Apostle Of God Calls For Uplifting Social Media Messages To Flood The Earth.

On August 19, 2014,  Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles delivered an address at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.  He exhorted us, from this day, "to sweep the earth with messages filled with righteousness and truth.. as with a flood."  In particular, to use new technologies to share simple, authentic, uplifting messages of goodness and truth.

Elder Bednar noted that the perils of the internet "indeed are real, but so too are the extraordinary opportunities," and the "powerful possibilities."

It was prophesied that righteousness and truth would one day sweep the earth

'And the day shall come that...  righteousness will I send down out of heaven; and truth will I send forth out of the earth... and righteousness and truth will I cause to sweep the earth as with a flood, to gather out mine elect from the four quarters of the earth.'   (Moses 7:61,62) 

All true scientific discoveries are from God

In 1862 President Brigham Young said: "Every discovery in science and art, that is really true and useful to mankind has been given by direct revelation from God, .. given with a view to prepare the way for the ultimate triumph of truth... We should take advantage of all these great discoveries.”


Advances in science foretold by Latter-day prophets

In 1966 President David O. McKay prophesied scientific discoveries that “stagger the imagination” would make possible the preaching of the gospel to every kindred, tongue, and people. And further: "Discoveries latent with such potent power, either for the blessing or the destruction of human beings, as to make man’s responsibility in controlling them the most gigantic ever placed in human hands. … This age is fraught with limitless perils, as well as untold possibilities” 

(The Internet was created in 1973.)

President Spencer W. Kimball,  in 1974, described the future of missionary work:  "I believe that the Lord is anxious to put into our hands inventions of which we laymen have hardly had a glimpse...  For, verily... the gospel must be preached unto every creature.” (“When the World Will Be Converted”)

In 1981 President Gordon B. Hinckley taught: "We are confident that as the work of the Lord expands, he will inspire men to develop the means whereby the membership of the Church, wherever they may be, can be counseled in an intimate and personal way by his chosen prophet. Communication is the sinew that binds the Church as one great family. Between those facilities which are now available and those which are on the horizon, we shall be able to converse one with another according to the needs and circumstances of the time.” (“Faith: The Essence of True Religion")

(The IBM personal computer was introduced in 1981)

Can I have a real influence for good in the world?  

"I dispute the bold distortion that in order to have influence a woman must have money, fame or title... We are a sleeping giant..  It's time to wake up.. We have more influence than we think."    (Sheri Dew)

"Imagine the impact we can have as hundreds of thousands and millions of members of the Lord’s restored Church contribute in seemingly small ways to the rising floodwaters.  “Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great” (D&C 64:33).  (Elder Bednar)

How can I do more to influence the world for good?

In the lds.org Media Library, we read of our mandate to flood the earth with positive thoughts, imagery, and messages.  (Page includes a helpful explanation of some popular social media sites and how to use them.)

For more information about how to share the goodness in our lives, click here.

To watch or read Elder Bednar's talk in full, click here.

By Sandy Munro

How Does The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-day Saints Serve The Poor?

The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are 'to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked, to provide for the widow, to dry up the tear of the orphan, to comfort the afflicted, whether in this church or in any other, or in no church at all, wherever he finds them.' (link)

In speaking of its charitable aid programs, the Church strives for balance, to both, 'do not your alms before men, to be seen of them' and, 'let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven'.  Even members of the Church frequently have little idea of the scope of the Church's humanitarian activities worldwide.

Humanitarian Services is just one of several welfare arms of the Church.  Since the Church began keeping track in 1985, more than $1.4 billion in cash and material assistance (to 2011) has been donated through this program, to over 178 different countries in need of humanitarian aid. 

The following video gives a brief overview of the Church's Humanitarian Aid program:

(Further videos on Church humanitarian aid efforts are available here - recommended.)

Where does the money come from to support Church humanitarian aid programs?

One hundred percent of the donations given to the Church’s humanitarian services are used for relief efforts. The Church absorbs its own overhead costs.  A portion of our tithing donations are also disbursed directly to humanitarian and welfare efforts. (link)

Do Mormons only help Mormons?

The Church's humanitarian program serves mostly those outside the Mormon faith - all those who face disasters or acute needs throughout the world. Additionally, more than 11,925 welfare and humanitarian missionaries volunteer their time and money to administer this aid every day. During times of disaster, Church facilities such as Church buildings are used as places of refuge, and local Church members assist humanitarian missionaries and the currently more than 80,000 proselytizing missionaries in providing immediate relief.

What are some these humanitarian aid projects?

Emergency Response: the Church has partnered in more than 200 major disaster assistance efforts, including the 2011 Japan earthquake and tsunami, the 2010 Haiti earthquake, the 2010 Chile earthquake, the 2010 Pakistan flooding, the 2009 Samoa tsunami, the 2009 Philippines typhoon, the 2009 Indonesia earthquake, the 2008 Ethiopia famine and many others. 

Neonatal resuscitation training: providing resuscitation training and equipment to health practitioners and organizations each year in countries with high infant mortality rates.

Clean water projects: working with local community leaders to provide access to clean water with wells and other water systems in countries where such access is unavailable.

Food production and nutrition initiatives: providing training to families and communities to increase productivity and self-sufficiency with home food production and nutrition training.

Wheelchair distribution: working in partnership with local organizations to provide wheelchairs to the disabled.

Vision treatment: providing equipment and training to local, qualified medical personnel to perform eye surgeries and prevent blindness.

Childhood immunizations: partnering with nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to provide immunizations and vaccinations for measles, whooping cough and other conditions.

Atmit: food supplement to help those who are malnourished.


800,000 Christian refugees have fled their homes this month in Iraq. Is the Church doing anything to help these refugees?
(link)



Humanitarian Aid Related Links

Humanitarian Aid
Humanitarian Services
Humanitarian Aid and Welfare Services Basics: How Donations and Resources Are Used
Mormon Representatives Discuss Church Humanitarian Efforts at the United Nations

LDS Charities
LDS Philanthropies

By Sandy Munro

Five Fabulous Mormon Web Sites

It has been decided that the EMP stake Relief Society Presidency will discontinue this Blog in its current five-day-a-week format.  The Blog will now post on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays only.

We most sincerely thank those sisters who have already shared their talents, lives, testimonies and comments with us.

The site has received 7,768 'views' since it began - 3, 398 of those in July last month.

1.   To read more articles and testimonies from members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the official church Ensign magazine is an excellent read that is highly recommended.  (Click here.)

2.   To learn more about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the mormon.org site is available here.  

3.   Mormon Channel has great messages, videos, films and more.  (Click here.)

4.   Mormon Newsroom (here) delivers facts, statistics, background information, context, and more.  See an overview of what is available here.

5.   Lds.org is here.  A resource site especially for Church members.

By Sandy Munro

What Is The Position Of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-day Saints On Same-Sex Marriage?

The Vital Importance Of Marriage.

In 1995, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued "The Family: A Proclamation to the World," which declares the following:

'We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children. . . .

'The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity.'  (See link here.)


Position Of The Church

President Gordon B. Hinckley taught: “People inquire about our position on those who consider themselves so-called gays and lesbians. My response is that we love them as sons and daughters of God. They may have certain inclinations which are powerful and which may be difficult to control. Most people have inclinations of one kind or another at various times. If they do not act upon these inclinations, then they can go forward as do all other members of the Church. If they violate the law of chastity and the moral standards of the Church, then they are subject to the discipline of the Church, just as others are.

“We want to help these people, to strengthen them, to assist them with their problems and to help them with their difficulties. But we cannot stand idle if they indulge in immoral activity, if they try to uphold and defend and live in a so-called same-sex marriage situation. To permit such would be to make light of the very serious and sacred foundation of God-sanctioned marriage and its very purpose, the rearing of families” (See link here.)

Will the Position Of The Church Change On This Matter?

'On the question of same-sex marriage, the Church has been consistent in its support of traditional marriage while teaching that all people should be treated with kindness and understanding. If it is being suggested that the Church’s doctrine on this matter is changing, that is incorrect.

'Marriage between a man and a woman is central to God’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children. As such, traditional marriage is a foundational doctrine and cannot change.' (See link here.)

'..some news reports have given the impression that the Church has changed its stance on same-sex attraction. We caution (all) to remember that the Church’s position on the issue of same-sex attraction has not changed. The Church’s doctrinal position is clear and unchanging: Sexual activity should occur only between a man and a woman who are married. The Church teaches that same-sex attraction is not a sin, but acting on it is.'  (See link here.)

'Because the issue of same-sex marriage strikes at the very heart of the family and has the potential for great impact upon the welfare of children, the Church unequivocally affirms that marriage should remain the lawful union of a man and a woman.' (See link here.)

Civility And Kindness

'The gospel of Jesus Christ teaches us to love and treat all people with kindness and civility—even when we disagree.'  (See link here.)

'As Church members strive to protect marriage between a man and a woman, they should show respect, civility, and kindness toward others who have different points of view.

'The Church has advocated for legal protection for same-sex couples regarding “hospitalization and medical care, fair housing and employment rights, or probate rights, so long as these do not infringe on the integrity of the traditional family or the constitutional rights of churches.” In Salt Lake City, for example, the Church supported ordinances to protect gay residents from discrimination in housing and employment.

'The Church’s affirmation of marriage as being between a man and a woman “neither constitutes nor condones any kind of hostility toward gays and lesbians.” Church members are to treat all people with love and humanity. They may express genuine love and kindness toward a gay or lesbian family member, friend, or other person without condoning any redefinition of marriage.'  (See link here.)

'Consistent with our fundamental beliefs, ..the Church does not permit its meetinghouses or other properties to be used for ceremonies, receptions, or other activities associated with same-sex marriages. Nevertheless, all visitors are welcome to our chapels and premises so long as they respect our standards of conduct while there.' (See link here.)

Additional Resources

Homage to the Home: Why Society Needs Strong Families

Church Instructs Leaders on Same-Sex Marriage
What is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' attitude regarding homosexuality and same sex marriage?

Same-Sex Marriage

The Divine Institution Of Marriage

By Sandy Munro

'The Price That I Paid To See This View'

It's our testimony, as members of the Church, that God loves us.

Elder Orson F. Whitney taught that: “No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted.  It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude, and humility. … It is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire.” 

I think you'll love this beautiful musical video, in which Hilary Weeks sings of taking 'the rain with the sunshine'..

The two sisters featured in the video are Stephanie Nielson and Mariama Kallon.  (Click on their names to read their stories.)  Stephanie was badly burned in a terrible accident, and Mariama lost her family in the tragic war in Sierra Leone.  Both have found the strength to be happy again.

The Monument

God, before he sent his children into the world, 

Gave each of them a carefully selected package of problems.

"These, He promised smiling, are yours alone.

"Only you have the special talents and abilities that will make these problems your servants, 

And no one else may have the blessing these problems will bring you.

"So, go down to your birth, and to your forgetting.

"Know that I love you beyond measure.

"The problems I give you are a token of my love.

"The monument you make of your life, with the help of your problems, 

Will be a token of your love for me."

Your Father

- Blaine M. Yorgason

By Sandy Munro

New Letter From The First Presidency. Also: Sheri Dew Responds To Question On Women And The Priesthood

You may be aware that the topic of women and the priesthood has been in the news again recently. On June 28th. 2014, the Office of the First Presidency issued a open letter that addresses priesthood, member questions, and apostasy.  This letter from the First Presidency is copied in full below.

You might like to also take a few moments to listen to the answer given by Sister Sheri Dew to the reporter who asked her: "How does it feel to be an oppressed Mormon woman?"   (recommended)

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Office of the First Presidency

47 East South Temple Street, Salt Lake City, Utah 84150

June 28, 2014

In God's plan for the happiness and eternal progression of His children, the blessings of His priesthood are equally available to men and women. Only men are ordained to serve in priesthood offices. All service in the Church has equal merit in the eyes of God. We express profound gratitude for the millions of Latter-day Saint women and men who willingly and effectively serve God and His children. Because of their faith and service, they have discovered that the Church is a place of spiritual nourishment and growth.

We understand that from time to time Church members will have questions about Church doctrine, history, or practice. Members are always free to ask such questions and earnestly seek greater understanding. We feel special concern, however, for members who distance themselves from Church doctrine or practice and, by advocacy, encourage others to follow them.

Simply asking questions has never constituted apostasy. Apostasy is repeatedly acting in clear, open, and deliberate public opposition to the Church or its faithful leaders, or persisting, after receiving counsel, in teaching false doctrine.

The Council of
The First Presidency and
Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

By Sandy Munro

Exciting Family Search Announcement and Indexing Challenge!

(You can read more about why Genealogy is important to Mormons by clicking here.) 

Family Search Announcement

It was recently announced that Latter-day Saint users of FamilySearch.org (the not-for-profit Church-owned, largest genealogical organisation in the world), can now receive personal access to three other major genealogy sites, at no cost!  These sites are Ancestry.com, findmypast, and MyHeritage.

If you would like to join one, or all three of these sites, just click here, then follow the prompts.



Indexing Challenge!

In March, 2012, Church Magazines broadcast 'A Call for Indexers Worldwide'.  Now, FamilySearch.org is hosting a Facebook page called 'Worldwide Indexing Event', which is calling as many people as possible to join in Indexing at least one batch of names next Monday, July the 21st.
Can you help??

Their goal is to have at least 50,000 indexers take part - and they are hoping for many new volunteers! If you would like to know more, click here and follow the prompts.  All you will need is access to a computer, smart phone or iPad.  The work will take about 30-60 minutes to complete in the 24 hour period, and is simple enough that even children do it.  If you are interested, you might like to sign up now and learn what you need to do, in order to be ready in time for next Monday.

(Thank you to Rachel Garcia for sharing the Indexing challenge information.) 

By Sandy Munro