LDS Mormon Helping Hands Mormon Service
81The Mormon Church and the media.
As of late the media has had a field day when it comes to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, more familiarly known as the Mormons. Some have even dubbed it the “Mormon Moment”. Perhaps it is the result of the upcoming presidential campaign wherein one of the candidates, Mitt Romney, is indeed Mormon. Being in the spotlight isn’t always easy. The sudden popularity also brings many naysayers’ into the arena too.
In an attempt to add some balance to the “bias” in the media, I personally decided to post another view, or side of things, that the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, or Mormons, have been doing around the world. This other view might not be the one that always makes the "headlines". My intention is not to be a bragger or boaster about service rendered, but it is simply offered to inform the world of some of the wonderful Christian service that is offered by this group. Besides that, I frankly find all the negativity we see on the evening news a little depressing, it's good to hear about people doing good in the world, don't you think? I hope you continue to read in the spirit this article was written.
Mormons helping children.
Mormons provide needed school supplies.
In Jacksonville,
Arkansas more than 7,000 children
received school supply kits containing items they might need to help them at
school. Two individuals, Ken Witt and
Karen Witt coordinated the project, gathering and distributing these kits with
the help of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. These kits were completely donated, with no
cost to the student or the school district.
Ken Witt, a retired printer for a Utah
school district, understood the fact that by the end of the year many school
budgets are completely exhausted without meeting the needs of the students regarding
the required supplies. With his wife, he
conducted an in-depth survey of the elementary schools’ needs and, with
approval from the administrators of the schools and the Church, organized the
project to provide these supply kits and distribute them to the children of the
school.
A big thank you goes to Ken and Karen Witt, who with the help of many other members of the Mormon Church, accomplished this great act of kindness.
Look for places to serve in California to be involved with the Mormon Helping Hands project.
- Mormon Helping Hands - California
Mormon Helping Hands is a program directed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to provide community service and disaster relief to those in need. - 2012 Mormon Helping Hands Date Set
Committed to the interests of Latter-day Saints in southern California
Mormon Helping Hands Service in Ishinomaki, Japan
A Mormon Helping Hands crew worked in Ishinomaki, Japan, in March 2012 to shovel mud out of an elderly couple's home. The woman featured in the story is the couple's daughter. She tells the story of her brother, who died after the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan in March 2011.
Mormons Making Memories
Mormons help with fishing fun.
In Fort Myers, Florida an event was sponsored by the local members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the Mormons, called “Reel Fun with Real Friends”. The event was a day of “catch and release” fishing absolutely free of charge for special needs children or adults, and their families. All fishing equipment was supplied and refreshments were served by volunteers of the LDS Church. All the participants also received a free T- Shirt and photo to remember the wonderful time they had simply fishing!
A Day of Service in Miami, Florida
Mormons providing service for others.
Mormons elsewhere in Florida lend helping hands.
At a Christian based long-term shelter for home-less people called Resurrection Ranch, the members of the LDS Church donated time and services clearing land and painting dormitories which house homeless women and children. Resurrection Ranch is a place for people who are recovering from addictions or are homeless for a variety of other reasons. It is a safe place to regain hope while developing skills so that the person can rejoin society. The main goal for the Ranch is to reunify families, and it is entirely funded by donations.
Mormons Teaching Farming Techniques
LDS Church Helping to Teach About Clean Water
Mormons helping in Central and South America.
The LDS Church created a program call the Benson Agriculture and Food Institute. This program helps families in underprivileged areas become nutritionally self-sufficient by teaching them ways to improve their food production. Based primarily in Central and South America, where many rural and impoverished families struggle to provide for their needs, food production, nutrition, and health issues are taught to benefit the quality of life for these individuals.
"Nutritional
self-sufficiency can be achieved with as few as three successful crop
cycles," said Allen Christensen, director of the Benson Institute.
"But families require some help to get started. Without training and
assistance, it's nearly impossible to get to the first rung on the developmental
ladder. It's simply out of reach. Once their feet are planted firmly on the
first rung, economic progress is rapid."
"The Benson Institute bridges the gap with training, improved seed, fertilizer and improved methods of crop production and rotation," said Brother Christensen. "Families are given a start of small animals for protein production. Once they've had three successful crop cycles, they can grow sufficient food for themselves. Surplus commodities can be sold at the marketplace, which provides funds for the purchase of fertilizer and other farming necessities, and they can begin their food storage program. Most important, their overall health is improved."
LDS Church helps provide needed water.
Mormons and Mutombo
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo is located the Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital and Research Center. The LDS Church has formed a partnership with the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation to help provide additional water sources for the hospital.
The not-for-profit hospital, which opened in 2007, is the vision of Dikembe Mutombo, a retired basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association. The facility currently has 150 beds with a planned capacity of 300.
“The hospital was built to help the people of my hometown live healthy and productive lives,” said Mutombo, who discussed the project at a 23 March dinner meeting with Church leaders in Salt Lake City. “This well project will supplement the water we currently have on site and will provide a critically needed supply of precious pure water in case of malfunction or shortages in the public water system.”
“We became involved with this project because the hospital seems to be doing all they can to provide quality medical care but still find themselves needing additional resources,” said Matthew Heaps, who oversees clean water projects for the Church. “We help them to help themselves by supplementing the hospital’s existing water source with an additional well for consistent and reliable water.”
Familiar Mormon Yellow Vests
Mormons organized and helping in Southern California.
On April 25, 2009 approximately 20,000 LDS Church members participated in service projects throughout Southern California. The theme for the day of service was “Community Service, making our communities a better place.” Some of the projects included repairing schools, renovating community parts, cleaning up beaches, volunteering at a cancer fund raiser, and generally beautifying the community.
Kevin Hamilton of the Southern California Public Affairs Council for the LDS Church explained, “As we've approached community and government officials, they've been very, very cooperative. They're quite happy to see us get involved and very willing to provide projects for us. Especially with the current economy, we guessed correctly that local governments and municipalities would be cash-strapped and that they would be very happy for outsiders to come in and do things that would make the community more attractive, more livable without having to spend municipal budgets for it."
"It was a phenomenal success and very, very well received by local leaders," said Elder John C. Dalton, an Area Seventy. "We're known for service, and especially at this time and day when there is some challenging news about the Church, this gave us an opportunity to show the world Latter-day Saints in a little different light. We were pleased to do it."
Mormons helping in Southern California
- Hundreds Volunteer to Spruce Up Area
The Boys & Girls Club on Pujol Street in Temecula got a fresh coat of paint, new ceiling lights and its air conditioner repaired Saturday. - http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/may/06/mormons-to-lend-helping-hands-to-clean-up-parks/?utm_
More than 50,000 members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, decked out in distinctive yellow vests, will fan out across the state Saturday to spruce up city, county and state parks. - 40K participate in first Mormon service project day | service, center, volunteers, church, aliso - N
The mobilization is part of the first "Mormon Helping Hands" day of service, an organized event that summoned some 40,000 volunteers to carry out service projects throughout all of Southern California, including 11 O.C. cities. - A day of service for LDS members | service, church, viejo, volunteers, members - News - OCRegister.c
On Saturday, thousands of volunteers from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across Orange County will participate in the annual "Mormon Helping Hands"planned for all of Southern California. - The Adobe Press
Over 250 volunteers from the LDS Churchs wards and branches in Pismo Beach, Arroyo Grande, Nipomo and Santa Maria will converge on Nipomo (Community) Park,
Mormon Helping Hands Fiji Book Drive
Thanks to generous donations from New Zealanders across the lower North Island, children in rural Fiji will soon be receiving a lot more books — nearly 45,000.
The books were collected for Fiji’s children during a month-long community book drive called Books for Fiji, organized by Mormon Helping Hands ofThe Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
More Mormon Helping Hands
Mormons are prepared to help out in emergency situations.
When a crisis of any type is felt in any area of the world the LDS Church has one of the best emergency response times of any organization. Whether it is floods, earthquakes, tornados, hurricanes or other disasters, the Mormons respond with supplies and volunteers to help provide immediate aid. Because of the continual gathering of donations from church members of food, clothing, medical supplies and relief items, pre-positioned in key locations, they are prepared to act quickly in an organized response to any situation.
In addition to providing materials, the LDS Church also helps with funds and volunteers. Volunteers often make the most difference in restoring hope in the lives of those in crisis. A recent example is the more than 10,000 days of labor donated by Church members to assist victims of Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana and surrounding states.
From 1985 to 2008, the LDS Church has shipped 61,308 tons of food and 132,028 tons of other supplies to more than 150 countries. In 2008, the LDS Church provided assistance in response to the Sichuan, China earthquake, the famine in Ethiopia, the Myanmar cyclone, the hurricanes in Cuba, Haiti and the United States, and 118 other disasters
Mormons and Wheelchairs
The members of the Mormon Church participate in humanitarian efforts in all areas of the world.
The Mormons are actively involved in the Wheelchair Initiative partnering with the Wheelchair foundation and other organizations serving the disabled.
“As many as 100 million people worldwide may need a wheelchair and don’t have access to one. Only 1 in 100 can afford to purchase a wheelchair. To be mobile, people with disabilities often rely on family and friends to carry them from place to place. It can be extremely difficult just to leave home. Going to school or getting a job may be impossible dreams.”
In 2008, the LDS Church distributed more than 50,000 wheelchairs in 46 countries, including Armenia, Argentina, Belarus, Bolivia, Botswana, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, China, Croatia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Dominican Republic, Georgia, Ghana, Guatemala, Guyana, India, Iraq, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Malaysia, Mexico, Micronesia, Mongolia, Nepal, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Romania, Russia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Turkey, United States, Uruguay, and Vietnam.
A Growing List of Mormon Service
- Escondido Mormon Helping Hands - YouTube
2011 Kit Carson Park Mormon Helping Hands Service Project in Escondido, California. Visit from Elder Lynn G. Robbins of the Seventy. - Hospital Ship Staffed by Hundreds of Volunteer Medical Professionals Provides Comfort in Seven Cou
Volunteers from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are working alongside the United States Navy and other relief organizations as part of a humanitarian and medical training mission that is blessing the lives of thousands - Mormon Helping Hands (Preview) - YouTube
Join with family, neighbors, and the community of Visalia for the annual Mormon Helping Hands day of service on Saturday, April 28.
Mormons fighting measles.
Mormons and Measles
The LDS Church partners with the Red Cross and provides much needed volunteers and resources to help prevent the spread and death of many from the dreaded disease Measles. The Measles Initiative was one organization instituted to provide vaccinations for individuals worldwide.
In 2003, the LDS Church joined the Measles Initiative and has committed one million dollars each year in support of the campaign. The LDS Church has also participated in the social mobilization effort that is significant to the success of each campaign. A catchy musical jingle, composed by a young LDS Church member during the LDS Church’s participation in the Madagascar measles campaign, has been translated and sung in 28 languages on dozens of radio stations in subsequent campaigns.
From 2004 to 2008, 59,596 LDS Church members in 32 countries volunteered their efforts in canvassing neighborhoods and helping at vaccination posts
In 2008, the LDS Church participated in measles vaccination campaigns in Benin, El Salvador, Egypt, Honduras, Ivory Cost, Malawi, Mozambique, Papua New Guinea, and Tanzania.
More Mormons Doing More Good
- Makeover for centre (From St Helens Star)
THE biggest youth club in town is getting a makeover this month courtesy of members of the Church of the Latter Day Saints from across Merseyside. - Youth group puts faith into action - Redlands Daily Facts
Sporting neon green "Extreme Makeover" shirts, 125 teenagers from the Redlands Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recently spent a weekend doing service as part of their annual Youth Conference. - Church Helps With School Move
Some 500 volunteers from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints came out to help the North Clackamas School District move furniture, supplies, books and library materials as it prepares to open three new schools. - LDS Church News - Church aids in disasters in Brazil, Southern California
The Church is responding to floods in Brazil and fires in Southern California this week. All missionaries in those areas are safe and no Church buildings had been harmed as of May 11. - Mormon Youth Provide Service
Mormon youths from the Garden Grove area chose the Multiple Sclerosis Societies' Walk MS on Saturday as their contribution to serving their community as part of a larger LDS county-wide campaign to provide community service. - Providing the Lord's Way, Christian Service
Isnt the plan beautiful? When viewed in this light, we can see that welfare is not a program, but the essence of the gospel. It is the gospel in action. It is the crowning principle of a Christian Life. - Service - The Action Form of Love
Take the Daily Challenge! Find someone to serve - and then serve them. You can make a difference, and I can help.
More Hubs by In The Doghouse
- The Gift of Charity The Pure Love of Christ
Have you ever been the recipient of some random act of kindness? Have you ever stopped and rendered help or service to someone you didn't even know? When you are in the service of you fellow being you are in the service of your God. - 4 years ago
- Providing the Lord's Way, Christian Service
Poverty is real. It is seen throughout the world in many different ways. Poverty can be seen most visually in terms of material goods. We can readily see those who lack food, raiment, and shelter by the outward appearance of the individual. But poverty goes much deeper than the outward signs. - 3 years ago
- Spousal Abuse Book Not Another Sarah by Sarah E. Southerland
Not just another story about spousal abuse, the book "Not Another Sarah", by Sarah E. Southerland is an eye opening account of the first hand experiences of a survivor of serious spousal abuse. A book that everyone must read. - 4 years ago
- LDS Mormon Helping Hands Mormon Service
As of late, the media has had a field day when it comes to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, more familiarly known as the Mormons. Are the Mormons really the monsters the news makes them out to be? - 3 years ago
- HELP International
Have you done any good in the world today? Have you helped anyone in need? A group of individuals who can actually answer these questions wholeheartedly is called HELP International. - 19 months ago
- Kaziah May Hancock, Kaziah the Goat Woman
One might ask, who on earth is Kaziah May Hancock, otherwise known as Kaziah the goat woman? Find out just what an incredible person this woman really is. - 2 years ago
- The Wheelchair Foundation, Changing the World One Wheelchair at a Time
One man has made a difference in crossing the barriers of race, religion, and political diversity. Kenneth Behring and the Wheelchair Foundation is helping individuals become mobile and giving them hope. - 3 years ago
- Fighting Measles With The Measles Initiative
"Don't count your children until the measles has passed", was a common saying among the Nigerian village Imesi-Ile, in Africa. Find out how the Measles Initiative has made a difference for people everywhere. - 3 years ago
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Hi Laughing Mom,
I believe it is time for all Christians to stand together and look for the good in each other. It is frustrating to be seen in such a biased light. Thanks for you comments and encouragement!
Thanks for a very informative Hub, about the "good" that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day-Saints does throughout the world. Certainly these could not be the works, of those who "hate". Those who have ears to hear and eyes to see - will ultimately come to know for themselves, what LOVE IS:-)
tDMg
LdsNana-AskMormon
Thanks for this nice hub.
I send greeting from the state of Iowa, known now for the Gay marriages.
When good is made to look bad, and evil is made to look good. That is what the media and others are doing these days. We need to stand up and make sure they do not trod over us.
Keep on Hubbing and Praying!
Dear Diana, that is a very comprehensive and well composed hub about activities of your Church. We could see/read about many very positive deeds all over the world, yet all these are only the tip of an iceberg of all the good done by your Church. Family and moral values, strong community spirit, help to people around us no matter who they are... I respect your great work very much! Thank you!
This is a very important article - hate is not a foundation of any religion, and it is distressing to see it directed in any way towards any religious group.
It is also wonderful to see all the good that members of the LDS church are doing in their communities and around the world. Thank you for working to open some more eyes.
Every act of kindness is lauded, but every wrong interpretation should be changed by the culprit himself. According to Revelations 2, all churches are flawed and they each must admit their mistake and change before accepted by God. God is forgiving and merciful and as the dying thief was forgiven, so can we be when we admit our wrongs.
I think it's noble that this page is here. However, I really think the true testiment to what Mormons do is reflected in how each of us lives our lives. We do take on the name of our savior Jesus Christ when we get baptized. As a result of this what we do and how we act is a direct reflection on the Mormon faith. Yes, there are always people of every faith who choose to behave badly. That's human nature. When we live our lives in a way that reflects goodness, those people around us see that and when the media or whoever has negative things to say about the Mormon religion as a whole, I have found that my friends and people who know myself or other members are the first ones to defend our religion even though they are not Mormon themselves. Our time is best served by living a Christ centered life and being His servants of goodness. This alone will defend our religion to its fullest. We don't have to boast of all the good that we do. We just need to do it with a happy heart and a willing attitude. :-)
Dear eiron,
HUH??
Kathryn,
I couldn't agree with your statements more. There are many people who have known of the goodness first hand, but for those who are unfamiliar with the works that are done for good, this sampling might be a good resource.
Eovery,
Thanks for your added support. Wickeness never was happiness, and evil will never be good, never. This sampling of some of the goodness that is done by those of the LDS Church is simply an attempt to show some good done in the world.
Good stuff, true religion is charity!
Ervin,
Thank you for your kind comments and the many additional "good" works you pointed out about those who belong to the LDS Church. It means a great deal to me especially because you are not of my faith, yet we can find common ground with simple goodness. This mutual respect we have for each other is what will make the world a better place. xxoo
Steph,
My friend, as always you are kind and generous with your praise. So many wonderful things are being done by so many people throughout the world, I believe it is time to recognize the good that they do. These examples of what the members of the LDS Church are doing are simply that, just examples. There are many more things that could be mentioned that are being done everywhere. As Kathryn says, it is time "to do more good" everywhere!
einron,
Perhaps I am misinterpreting your comments, but I believe that you are making a statement that we differ in our beliefs on doctrine. If that is the point you are trying to make then yes, I concur. But with our differences also come facets that are the same. I believe that the doctrine of "charity as the pure love of Christ" can be a common ground that we share. My purpose in writing this Hub was to focus on that common ground as Christians.
Continue serving God and the people of God too.
I believe that as long as Mormons or any group of people are helping other people....it is the business of God. The media needs to focus on the greater good of what an organization is doing to help those in need. If a church is doing something wrong....it is still the business of God....only. Thanks...good hub!
Stephanie Payne,
I believe you are correct in stating that the true acts of goodness are reflected in each person by the way they live their lives. Unfortunately the media does a wonderful job by dulling the vision for some. My purpose, to shed some light on these acts of kindness could possibly be seen as boastful, of this I beg forgiveness. On the other hand, the goodness that I have "shouted from the roof tops" may also been seen as glad tidings of positive influences on the world to counterbalance the blaring sound of the media that is so forcefully thrust upon us as well.
Again, I totally agree that the best voice that can be heard for good is the individual who serves with a happy heart and a willing attitude. I only hope this might be another voice too.
Onusonus,
Yes, true religion is Charity.
Ladyvenus,
May we all continuing in acts of Charity.
I think that religious radicals look down on everyone and every religion that differs from theirs. Therefore, to say that all the Mormons are the same is like judging a book by its cover. As long as religions are good and about God, then let’s not stand in judgment. After all, that job is already filled!
Tom,
IMHO The world certainly would be a much better place if the media gave equal coverage to the good that is being done to that of the garbage that happens all over. Thanks for adding you comments.
I am sure that Mormons, or as we call them here in Spain, Los Mormones are basically good people, but you don't have to be Mormon to be good. My wife's cousins are Mormons and they are nice, but they are also pushing their views on me and I do not like it. I read your books and I just find them to be another case of people using the bible and dreams of people long dead to prove their point.
I think most intelligent people will see through the lies. Mormons are nice people, and anyone who says differently is just expressing their own negative opinions. With that being said I may not agree with all doctrines and believes of the Mormon church, but I feel the people of this church should be respected.
I truly have never figured out why the Mormons receive all the negative press they get. Though I am not one myself, many people I know are. As a whole they all would do anything for anyone at any time. Even if the recipient is not a Mormon as well.
True there are some bad seeds in this religion, but find me one that does not have this. Even the Catholic church with all their young boy and priest issues do not take the heat the Mormons do.
Nancys Niche,
I believe that final judgement is God's alone, but we are taught that "by your fruits ye shall know" and that is the process of discernment. I hope that some exposure to the good things that are being done by people in the world, specifically the Mormon's in this Hub, will help people to see the "good fruit" and know they are Christians.
Thanks for adding to his Hub with your comments.
Hi Ivan,
Love the Boris avatar! lol I can certainly appreciate your experience with los Mormones, in their zest to share what they have they may at times be perceived as "pushy". I also concur that there are many good people in the world doing good works all over the place, it is simply too bad that more attention is not given to those works. I believe that differing points of doctrine will always exist between different religious groups as a whole, but we still must focus on the common ground we share, our Christian desires.
Well, Godhouse, I can truly say I never met a Mormon, or LDS as I remember the name, being a bad person. I have to agrtee that something positive must be in the air. Enjoyed your hub, and hope that your group continues to receive good press for the good things they do. Sorry for the people who don't like you, but I respect the religious beliefs even though I don't share them.
Gee thanks Ivan, you don't seem so Terrible to me! ;)
Hi Sweetie Pie,
Mutual respect is something that should be had by all. You are right that many will have differing opinions on many subjects, but it is imperative that all opinions be treated with kindness and respect.
Hi Camping Dan,
The continual bad press baffles me as well! As a member of the LDS Church I have directly seen many individuals trying to live a Christian lifestyle and providing service to those who need help, regardless of membership of not. It is nice to have one, such as yourself, who is not a member acknowledge some of the goodness that proceeds forth.
There are most certainly "bad seeds" in all avenues of life, but why must we focus on those. It seems so much more productive to focus on the good, wouldn't you agree?
Comprehensive coverage of the topic as always. I applaud your thoroughness.
I think that it's so sad that people don't recognize the good parts of any helpful, loving organization or religion. What a shame that so much energy is used for harsh judgements.
Willis,
Thank you for your gracious praise of this Hub. I was simply trying to get a sampling of all the good works done by members of the LDS Church.
Hi Shirley,
Thanks for adding your wisdom and support to this Hub. Indeed, too much energy is wasted on harsh judgements!
Thanks so much, Doghouse, for a great overview of the good Christian works Mormans are doing around the world. I followed your link to that very interesting article in the Morman Times and I don't blame you for feeling attacked.
If those two Bush Administration lawyers had been Catholics, or Baptists their religion would not have been mentioned and to tie the actions of individuals to a whole denomination seems definitely biased indeed. Hooray for you for setting the record straight.
That's all well and good. However, you're still avoiding the issue that causes the original skepticism about the LDS church. Namely, you have to admit that EVERY MALE MEMBER OVER THE AGE OF 13 is planning to BECOME A GOD, create his own planet out of pre-existing "spirit matter", populate it with billions of spirit children birthed by him and his multiple polygamous goddess wives, and RULE OVER IT AS GOD.
You baptize for the dead by proxy, claim that our God is nothing but an immortal man, say that Jesus and Satan are brothers, and as most cults, claim adamantly that Mormonism is the only way to heaven.
These practices are 180 degrees in conflict with the Bible, and are in no way Christian in nature. Claiming ourselves to be "Christians" only adds hypocrisy to the accusations.
Mormons and everyone else are free to worship and believe any way they want. When the LDS church decides to be open and truthful up front about what they believe and who they worship, THEN respect can be earned.
Hi Robie,
Thank you for following that link, I knew you would investigate the reasoning behind such a Hub. Biased media reporting is something that just rubs me the wrong way. Thanks for your educated comments.
Broadcastdeejay,
Well, I guess we didn’t hide it very well then, you seem to know all about it.
For those who would like to know more about the Doctrines that are the core beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints I have included the 13 Articles of Faith which define it very succinctly. Also, you may go to LDS.org and learn anything you would care to learn from the resources there. Although I was not writing a Hub to debate doctrine, but one in which I desired to allow some of the Christian service that many of the good people of the Church do voluntarily have some media time, I will reply to your comment with these beliefs.
1 We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
2 We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.
3 We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
4 We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
5 We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
6 We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.
7 We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
8 We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.
9 We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
10 We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.
11 We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.
12 We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
13 We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.
I believe that the LDS Church has no desire to hide any of their beliefs, perhaps you might reconsider what your criteria for respect actually is then.
Well stated Girl, I think that in light of the current world view, having the national media on the other side is a good sign that you are doing the right thing- any more all the media wants to do is bad mouth those that really care about the people of this country.
clhunting,
Thank you. My views on the media seem to be in line with yours. Perhaps we just need to pay more attention to the good in the world and shout it from the mountain tops!
good hub.you present a nice picture of the good works that today's Mormons are doing.i must add however that Christianity is now considered a mature or adult religion.we see the open forum of its early years closing quickly under the hands of its elders.if this trend is aloud to continue the church will decline at some point and become part of history as many others have done for the same reason.restriction results in descent...peace...
cheaptrick,
Thank you for your praise of the good works that are being accomplished by the members of the LDS Church. I do not share in your opinions on the decline of the Church because of restrictions. I believe that law creates freedom and order. As the world grows more chaotic, freedom and order will be very desirable. I believe instead of a decline in Christianity a steady increase in numbers will be seen. Peace to you as well.
Its nice that they are doing good works BUT good works does not make them Christian. And saying you are Christian does not make you one either.
Unfortunately most mormons do not know the inner workings of their church.
And most people that call themselves Christians do not know their bibles. Paul many times warned about the false religions and and false teachers and specifically in 2Corinthians 11:4 those that would bring another gospel of Jesus than the one he Paul brought . The mormons blatantly proclaim their book of mormon as "an other gospel of jesus christ". Did Paul not warn us?
Yes the namby pamby church system is accepting everyone these days but the scriptures tell us we are to stay away from those that bring false gospels.
and he did warn us that many would accept these false teachers. Its nice to be nice but we are called to expose those things that profess to be of God and are not, not to join them. We need to tell the poor folks that have been deceived into this cult THE TRUTH. Not accept their false religion.
Want to learn truth about this cult the read about it from people that have found out what it really stands for and left. A very good book is "The godmakers" by Dave Hunt.
Celafoe,
I am sorry that you feel that I am not a Christian because I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, although the name of my church in and of itself should speak volumes on that issue. You and I do agree on one thing however and that is your statement that “good works does not make you a Christian.” My point in publishing this aspect of my religious worship was to simply show some of the “Christian Service” that is being done by my fellow saints in an attempt to add balance to the incorrect and false assumptions that are being circulated by those who know nothing about “Mormons” at all.
Your generalization regarding the fact that “most Mormons” do not know the inner workings of their church is simply a statement of your opinion, although you boldly state it as fact. You also make a very judgmental claim as well in your statement that “most people” who call themselves Christian do not know their Bibles. This is also a statement of opinion boldly stated as fact. The teachings of the Apostle Paul, to the people of Corinth, which you referenced, were in fact a warning about those who would claim another Jesus other than the one who is the Savior of the world. I believe that there is only one Christ. He is my Savior and Redeemer. Both of these acts of love are given to me because of His grace, this much I know by study and also by faith. You are the one claiming there is another Jesus by the insinuations you make that I, being LDS, certainly could not believe in the same Christ you do.
Falsely once again you state that the “Mormons” claim the Book of Mormon as “an other gospel of Jesus Christ”. The Book of Mormon is simply another testimony of the ONE Jesus Christ and the same Gospel or “Good News” of His birth, life, Atonement, and Resurrection. This additional testimony to the truths which are contained in the Bible, which in case you were unaware, is one of the books the LDS people study faithfully and believe fully, fulfills the Old Testament law of witnesses for our day. Perhaps if you had done a little more homework other than the outdated material called the “Godmakers” you would be more aware of the truth of what we teach.
I have approved your comment although I feel it is full of false statements and biased generalizations. My intention in writing this Hub was not to debate doctrine however. If you feel the need to zealously proclaim truth and reveal the wickedness of my beliefs in the future you will have to do so on one of your own Hubs.
Yes, Mormons are monsters! You sure showed em! ;) What a great collection of information about LDS church welfare activities. By their works ye shall know them...
Celafoe,
It seems you have been unforchunate enough to have encountered, and been mislead by, "The God Makers." You should take a good long cover to cover look at The Truth About "The God Makers" by Gilbert W. Scharffs (See: http://www.fairlds.org/The_God_Makers/). It's written by a Latter-day Saint who, as odd as it sounds, knows a thing or two about his own faith. If your bigotry won't let you get past Latter-day Saints daring to write about their own faith then perhaps you could start with The statement prepared and presented by The National Conference of Christians and Jews (See: http://www.lightplanet.com/response/nccj.htm) or the letter sent from Rhonda M. Abrams, a regional director of the Anti-defamation League of B'nai B'rith, to Dr. Richard Lindsay (See: http://www.fairlds.org/The_God_Makers/tagm34.html)
Remember, Celafoe, wickedness was never happiness; and since when was hatred for others anything but wickedness?
Most seriously,
Hank
Mormon Helping Hands is great in the sight of God. Philippines also bless by this program. The volunteers are so kind in doing great things without pay. Mabuhay Mormon Helping Hands in the Philippines.
I love the article!!! great message keep it up!!
Excellent hub. Thank you for taking the time to show the good side of The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Once people get to know us individually, they understand our church so much better than before. They understand that we, like so many other Christian Churches, are trying our hardest to help others in whatever way we can. We want all to come unto Jesus because we know the JOY that that brings into our lives.
Isn't it wonderful that God gave us free agency to decide what we choose to believe and do? But we cannot choose the consequences. When we break a law we suffer the consequences no matter who we are or what we believe.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believes the following: "We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience and we allow all men the same priviledge, let them worship how, where, or what they may." The church sends missionaries through out the world to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those who are searching for answers to their gospel questions. They only teach those who are interested in our gospel message. We do not pursue anyone that is not interested.
All mankind is precious to our Savior. Beause of Him and the sacrifices that he made for all of us; everyone who has lived will be resurrected. That was His gift to mankind. How we live our lives will determine the quality of our life after death. He is our judge, our only judge.
Laughing Mom 3 years ago
It's really to bad groups are judged by individual behavior, but I guess that's just the nature of the beast.
I grew up a Southern Baptist in a Mormon community. I know how loving and giving the church is as a whole. We Baptists have taken quite a beating ourselves, so I understand your frustration.