and that there are certain things that my faith was sure, a bulwark against which
are right, such as being kind to others, and challenges to testimony break.
certain things that are wrong, such as steal- It is our divine right to seek answers
ing. On the other hand, they also taught that from the Lord. And we must keep spiritually
what one person believes to be true is just nourishing ourselves every day so our
as valid as what someone else believes to be testimonies remain strong. But I also know
true, even if those beliefs differ in fundamental that in the Lord’s program, it is not productive
ways. In this philosophy, as I understand it, to keep questioning principles about which
there are no eternal principles true for every- we have received a witness. In fact, it may
one, just personal viewpoints that intelligent lead to apostasy.
people have the right and obligation to deter- I no longer struggle with the moral relativ-
mine are true for themselves. ism of my youth. I know that when the prophet
speaks, his words are from God. When circum-
Because of those underlying tenets of moral stances arise that challenge my testimony, I
relativism, I had a difficult time believing what trust in the witness I have already received, and
the Mormon missionaries taught me about the then I do my best to live by it. That is the road
to peace; that is the way of happiness. ◼
80 E n s i g n

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY NOEL MAGLAQUE; HISTORICAL PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF CHURCH HISTORY ARCHIVES The Church Welfare Plan
CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF SELF-RELIANCE AND SERVICE

“Our primary purpose
was to set up . . . a
system under which
the curse of idleness
would be done away
with, the evils of
a dole abolished,
and independence,
industry, thrift and
self respect be once
more established
amongst our people.
The aim of the Church
is to help the people
to help themselves.
Work is to be
re-enthroned as the
ruling principle of the
lives of our Church
membership.”

President Heber J. Grant
(1856–1945), in Conference
Report, Oct. 1936, 3; see also
Teachings of Presidents of the
Church: Heber J. Grant (2002),
115.

CONTENTS
82 A Letter from the

First Presidency
83 Providing in the

Lord’s Way
84 Seventy-Five Years

of Living Providently
85 Catching the Vision

of Self-Reliance
92 Increasing Our

Compassionate
Service by Following
the Savior
93 The Strength of Many
96 Making Principles
of Welfare Part of
Your Life

June 1, 2011

Dear Brothers and Sisters,
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the welfare program of the Church. The

pages that follow include a brief history of the origin of the program, will acquaint you
with the Church’s international welfare efforts, and show welfare principles at work in the
lives of Church members throughout the world.

This anniversary serves as a reminder for all of us to become more self-reliant and
to help people help themselves. As you review this special section, we encourage you
and your family to prayerfully consider and act upon self-reliance and other welfare
principles.

Sincerely yours,

The First Presidency

Providing in the
Lord’s Way

DETAIL FROM CHRIST HEALING THE SICK AT BETHESDA, BY CARL HEINRICH BLOCH, COURTESY OF BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY MUSEUM OF ART It was a time when the stock market saw huge becoming self-reliant, caring for the poor and needy, Saints in every
losses. Banks and other financial institutions failed. and serving others. When we live these principles, we dispensation
Unemployment soared. People were losing their are better able to alleviate suffering, build character, have followed
homes. Governments intervened with expensive pro- and foster unity. the Savior’s
grams to try to reverse downward trends. More and example in
more people were forced to turn to public institutions NOTES caring for the
for food and other necessities. 1. Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Heber J. Grant poor and needy.

This description of the 1930s could also apply (2002), 115. Photographs on
to more recent times. Then—as well as now—the 2. Thomas S. Monson, “The Way of the Lord,” E­ nsign, Nov. page 81–Top:
Church’s welfare plan has been available to “help the Members unload
people to help themselves,” 1 in times of disaster, in 1977, 7. food at the Bishops’
widespread economic depressions and recessions, 3. Thomas S. Monson, E­ nsign, Nov. 1977, 7. Central Storehouse
and in the smaller, more personal challenges families in Salt Lake City,
and individuals can face at any time. “The real long term objective of 1937. Middle:
the welfare plan is the building of Filipino youth
Although the welfare plan we know today wasn’t character in the members of the plant seedlings in
introduced until 1936, Saints in every dispensation Church, givers and receivers, rescuing a garden. Bottom:
have practiced principles of provident living because all that is finest down deep inside Members work on a
the Savior Jesus Christ is the architect of the welfare of them, and bringing to flower and stake welfare farm
plan. President Thomas S. Monson has said: “The fruitage the latent richness of the in Utah, 1948.
Lord provided the way when he declared, ‘And the spirit, which after all is the mission
storehouse shall be kept by the consecrations of the and purpose and reason for being of
church; and widows and orphans shall be provided this Church.”
for, as also the poor.’ (D&C 83:6.) Then the reminder,
‘But it must needs be done in mine own way.’ (D&C President J. Reuben Clark Jr. (1871–1961), First
104:16).” 2 Counselor in the First Presidency, in Glen L. Rudd,
Pure Religion: The Story of Church Welfare Since
To provide in the Lord’s way, we must develop 1930 (1995), 301.
our own self-reliance and then seek to help oth-
ers become self-reliant. “Devoted men and women
help to operate this vast and inspired program,” said
President Monson. “In reality, the plan would never
succeed on effort alone, for this program operates
through faith after the way of the Lord.” 3

The 75th anniversary of the welfare plan—
commemorated this year—gives Latter-day Saints
the opportunity to reflect on basic principles such as

J u n e 2 0 1 1 83

Seventy-Five Years of Living Providently

Although the Church welfare plan was not yet Many of the early Saints struggled to support
formalized, the early Saints recognized the themselves. To combat idleness, Church leaders and
importance of living a self-reliant life, caring for the members united to find ways to create sustainable
poor and needy, and serving others. The Prophet livelihoods. Some found work constructing Church
Joseph Smith stated, “A man filled with the love of buildings and completing public works projects.
God, is not content with blessing his family alone, Others farmed and sold goods to provide for them-
but ranges through the whole world, anxious to bless selves and their families. As they labored together, the
the whole human race.” 1 Saints were blessed with enough to meet their needs.

Not long after the Church was established, small While the challenges of our time are different,
bishops’ storehouses and tithing offices were erected Latter-day Saints continue to provide for themselves
to help the needy. Joseph Smith instituted the gath- and care for the poor and needy by following the
ering of fast offerings in Kirtland, Ohio, during the teachings of the Savior and the example set by previ-
1830s.2 The principle of tithing was also introduced ous generations.
during this period (see D&C 119). Tithing and fast
offerings were paid in the form of labor, produce, and NOTES
other commodities. Bishops and branch presidents 1. Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith (2007),
oversaw the distribution of these resources as they
do today.3 330–31.
2. See Howard W. Hunter, “Fast Day,” ­Ensign, Nov. 1985, 72.
3. See Glen L. Rudd, Pure Religion (1995), 2, 4.

Information in this time line comes from the following sources, unless otherwise noted: 1936
Susan Clayton Rather, Supporting the Rescue of All That Is Finest (2005); Glen L. Rudd, • April 6: President Heber J. Grant and
Key Moments in Church Welfare Services (2008); Glen L. Rudd, Important Events
for Historical Church Welfare (1999); Glen L. Rudd, A Brief History of the Church his counselors announce the Church
Employment Program (1998); Glen L. Rudd, Pure Religion (1995). security plan in general conference.
• October: The Church forms the General
Welfare Committee.

84 E n s i g n

ABOVE, FROM LEFT: PHOTOGRAPHS BY CORNELIUS ZAPPEY, COURTESY OF CHURCH HISTORY ARCHIVES; HOWARD COLLETT; AND PETER EVANS “When we fast, . . . we feel Church Welfare | 75 Years of Self-Reliance and Service
hunger. And for a short time,
we literally put ourselves in the The Saints in
position of the hungry and needy. California’ s Central
As we do so, we have greater Valley provide the
understanding of the deprivations labor for a Church-
they might feel. When we give to owned vineyard in
the bishop an offering to relieve Madera, California,
the suffering of others, we not USA. The vineyard
only do something sublime for produces hundreds
others, but we do something of tons of raisins
wonderful for ourselves as well.” to be used by the
poor throughout
Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin (1917–2008) of the world.
the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “The
Law of the Fast,” Liahona, July 2001, 90; Catching the Vision
Ensign, May 2001, 73. of Self-Reliance

Left, top: Dutch Saints harvest and load Many members might think of welfare as a pro-
potatoes for German Saints in 1947. gram to help members in temporarily difficult
Above: Food-production training in circumstances. But the intent of the Church’s welfare
Ecuador has helped members grow plan is much more vast; it also involves promoting
more productive gardens. self-reliance as a way of life. President Thomas S.
Monson has taught that self-reliance—“the ability,
1937 commitment, and effort to provide the necessities of
• The Church establishes life for self and family” 1—is an essential element of
our temporal and spiritual well-being.2
the first Bishops’
Central Storehouse, A mere desire to become self-reliant is not enough.
in Salt Lake City. We must make a conscious, active effort to provide
for our own needs and those of our families. Bishop
H. David Burton, Presiding Bishop, reminds us that
when we have done all we can to be self-reliant, “we
can turn to the Lord in confidence to ask for what we
might yet lack.”3 Being self-reliant allows us to bless oth-
ers. Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve
Apostles says, “Only when we are self-reliant can we
truly emulate the Savior in serving and blessing others.”4

Self-reliance involves several facets of a balanced
life, including (1) education, (2) health, (3) employ-
ment, (4) family home production and storage,
(5) family finances, and (6) spiritual strength.

1938 J u n e 2 0 1 1 85
• Welfare Square property is purchased in

Salt Lake City, and construction begins.
• April: Church security plan is renamed

Church welfare plan.
• August 12: The Church opens its first

Deseret Industries thrift store, in
Salt Lake City.

1. Education known.” 6 Roberto applied for and was granted a PEF
loan, which allowed him to continue his studies. This
The Lord commands us to “seek learning, even opportunity not only helped with immediate finances,
by study and also by faith” (D&C 88:118). President but it also helped Roberto have the faith to marry and
Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008) taught: “We believe form an eternal family because he knew he would be
in education. This Church encourages education. able to provide for them.
There is incumbent upon every member of this
Church, as a mandate from the Lord, to get all the Roberto finished medical school while serving as
education you can get. . . . There is incumbent upon a bishop and became the first Church member on the
the Latter-day Saints a dictum from the Lord Himself National Board of Dominican Medical Schools. But the
to educate our minds and our hands.”5 best results, he says, have been at home. “There have
been changes in my family as we are now further
Gaining an education was the goal of Roberto removed from the cycle of poverty,” he says. “I am
Flete Gonzalez of the Dominican Republic, who grateful that my son won’t have to live the same way
enrolled in college shortly after returning from his I did because we’ve stepped out of that cycle.”
mission. His father agreed to cover his living expenses
so that Roberto could focus on his studies, but a short For more information, visit the Education and Literacy section of
time later, Roberto’s father died, leaving the family in providentliving.org and visit besmart.com, a website to help
a dire financial situation. Latter-day Saint youth prepare for higher education.

Roberto quit school and began working to support “All we can learn that is true while we
himself, his mother, and his sister. He wondered how are in this life will rise with us in the
he’d ever be able to finish school. Resurrection. And all that we can learn
will enhance our capacity to serve.”
Weeks later President Hinckley announced the
Perpetual Education Fund, “a bold initiative” that President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the
would help youth in developing areas “rise out of First Presidency, “Education for Real Life,” ­Ensign,
the poverty they and generations before them have Oct. 2002, 21.

1939 1940 1941
• The first storehouse and • August 27: President David O. • April 20: Original

cannery at Welfare Square McKay dedicates the Welfare Welfare Square
begin operation. Square grain elevator. Church milk-processing
members donated over 70,000 plant begins
hours of labor to build it. operation.

Far left: Latter-day
Saint students
pursue education to
be better prepared
to meet the rigors of
today’s competitive
world. Left: Exercise
and good nutrition
are an important
part of treating our
bodies with care
and respect.

ABOVE, FROM LEFT: PHOTO ILLUSTRATIONS BY JOHN LUKE, ISRAEL ANTUNES, AND CRAIG DIMOND 2. Health She knows that the blessings of adhering to the Sainimere
Word of Wisdom go beyond physical health: “I have Balenacagi knows
Because we are created in the image of God (see found extra protection in the sense that I am able to both the physical
Genesis 1:27), our bodies are temples and should make better choices because of the closeness of the and spiritual
be treated with care and respect (see 1 Corinthians Holy Spirit. I see clearly that standards do not restrict blessings of
3:16–17). The Word of Wisdom, found in Doctrine our freedom; they protect us from consequences that following the
and Covenants 89, is the Lord’s code of health and lead to restricted freedom.” Word of Wisdom.
was revealed to Joseph Smith in 1833. It teaches that
we should eat nutritious foods and avoid harmful For more information, see the Physical Health section of
substances. Apostles and prophets have since taught providentliving.org.
that we should shun all substances or practices that
abuse our bodies or minds and that could lead to “Our physical bodies indeed are
addiction.7 temples of God. Consequently, you
and I must carefully consider what
Sainimere Balenacagi of Fiji learned this lesson we take into our temple, what we
as a teenager when she was attending a wedding put on our temple, what we do to
with some friends who were not members of the our temple, and what we do with
Church. Many people there, including Sainimere’s our temple.”
friends, were drinking and smoking and invited her
to drink. “I was taught my whole life to live the Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the
gospel standards, so I rejected the offer without Twelve Apostles, “Ye Are the Temple of God,”
hesitation,” Sainimere says. ­Ensign, Sept. 2001, 18.

1948 1960 1963
• March 1: The Church • March: New Welfare • Pasta manufacturing

opens a regional Square milk- plant and new
employment office in processing plant is Welfare Square
Salt Lake City. completed. cannery begin
operation.

J u n e 2 0 1 1 87

Top: A young 3. Employment established employment resource centers. Currently,
woman is helped there are more than 300 centers in 56 countries that
at an employment In many wards and branches, finding employ- offer services such as career workshops, networking
resource center in ment is the most pressing need members face as they meetings, and individual job counseling. The new
Mexico. Above: strive to become self-reliant. Priesthood quorums and Church website LDSjobs.org also provides resources
Oséias Portinari says Relief Society sisters can help these members. They for jobseekers, employers, and Church leaders.
the employment should work closely with these individuals, identi-
resource center in fying helpful community resources, mentors who After Oséias Portinari of Brazil was laid off at
São Paulo, Brazil, can personally assist those in need, and available work, he spent more than two months searching for
“gives unemployed job opportunities. The power of members working a new job. Unable to find a position, he volunteered
members a better together in faith to bless those in need will often lead at his local employment resource center in São Paulo.
vision of life.” to successful employment. Helping others in their job searches offered Oséias
an opportunity to improve his own interviewing and
In some areas of the world, the Church has job search skills. He took the career workshop several
times and eventually became an instructor. To his
“Our Heavenly Father asks only surprise, as he diligently served others, Oséias soon
that we do the best we can— began to receive calls from prospective employers,
that we work according to our which led to gainful employment.
full capacity, however great or
small that may be.” Oséias is grateful for Church resources that give
unemployed members a better vision of life. He says,
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second “I know that as we put in effort, the Lord opens doors.”
Counselor in the First Presidency, “Two
Principles for Any Economy,” L­ iahona For more information, visit LDSjobs.org, employment.lds.org, or
and Ensign, Nov 2009, 56. your nearest employment resource center.

1973 1976 1978
• The Church creates LDS Social • Welfare facilities are • The Church forms the

Services to help families. expanded throughout the Emergency Response
United States and Canada. Committee to help
88 E n s i g n • March 29: New Welfare millions of people
Square bishops’ storehouse around the world
is completed. affected by disasters.

Church Welfare | 75 Years of Self-Reliance and Service

TOP LEFT: PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY WELDEN C. ANDERSEN; TOP RIGHT: PHOTOGRAPHS BY HOWARD COLLETT 4. Family Home Production and Storage Families in the
Democratic Republic
In 2007 the Church introduced All Is Safely of Congo work
Gathered In: Family Home Storage, a pamphlet together to grow
that provides a simplified approach to family home cassava as a food
storage. The First Presidency encourages members staple and to process
worldwide to focus on having a basic supply of food the root into flour
and water and some money in savings. Members can for daily use and for
begin by producing or purchasing a few extra items longer-term storage.
and setting aside a little money each week as their
circumstances allow. Following this pattern over time, “This new [home storage] program
members can establish a home storage supply and a is within everyone’s grasp. The first
financial reserve suitable for their needs.8 step is to begin. The second is to
continue. It doesn’t matter how fast
After learning of this counsel, the Lugo family of we get there so much as that we
Valencia, Venezuela, felt inspired to begin their own begin and continue according to our
home storage. Each week they began setting aside a abilities.”
small amount of food, water, and money. Even with
their limited resources, they were able to gather a Bishop H. David Burton, Presiding Bishop,
modest reserve after only a few months. Later that in “Family Home Storage: A New Message,”
year a workers’ strike in Venezuela put many local ­Liahona, Mar. 2009, 14; ­Ensign, Mar. 2009, 60.
workers’ jobs in jeopardy. Brother Omar Lugo was
among those who eventually lost their jobs.

It took nearly two years for Brother Lugo to find
new employment. During that time, Brother Lugo and
his family lived on their savings and food storage.
Despite the difficult challenges of unemployment, the
Lugos experienced peace and comfort because they
were prepared. They faced the uncertain future with
confidence, knowing they had followed the counsel
to gradually build their home storage.9

For more information, visit the Family Home Storage section of
providentliving.org or refer to the pamphlet All Is Safely Gathered
In: Family Home Storage.

1980s 1981 1982
• First employment • The Church builds a • September 10: U.S. president

centers outside Deseret Industries Ronald Reagan visits welfare
the United States thrift store at facilities in Ogden, Utah.
are established, in Welfare Square.
Argentina, Chile, J u n e 2 0 1 1 89
Paraguay, and Uruguay.

Devon and Michaela 5. Family Finances reserve, even though it be small, you and your family
Stephens say that will feel more secure and enjoy greater peace in your
creating a budget Another aspect of provident living is wisely man- hearts.” 10
helped them gain aging income and expenses. The First Presidency has
“firm control” of counseled: Successful family finances begin with the payment
their finances. of tithes and offerings. When members put the Lord
“We urge you to be modest in your expenditures; first, they are better able to care for themselves and
discipline yourselves in your purchases to avoid others.
debt. . . .
Another part of successful financial management
“If you have paid your debts and have a financial involves knowing your income and expenses and
controlling money rather than letting it control you.
“All of us are responsible to provide When Devon and Michaela Stephens of Arizona, USA,
for ourselves and our families in both created a budget, they had only a vague idea of how
temporal and spiritual ways. To provide much money they spent each month. But making a
providently, we must practice the budget with specific categories helped them “come
principles of provident living: joyfully out of the clouds and down to earth,” Michaela says.
living within our means, being content “It was alarming to find we had less money than we
with what we have, avoiding excessive thought, but it was also intensely exhilarating to sud-
debt, and diligently saving and denly feel that we had firm control of what we had.”
preparing for rainy-day emergencies.”
For more information, visit the Family Finances section of
Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve providentliving.org or refer to the pamphlet All Is Safely
Apostles, “Becoming Provident Providers Temporally Gathered In: Family Finances.
and Spiritually,” ­Liahona and E­ nsign, May 2009, 8.

1983 1985 1990s 1996
• The Presiding • Church Humanitarian • The Church uses its Humanitarian • The Church establishes Latter-day Saint Charities

Bishopric is Services program Service Center to sort surplus as a nongovernmental organization to facilitate
designated to begins. clothing and other goods for humanitarian activities in select countries.1
direct the welfare shipment throughout the world in • Welfare Services builds its first bishops’ storehouses
program. response to poverty and disasters. and home storage centers outside the United States,
in Mexico.
90 E n s i g n • Renovation of Welfare Square begins.

Church Welfare | 75 Years of Self-Reliance and Service

6. Spiritual Strength For more information on self-reliance and provident living, see Nirina
Providing in the Lord’s Way: Summary of A Leader’s Guide to Welfare, J-Randriamiharisoa
Spirituality is essential to our temporal and eter- available in many languages at providentliving.org. has found that
nal well-being. We all experience trials. Striving to consistent gospel
increase our spirituality will help us face these trials NOTES living can buoy us
well and give us hope for better days. 1. Providing in the Lord’s Way: Summary of A Leader’s Guide up even through the

Nirina J-Randriamiharisoa of Madagascar currently to Welfare (booklet, 2009), 1. most difficult times.
lives in France while she pursues her education. 2. See Thomas S. Monson, “Guiding Principles of Personal
TOP: PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY ROBERT CASEY When she first arrived, she struggled with loneli-
ness and homesickness. “I sought for solace through and Family Welfare,” Tambuli, Feb. 1987, 3; E­ nsign, Sept.
prayer, scripture reading, and the gentle whisperings 1986, 3.
of the Holy Spirit,” says Nirina. “These things brought 3. H. David Burton, “The Blessing of Work,” L­ iahona, Dec.
me closer to Heavenly Father and the Savior, and I 2009, 37; E­ nsign, Dec. 2009, 43.
felt peace.” 4. Robert D. Hales, “A Gospel Vision of Welfare: Faith in
Action,” in Basic Principles of Welfare and Self-Reliance
In time Nirina made friends and participated in (booklet, 2009), 2.
activities within and outside the Church and found 5. Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley (1997), 724.
happiness. But then some tragic news from home 6. Gordon B. Hinckley, “The Perpetual Education Fund,”
shook her world. “One morning I received a message ­Liahona, July 2001, 62; ­Ensign, May 2001, 52.
telling me that my brother had died. I had no idea I 7. See, for example, Russell M. Nelson, “Addiction or
could feel such sadness. In the days and weeks that Freedom,” E­ nsign, Nov. 1988, 6; M. Russell Ballard, “O That
followed, I struggled through moments of loneliness, Cunning Plan of the Evil One,” L­ iahona and ­Ensign, Nov.
anger, and despair. Doing even the most basic things 2010, 108.
became serious challenges.” 8. See All Is Safely Gathered In: Family Home Storage (pam-
phlet, 2007).
A few months later, a close friend also passed 9. See “Family Home Storage: A New Message,” L­ iahona, Mar.
away. The added sorrow increased Nirina’s already- 2009, 12–13; E­ nsign, Mar. 2009, 58–59.
heavy burden. For just a moment Nirina considered 10. All Is Safely Gathered In: Family Finances (pamphlet,
not attending church, but then she remembered that 2007).
the same things that had buoyed her in her earlier
difficulties could bolster her now. “A strong testimony gives peace,
comfort, and assurance. It generates
“As I had when I first moved to France, I sought the conviction that as the teachings
comfort in prayer, scripture reading, and the Holy of the Savior are consistently obeyed,
Ghost. Through this I discovered more strongly life will be beautiful, the future will
that the Spirit and the doctrine of eternal families be secure, and there will be capacity
can bring us comfort and that the Atonement of to overcome the challenges that cross
Jesus Christ has a real effect in our lives,” she says. our path. A testimony grows from
“Whatever trials we face, there are no ‘dead ends’ understanding truth distilled from
with the Lord. His plan is a plan of happiness.” prayer and the pondering of scriptural
doctrine. It is nurtured by living those
truths with faith anchored in the
secure confidence that the promised
results will be obtained.”

Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the
Twelve Apostles, “The Transforming Power of
Faith and Character,” L­ iahona and E­ nsign, Nov.
2010, 46.

1997 1999
• LDS Social Services makes a • March: Welfare Services begins a major

record number of adoption employment initiative to establish up to
placements in one year with 50 new employment resource centers
629—the highest number the throughout the world.
agency achieved in the 20th • LDS Social Services is renamed LDS Family
century.2 Services, and programs are expanded.

J u n e 2 0 1 1 91

Increasing Our Compassionate Service
by Following the Savior

Whosoever will save his life shall lose it,” the Apostle Peter said that Jesus “went about doing good”
Savior taught, “but whosoever will lose his life (Acts 10:38).
for my sake, the same shall save it” (Luke 9:24).
Jesus healed the sick and ministered to the
Of this admonition President Thomas S. Monson afflicted (see Matthew 9:20–22; Mark 8:22–25).
said: “I believe the Savior is telling us that unless we Perhaps we will not perform the same mighty mira-
lose ourselves in service to others, there is little purpose cles, but we can comfort and minister to the needs
to our own lives. Those who live only for themselves of those who are dying, ill, or mourning.
eventually shrivel up and figuratively lose their lives,
while those who lose themselves in service to others The Savior miraculously fed those who had
grow and flourish—and in effect save their lives.” 1 no food (see Matthew 14:15–21). We can give gener-
ous fast offerings, serve in Church welfare food-
It can be difficult to find the necessary time and production projects, and contribute to community
energy to help our family, neighbors, ward or branch efforts to feed the needy.
members, community, and even strangers. When do
we help and how, especially when each of us has a Jesus was aware of and ministered to the
finite amount of time? How do we serve when our individual (see Luke 8:45–48). As we seek to follow
circumstances limit our abilities? His example, the Spirit will open our eyes to see the
suffering, the lonely, the estranged. And we can be
Our Exemplar is, of course, the Savior Jesus Christ, guided to help meet their needs.
who has invited us to follow Him (see Matthew 4:19).
Although we do not share His divine calling, we can Jesus spent time with others, even when
share in His ministry. Describing that ministry, the He hadn’t planned to (see Luke 24:29) and even
when He was dealing with His own concerns

2001 2003
• A new career workshop is introduced at • January 25: The Provident Living website is launched,

employment resource centers. Self-employment providentliving.org.
workshop materials are introduced a year later. • A major proposal is approved to increase the number
• September 5: Following the completion of the
renovation of Welfare Square, a rededication of bishops’ storehouses throughout the world.
ceremony is held. • The Church begins four major humanitarian

92 E n s i g n initiatives: neonatal resuscitation training, clean
water, wheelchair distribution, and vision treatment.

Far left: Brother
Chiroque, a Young
Men president in
Chulucanas, Peru,
works with Alex,
a member of the
teachers quorum,
to build crutches
for an injured man
in their branch.

TOP LEFT: PHOTOGRAPH BY HOWARD COLLETT; TOP RIGHT: PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY JERRY GARNS (see Matthew 14). We are counseled to give service Fast offerings,
in a wise and orderly way and not to “run faster than like those being
[we have] strength” (Mosiah 4:27). But sometimes our collected by these
greatest opportunities to serve and bless come when deacons, are vital
it is least convenient. In the Savior’s parable, the good to helping the
Samaritan interrupted his journey, then and there, needy.
to minister to the stricken man’s needs (see Luke
10:30–37). The Strength of Many

No one was beneath the Savior’s notice or too The Law of the Fast
low for Him to reach out to (see Matthew 9:9–13).
As the Savior did, so can we love and lift others, The Lord established the law of the fast to bless
teaching them a better way and inviting them to join His people and provide a way to care for those in
us in the abundant life the Savior offers. need. He instructed the Saints “to impart of your
substance unto the poor, . . . and [it] shall be laid
Heavenly Father knows our unique abilities, cir- before the bishop . . . to administer to the poor and
cumstances, and desires, and He knows how we can needy” (D&C 42:31, 34). Fast offerings are a primary
use them to bless others. As we draw closer to Him resource for the Lord’s storehouse. Church members
and seek His direction, He will help us know whom, are encouraged to give an offering at least equal to
where, and how to serve. the value of the two meals not eaten while fasting.
President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985) asked
Visit the Service section of LDS.org for ideas about serving in members to give “much, much more—ten times
the Church, in your community, in missionary capacities, and more where we are in a position to do it.”1
in humanitarian service.
When we understand and live the law of the
NOTE fast, our love and compassion for the less fortunate
1. Thomas S. Monson, “What Have I Done for Someone increase. Fasting, accompanied by prayer, is a form
of true worship. When we obey the law of the fast,
Today?” L­ iahona and ­Ensign, Nov. 2009, 85.

“Pure religion and undefiled
before God and the Father is
this, To visit the fatherless and
widows in their affliction, and
to keep himself unspotted
from the world” (James 1:27).

2009 2010 NOTES
• June: A new adoption • April: A new employment 1. See “Humanitarian Activities Worldwide,” providentliving.org/content/

website is launched, website is launched, display/0,11666,4600-1-2323-1,00.html.
ItsAboutLove.org.3 LDSjobs.org, currently 2. See C. Ross Clement, “LDS Family Services” (unpublished history pre-
available in English,
Spanish, and Portuguese. pared for LDS Family Services, May 10, 2000).
• Food production is 3. See Kimberly Bowen, “LDS Family Services Launches New Web Site,”
added to humanitarian
initiatives. E­ nsign, Sept. 2009, 78.

J u n e 2 0 1 1 93

Symbolic of the added power that comes when we unite Projects like peach production provide a variety of
to serve others, priesthood brethren in Louisiana, USA, help nutritious foods that both sustain and brighten the
remove a fallen tree after Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005.
lives of those who would otherwise suffer hunger.

we gain spiritual strength, temporal blessings, and a for the poor, and every one will abound for a long
greater desire to serve others. time. . . . And so long as the saints will all live to this
principle with glad hearts and cheerful countenances
President Thomas S. Monson taught: “The con- they will always have an abundance.’”2
cept of fast offerings appears as early as the time of
Isaiah when, speaking of the true fast, he encour- Food Production
aged people to fast and ‘to deal thy bread to the
hungry, and . . . bring the poor that are cast out to The production and processing of food to feed the
thy house’ [Isaiah 58:7]. The Prophet Joseph instituted hungry has been a cornerstone of the welfare plan since
the practice of collecting fast offerings for the poor it was first introduced. What began as scattered gardens
in Kirtland, Ohio; and later at Nauvoo, Illinois, the and work projects located throughout Utah became a
Quorum of the Twelve Apostles sent a general letter vast network of over 1,000 farms and food-production
to the Church defining ‘the principle of fasts,’ stat- projects run by the stakes and wards of the Church.
ing: ‘Let this be an ensample to all saints, and there Welfare farms operated in North America, Europe,
will never be any lack for bread: When the poor are Australia, and Polynesia. By the 1980s these farms and
starving, let those who have, fast one day and give production facilities were consolidated, enlarged, and
what they otherwise would have eaten to the bishops improved. Some smaller projects were sold.

“If every member of this church observed As in the past, these farms and facilities are sup-
the fast and contributed generously, the ported by members of the Church who provide
poor and the needy—not only of the most of the labor—all volunteer. Members contribute
Church, but many others as well—would hundreds of thousands of days each year to produce,
be blessed and provided for.” process, and distribute food that will be used to sup-
port the needy. Over 100 million pounds (45 million
President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008), “Rise to kg) of grain, beans, meat, fruit, vegetables, and other
a Larger Vision of the Work,” E­ nsign, May 1990, 97. commodities are produced annually, ensuring that
bishops have food available to support those in need.

94 E n s i g n

Church Welfare | 75 Years of Self-Reliance and Service

As part of the ongoing effort to meet people’ s most Projects to serve others strengthen the bonds between us and help us
basic needs, young women in Hong Kong assemble develop Christlike attributes. Here, young Latter-day Saints in Mexico,

soap and other hygiene items for victims of disaster. involved in neighborhood improvement, wash a home.

FROM LEFT: PHOTOGRAPHS BY JED CLARK, HOWARD COLLETT, NORMAN BURNINGHAM, AND CRAIG DIMOND In areas of the Church where storehouses are not could furnish in the interest of the general welfare of
available or readily accessible, bishops and branch the Church.”4 The Lord had already established the
presidents use fast offerings to provide the needed organization needed to bless the poor and needy—
commodities and services. priesthood quorums were in place, Relief Societies
were organized, and the priesthood of God was on
The Lord’s Storehouse the earth.

Since the welfare program was introduced in The members of the Church, with their conse-
1936, members of the Church have labored together crated labor, their talents and abilities, become an
to relieve the suffering of those who stand in need. integral part of the Lord’s storehouse. In addition to
Economic downturns, natural disasters, unemploy- the fast offerings that are paid to the fast-offering fund
ment, sickness and disability, or times of loss have of the Church, priesthood leaders can draw on the
all required that the Saints work together under the time, talents, abilities, and energies of all the members
direction of the priesthood to ensure that needs are in blessing those who stand in need.
met and that individuals and families are blessed.
Over the years millions of members have willingly By accepting the opportunity to assist others in
given of their time and talents to bless others and their hour of need, we demonstrate our love for God
replace, as President Monson says, “the weakness and His children. This is welfare in its purest light,
of one person standing alone [with] the strength of and its faithful practice will exalt both the giver and
many serving together.”3 the receiver, as envisioned by prophets in our day.

When President Heber J. Grant spoke of the NOTES
welfare system in 1936, he envisioned that “no new 1. Spencer W. Kimball, in Conference Report, Apr. 1974, 184.
Church machinery” would be required but that “stake 2. Thomas S. Monson, “Be Thou an Example,” ­Ensign, Nov.
and ward organizations, the priesthood quorums,
the Relief Society, and the various auxiliary organi- 1996, 44.
zations [would] render the maximum service [they] 3. Thomas S. Monson, in “Messages of Inspiration from

President Monson,” C­ hurch News, Feb. 6, 2010, 2.
4. Heber J. Grant, in James R. Clark, comp., Messages of the

First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints, 6 vols. (1965–75), 6:19; capitalization standardized.

J u n e 2 0 1 1 95

“To all within the sound of my voice
I declare that the welfare plan of
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-
day Saints is inspired of Almighty
God. Indeed, the Lord Jesus Christ
is its architect. He beckons to you
and to me, ‘Behold, I stand at the
door, and knock; if any man hear
my voice, and open the door, I will
come in to him’ (Revelation 3:20).
“May we hear His voice, may we
open to His presence the doorways
of our hearts, and may He be our
constant companion as we strive to
serve His children.”

President Thomas S. Monson, “The Way of the
Lord,” in Basic Principles of Welfare and Self-Reliance
(booklet, 2009), 13.

Making Principles of Welfare Part of Your Life

Living welfare principles is about putting our faith “Have I done any good in the world today? PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY JERRY GARNS
in Jesus Christ into action—by eliminating Have I helped anyone in need?
unnecessary debt, living within our means, and Have I cheered up the sad and made someone
establishing family home storage and financial
reserves, for example. Our faith leads us to edu- feel glad?
cate our minds and our hands and to work every If not, I have failed indeed.
day of our lives to be self-reliant. Having taken Has anyone’s burden been lighter today
care of our own needs, we are better able to Because I was willing to share?
provide for ourselves and serve others. May we Have the sick and the weary been helped on
follow the counsel not only to do good but strive
to be good, not just to do better but to be better.1 their way?
Obedience to the Lord’s counsel brings temporal When they needed my help was I there?
and spiritual blessings. It allows us to face the
challenges of life armed with courage and confi- “That service to which all of us have been called is
dence rather than fear and doubt. the service of the Lord Jesus Christ.”2 ◼

President Thomas S. Monson reminds us of NOTES
our duty to lift and bless others: 1. See Robert D. Hales, “A Gospel Vision of Welfare: Faith in

“My brothers and sisters, may we ask ourselves Action,” in Basic Principles of Welfare and Self-Reliance
the question . . . : ‘What have I done for someone (booklet, 2009), 1.
today?’ May the words of a familiar hymn pen- 2. Thomas S. Monson, “What Have I Done for Someone
etrate our very souls and find lodgment in our Today?” Liahona and E­ nsign, Nov. 2009, 87.
hearts:
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Interested in learning more about the topics discussed in these
pages? Several pamphlets, DVDs, websites, and other resources
may be useful to you. Visit 75yearsofwelfare.org for more
information.

96 E n s i g n

WORDS OF CHRIST

MAY NOT BE COPIED

In His Constant Care, by Greg Olsen numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value
than many sparrows” (Luke 12:6–7).
“Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings,
and not one of them is forgotten before God?

“But even the very hairs of your head are all

In 1829 the ancient Apostles Peter,
James, and John appeared to Joseph
Smith and Oliver Cowdery and
conferred upon them the Melchizedek
Priesthood. Through the same process of
ordination, all worthy male members of
the Church are able to receive and then
exercise the priesthood—the authority
to act in God’s name. See pages 8, 19,
and 44.