Inspirational Stories about Caring for Those in Need

Food in Fiji

Joel and Kathryn Sperry traveled to Fiji to help people establish greenhouses and gardens, which not only fed the needy but also provided income so people could send their children to school and provide medical care for their families.

Hands That Serve

At age 72 and afflicted with arthritis, Joyce Robinson spent her evenings crocheting afghans to donate to those in need. In four years she made 202 afghans, which have been given to shelters, unwed mothers, and the LDS Humanitarian Center.

Providentliving.org

Since launching the Welfare Services Web site Provident Living, the Church has received many messages of gratitude and praise. The site has been mentioned in several publications, including USA Today.

Making the Mekong a Cleaner Place

The Swensons were missionaries teaching English in Laos. On their way to school each day, they noticed litter along the river and began cleaning it up. As others saw their efforts, they helped. Garbage cans were then purchased to be placed along the river.

The Fall and Rise of Marco Antonio

Marco Antonio resigned from his company because it was facing financial challenges. For a year he searched for a job without success until he learned about the LDS Employment Resource Center. There he received help that eventually led him to a new job.

The Tip of the Iceberg

After retiring in 1983, Jayne Hartman, a former secretary to President Spencer W. Kimball, began volunteering at the LDS employment center and the area finance office at Welfare Square.

The Crippled Shepherd Who Walked

At 12 years old, Amaraa lost his legs to frostbite and was forced to drop out of school. He later joined the Church, and with help from fast offerings, he was able to receive an operation, enabling him to begin his schooling again.

The Hands of a Surgeon

After Dr. Susan Puls was forced to give up her career as an orthopedic surgeon because of severe joint pain, she was asked to serve with the Church's neonatal resuscitation training (NRT) program as a volunteer. There she taught many doctors and nurses how to save the lives of newborn babies.

A Bishop in Ghana

Bishop Kweku A. Anno helped his ward members lift themselves out of poverty by applying welfare principles. He helped them find resources to improve their skills and education.

A Harvest in Idaho

When farmers in Rupert, Idaho, finished with their harvest, they went to the welfare farm, taking their own equipment to harvest the Lord's sugar beets in a completely volunteer effort. Then they looked to their neighbors to see if anyone needed help.