LDS fund transforms lives

Initially funded on little more than an explanation and a request, an educational loan program for impoverished young people looks to be transforming the lives of tens of thousands around the globe.

By the end of this year, the program, known to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as the Perpetual Education Fund, will have made 24,000 loans at an average of $860 each to disadvantaged Latter-day Saints, using only the interest earnings from the fund.

The program's genesis?

Latter-day Saints believe it was inspiration from God.

President Gordon B. Hinckley, who will preside at the 175th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints this weekend, was the catalyst for the loan program.

He announced its formation during a similar conference on March 31, 2001, telling Latter-day Saints that it "entails no new organization, no new personnel except a volunteer director and secretary. It will cost essentially nothing to administer."

He then invited Latter-day Saints and others to contribute, noting the fund would continue in perpetuity because it would loan only the interest generated on what he projected would be a continually growing principal.

"We shall begin modestly, commencing this fall. We can envision the time when this program will benefit a very substantial number."

Elder John K. Carmack, who administers the fund for the church, believes those words were prophetic.

The fund provided a relative handful of loans in 2001, but the numbers have grown exponentially ever since, he said. By the end of 2005, he anticipates 24,000 loans will have been approved for young Latter-day Saints in nearly three dozen nations.

Recipients are scattered throughout Mexico, Central and South America, the Philippines, the Caribbean, Cambodia, Mongolia and India, with plans to expand into west Africa, central Europe, Russia, Tonga, Samoa and Fiji, Elder Carmack said.

Applicants work through local LDS seminary and institute personnel, who provide the oversight, screening and support for the program, in addition to their regular teaching assignments. Applications are forwarded to Salt Lake City, where a loan committee meets twice monthly to discuss approval. Loan money to pay for tuition and books is then sent directly to the college or training facility the applicant will attend.

Applicants must be certified by local church leaders as active and worthy church members, "just as if they were going on a mission. The bishop decides whether the person is a worthy and active member that we should consider," and LDS Institute personnel must also certify that applicants are actively participating in religion classes.

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