The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (sometimes mistakenly called the “Mormon Church” by friends of other faiths) is politically neutral; members can choose which political stance they feel is best. While political liberal Harry Reid is prominent in Washington, conservative Mormon Mitt Romney is in the presidential race. During each Presidential election there is a Republican National Convention—but this year it was cut short because of Tropical Storm Isaac knocking at their doors. So what did the Utah delegation do during this time? They did what is typical of their state’s Mormon majority—they served! During this political gathering, they focused on the needs at hand and assembled 1,000 hygiene kits to be distributed by LDS Church (see Deseret News). Was this something done to get attention by the media? No way. Just your typical Mormon way of doing things.
Mormons believe that as human beings, we should be our “brothers’ keepers” (Genesis 4:9). Which is why there are so many Mormons gathering in efforts to serve others. How do we do it? Here is an example of an e-mail sent to a local Relief Society (the women’s organization in the LDS Church):
Dear Sisters:
Our stake has received an urgent call from the cannery pleading for help. There is a bumper crop of peaches this year & they are earlier than normal causing them to ripen all at once.
Our ward has been assigned to provide at least 7 willing Brothers & Sisters to work a shift at the cannery from 7:00 am – 10:30 am on Wednesday, Sept. 5th.
Without a doubt, 7:00 AM on a school day is difficult (if not impossible) for many sisters with school age children & those who work. But if you’re willing & able to help with this assignment . . . please contact Tami Makin (email: [email protected] phone: 801-785-6626) or you may contact any other member of the RS presidency.
*Cannery Service “Perk“: Serving in the cannery makes it possible for you to purchase some items (from the cannery) for your food storage.
The work you do in the cannery
Is the same as the work you do in the temple.
The only difference is, in the temple
You do work for the dead
And in the cannery you do work for the living.
At the temple you make your covenants
And at the cannery you keep them.
(*A partial quote from the Cannery)
Passing it on . . . In a recent email from [our leader], Brother Richard Eubank wrote:
Did you know that if you rearrange the letters of OUR STAKE PEACH CANNING you get A KEEN, SHARP ACCOUNTING? We are accountable for our actions and stewardship and we are entitled to all the blessings that willing service brings. May you be heaped upon.
And that is how it is done.
Not only do Mormons gather in their local organizations to do service, but they gather in large groups as well. For instance: each year there is a two-day long event called Women’s Conference, held at BYU. This is where women can come and participate in being uplifted by wonderful talks that are pertinent to their specific needs. What is unique about this though? On the first night of Women’s Conference, every year, there is a large service project. This last year they completed the following during this big “project”:
178 Courage Capes
204 Bandana Totes
293 Felt Backpacks
300 Keepsake Envelopes
300 Bilingual Activity Kits
340 Pairs of Crocheted mittens
375 Happy Pillows
375 Infant Fleece Blankets
420 Burp Cloths
448 Activity Kits (puppets & kits)
700 Fleece Scarves
500 Beanie Bunnies
516 Loomed Hats
590 Fairy Wands
575 Crocheted Scarves
233 Christmas Stockings
862 Fleece Blankets
100 Quilts
2,292 Pocket Hearts
34,757 Backpacks with Back to School Supplies
Next year there is only more to come.
President Thomas S. Monson (prophet of the LDS Church) has said:
The Savior taught His disciples, ‘For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.’
I believe the Savior is telling us that unless we lose ourselves in service to others, there is little purpose to our own lives. Those who live only for themselves eventually shrivel up and figuratively lose their lives, while those who lose themselves in service to others grow and flourish—and in effect save their lives. (“What Have I Done for Someone Today?” Ensign, Nov. 2009)
Let us all try to be a little more like the Savior Jesus Christ and serve someone else, each and every day—even if it is just through a smile or an encouraging word. I invite you to learn more about the Mormons by meeting with Mormon missionaries and reading the Book of Mormon. I have a testimony that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is Christ’s Church. I love it, and I live it. I will forever be grateful for my Savior who gave the ultimate act of service by suffering during His Atonement and hope that I can try to be more like Him as I serve others.
This article was written by Ashley Bell, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Ashley Bell is a 22-year old wife, mother, BYU graduate, and member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Ashley loves to run, cook, garden, read, and most of all spend time with family and friends.
