Since the welfare program was introduced in 1936, members of the Church have labored together to relieve the suffering of those who stand in need. Economic downturns, natural disasters, unemployment, sickness and disability, or times of loss have all required that the Saints work together under the direction of the priesthood to ensure that needs are met and that individuals and families are blessed. Over the years millions of members have willingly given of their time and talents to bless others and replace, as President Monson says, "the weakness of one person standing alone [with] the strength of many serving together."3
When President Heber J. Grant spoke of the welfare system in 1936, he envisioned that "no new Church machinery" would be required but that "stake and ward organizations, the priesthood quorums, the Relief Society, and the various auxiliary organizations [would] render the maximum service [they] could furnish in the interest of the general welfare of the Church."4 The Lord had already established the organization needed to bless the poor and needy—priesthood quorums were in place, Relief Societies were organized, and the priesthood of God was on the earth.
The members of the Church, with their consecrated labor, their talents and abilities, become an integral part of the Lord's storehouse. In addition to the fast offerings that are paid to the fast-offering fund of the Church, priesthood leaders can draw on the time, talents, abilities, and energies of all the members in blessing those who stand in need.
By accepting the opportunity to assist others in their hour of need, we demonstrate our love for God and His children. This is welfare in its purest light, and its faithful practice will exalt both the giver and the receiver, as envisioned by prophets in our day.
"If every member of this church observed the fast and contributed generously, the poor and the needy—not only of the Church, but many others as well—would be blessed and provided for."
President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008), "Rise to a Larger Vision of the Work," Ensign, May 1990, 97.
Fast offerings, like those being collected by these deacons, are vital to helping the needy.
Symbolic of the added power that comes when we unite to serve others, priesthood brethren in Louisiana, USA, help remove a fallen tree after Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005.
Projects like peach production provide a variety of nutritious foods that both sustain and brighten the lives of those who would otherwise suffer hunger.
As part of the ongoing effort to meet people's most basic needs, young women in Hong Kong assemble soap and other hygiene items for victims of disaster.
Projects to serve others strengthen the bonds between us and help us develop Christlike attributes. Here, young Latter-day Saints in Mexico, involved in neighborhood improvement, wash a home.
From left: photographs by Jed Clark, Howard Collett, Norman Burningham, and Craig Dimond
Spencer W. Kimball, in Conference Report, Apr. 1974, 184.
Thomas S. Monson, "Be Thou an Example," Ensign, Nov. 1996, 44.
Thomas S. Monson, in "Messages of Inspiration from President Monson," Church News, Feb. 6, 2010, 2.
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.
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