Relieving Suffering

The following scripture has been the driving force in my life for the past 5 years:

"Verily, thus saith the Lord: It shall come to pass that every soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments, shall see my face and know that I am;" D&C 93:1

I consistently ask the Lord, “What are my sins?” He had shown me my abomination and idolatry in worshiping and following men. We've already discussed that topic on this blog. I have no desire to return to that sin.

There is a new theme that keeps showing up, “If you want to repent, relieve the suffering of others.” As a gentile, I see need for repentance in this area.

"And the Gentiles are lifted up in the pride of their eyes, and have stumbled, because of the greatness of their stumbling block, that they have built up many churches; nevertheless, they put down the power and miracles of God, and preach up unto themselves their own wisdom and their own learning, that they may get gain and grind upon the face of the poor." 2 Nephi 26:20 

"And remember in all things the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted, for he that doeth not these things, the same is not my disciple." D&C 52:40

I desire to be a disciple of Jesus.

"Yea, he saw great inequality among the people, some lifting themselves up with their pride, despising others, turning their backs upon the needy and the naked and those who were hungry, and those who were athirst, and those who were sick and afflicted.

"Now this was a great cause for lamentations among the people, while others were abasing themselves, succoring those who stood in need of their succor, such as imparting their substance to the poor and the needy, feeding the hungry, and suffering all manner of afflictions, for Christ’s sake, who should come according to the spirit of prophecy;" Alma 4:12-13

There are many ways to help.  The Lord will guide us as we have the desire.

If you are looking for ways to help relieve the suffering of others, here is something to look at.

The Liahona Children's Nutrition and Education Foundation (LCF) is a grass-roots organization dedicated to nurturing the potential of children to lead healthy and productive lives. They do this by providing nutritional supplements to malnourished and underweight LDS children and their friends ages 6 months through 5 years who live in resource poor countries. They also promote sustained breastfeeding for infants and young children and provide education in hygienic and healthy food preparation. In areas where funds permit, LCF also provides small scholarships to elementary students to enable them to attend local school programs. They currently have programs in operation in the countries of Cambodia, Ecuador, Guatemala, and Peru. The foundation is run entirely by volunteers except for native coordinators who are provided a small stipend for their services in measuring children and in purchasing and distributing the nutritional supplements.

The Liahona Children's Foundation is a federally recognized 501 (c)3 non-profit organization. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.