Inspirational Stories about Caring for Those in Need

Lift Up Thy Hands

Humanitarian service missionaries Joel and Kathryn Sperry helped schools in Thailand develop small agricultural projects, such as raising chickens and vegetables to provide protein for the children's diet and to give the school a source of income.

Our Children Can’t Stop Talking about Us

Elder and Sister Misbach served a third humanitarian mission, helping the homeless, the elderly, and children. They told how it brought meaning and joy to their lives, and they hope their children and grandchildren will follow their example.

The Warmth of Love

After graduating from law school, JoAnn Shields moved into the inner city section of Salt Lake City, where she could be of service to others. There she helped the Marshall family—a mother and five children—who were struggling in a small, unheated apartment.

Our Daily Bread

Bakery equipment replaced at Deseret Bakery was donated to a Trappist monastery whose equipment had failed and was without funds to replace it. Church members and monks at the monastery were able to help each other.

A Dress a Day

Sister Marelle Gardner saw pictures of children wearing little more than rags and wondered if there was something she might do. She committed to make a dress a day for a year. In the first six months she made more than 200 dresses for the LDS Humanitarian Center.

On Hallowed Ground

Employees at Welfare Square helped a transient requesting food. Several years later the man returned. During the time after receiving their help, he found the missionaries and joined the Church. He returned to Salt Lake to be sealed in the temple to a lovely woman and to thank those who had helped him.

Caring for the 5,000

Members of the Gresham Oregon South Stake undertook a large humanitarian project to make school kits and other items for those in need. Everyone wanted to participate, from Primary-age children to high priests, as well as those of other faiths.

From Refugee to Retailer

Larisa and her husband fled their country as political refugees and came to the United States. After struggling to find employment, Larisa's bishop suggested she work at Deseret Industries. She eventually learned English and found a job with a major retailer. Her husband then began working at Deseret Industries and taking classes there.

The World Has Need of Willing Men

Ed Erickson, 92 years old, was a volunteer at the bishops' storehouse on Welfare Square for 7 years. Despite poor eyesight and other challenges, he worked hard all his life. He swept the sidewalks in front of the bishops' storehouse and said he would continue to do so for the remainder of his life.

A Leader Finds Work

René felt ashamed. He was a Church leader who had been out of work for over a year. He learned about the LDS employment center and, though skeptical, went to the center, attended classes, and learned skills that helped him find a management position with a large construction firm.