First Presidency Appeals to Church Members to Help People in Haiti

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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Jan 22, 2010, 04:44 ET

SALT LAKE CITY, Jan. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints appealed today to the worldwide membership of the Church to help relieve the suffering in Haiti.

In a statement published on the Church's official Web site, Church President Thomas S. Monson and counselors Henry B. Eyring and Dieter F. Uchtdorf said they are "keenly aware that many in America are dealing with economic challenges brought on by the recent recession." Many Church members have made substantial contributions to Church Humanitarian Services, but more is needed.

Church members and others wishing to contribute to the aid efforts may do so by using the Donation Slip they normally use for Church donations or by logging onto lds.org and clicking on Humanitarian Services Emergency Response.

The Church's humanitarian outreach to the poor dates from its earliest beginnings, but major international efforts have included relief shipments at the end of World War II, aid during the Ethiopian famine in the 1980s and most recently relief after the Asian tsunami. Efforts include not only immediate relief but long-term restructuring.

Often, the Church collaborates with other organizations to provide shipments of food and other needed items.

Today's First Presidency statement also addressed the emotional trauma the Haitian people are experiencing in the wake of the devastating earthquake.

"Money is not the only need in Haiti," the statement continued. "People are frightened, bewildered, and wholly uncertain about their future. In addition to what people can do in helping with food, water and shelter, there needs to be a calming influence over that troubled nation. We invite people everywhere to supplicate God for a spirit of calm and peace among the people."

See News release on relief efforts in Haiti

First Presidency Statement

"Our hearts are filled with sadness as we have watched the suffering in Haiti in the wake of the devastating earthquake. We turn to the example of Jesus Christ who reached out to 'lift up the hands which hang down' and 'strengthen the feeble knees.' We are keenly aware that many in America are dealing with economic challenges caused by the recession. However, we are appealing to members to donate to Church Humanitarian Services as their means allow in order to help our Haitian brothers and sisters. Many have already contributed and others are anxious to do so.

Money is not the only need in Haiti. People are frightened, bewildered, and wholly uncertain about their future. In addition to what people can do in helping with food, water and shelter, there needs to be a calming influence over that troubled nation. We invite our people everywhere to supplicate God for a spirit of calm and peace among the people as urgent aid and reconstruction efforts continue."

SOURCE The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints