Stop-smoking program is looking for LDS translators

Thousands of Mormon missionaries have taught people to quit smoking using the LDS Stop Smoking program since it began in 1983, and now there is an effort to help many more people by translating the program into many languages.

The lesson manual was developed in Ireland in 1983, and since then has become an unofficial tool used by missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in their efforts to help people. The manual is available free for missionaries and LDS Church leaders who are willing to teach people to quit smoking, but it is only available in English.

Now a call has gone out to church members who have language skills that will enable them to translate the manual and are willing to volunteer their time to do so. Anyone interested in helping with the project should visit LDSStopSmokingProgram.org for more information and to offer their services.

The LDS Stop Smoking program teaches 15 steps that are followed for one week. The result is that the longing that makes it so hard for a smoker to quit is eliminated. The program has been taught primarily by missionaries and some church leaders.

It is available to anyone who would like to quit smoking, regardless of church affiliation. There is no cost or obligation. The lesson takes 60 to 90 minutes. Each smoker is given support throughout the week and at the end of the time a celebration is held and a diploma is awarded.

People who would like to quit smoking may also visit the Web site to make the request. A missionary or member of the church will then make contact and set up a time for the lesson.