Deseret News | Reader comments: LDS quake aid easing pain in Peru

Reader comments
LDS quake aid easing pain in Peru

david in slc | 8:32 a.m. Aug. 25, 2007

the need is so great in Peru. It breaks my heart how people are suffering as aid slowly trickles in. I hope the people of Utah, and the Church, wil be with the people of Peru for the long haul. They will need not just one plane load of supplies, but sustained aid to help rebuild cities and towns surrounding Pisco, Ica and Chincha. Thank you for this story. Thank you LDS Church for you aid.

Me | 8:48 a.m. Aug. 25, 2007

Why is it that we as a Country are always helping everybody else, but when you sit back and watch, does anybody ever help us, when we are in a bind?

Tammy in Peru | 11:59 a.m. Aug. 25, 2007

As an American Church member on the ground in Lima who loaded 200,000 lbs of supplies into C-130's over the last 5 days, I know there is much need here. I was very glad to hear that a plane coming from Utah was also bringing supplies to these people. Rather than complaining about the American people helping others abroad, why don't you think about what you can do where you are? There is need everywhere. It's just that right now, there is much need in Pisco, Peru. I can tell you from first hand experience that Americans are very blessed.

Comments continue below

Ashlyn | 12:00 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007

I think that its really great that we as America pitch in all the time for who ever needs help. There is one thing that is scary to think.. That an earthquake just happened, but its almost as big as the earthquake here in utah that is suppose to happen. So think of all the damage thats going to happen then. So lets all try and think of ways to be prepared for that moment.

Laurie Johnson | 12:01 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007

It should make us ALL stop and ponder about what's really important in our own lives. Are the trials we have even on the same scale? Should we REALLY whine so much?

Our brothers and sisters, whether they belong to the church or not, are in such a horrible situation. They're not blessed with all the things we have in our lives to make us comfortable.

Things like running water. A bed with sheets and blankets. A toilet. Real toilet paper! Food. Medicine. Comfort to know things would be ok.

Just think......It could of been YOUR spirit Father sent there, or anywhere in this world. Pray for their hurting spirits. Pray for the ones who were blessed to go home to Father and our Saviour that horrible day. Pray for the broken hearts left behind.

But please remember this. Some way, some day, some how, we too will each have the blessing of returning to Father. Their pain is felt by us all. Bless ALL these sweet spirits to eventually be ok. Please let them know how much we love them!

Sister Laurie Johnson

mom of Peru Missionary | 12:02 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007

Our son is just outside of Ica and has talked with us by phone since the quake. He experienced the quake and has since witnessed first hand the death and devastation handed to these people who had so little to begin with. He sadly knows several people who were killed in the quake and some who have been murdered in the looting. Their humble homes made of dried mud killed many of the people when the walls fell in on them during the earthquake. He said, "If our homes were destroyed in a disaster we would call the insurance companies and have them rebuilt but these people who have lost their homes or are now tearing them down because they are unsafe, have nothing to replace them with." My heart aches for these people and I am sad that "Me" questions the aid being sent. My son's area is still without power and usable water is scarce. The Peruvian Army sent soldiers on Thursday bringing the first help they have received in the way of food and to police the looting. This is all just now happening since the earthquake occurred over a week ago. Thank you for your well written and heartfelt news article. I shed a few tears while reading about the immediate response of the LDS Church as I know from my son how badly the people of Peru need our help.

Jae | 12:09 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007

Me,
We, the United States, are always helping because the United States is one of the weathliest countries in the world.

Sometimes other countries do help the United States. When Hurricane Katrina hit, Mexico provided some aid.

Anonymous | 12:12 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007

The United States is one of the weathliest countries in the world. This is why we are always helping other countries in time of need.

Sometimes other counties do help the United States. When Hurricane Katrina hit, Mexico provided some aid.

Rich | 12:42 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007

All I want to say is, Because I have been given much I to must give..... If you don't want to give, don't give, and don't worry about it. If you want to give, give, if you do give then don't worry about it.

wealthy | 1:31 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007

We have enough, not of money, but of what we need. The more we give the happier we should be. Forget that no one helps the U.S. Aren't we happy we can take care of ourselves?

Just Me | 1:32 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007

I hope the help from the mormon church in Peru which is great do not use it as a tool to convert people into the mormon religion.

That will not be nice at all

Heylookachicken | 2:29 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007

"Just Me"

Heaven forbid if someone saw the good works and generousity of The Chruch of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and joined them or any other organization the promotes help to mankind without seeking anything in return. What would the world become?

WGN | 2:32 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007

The LDS Church has always given freely and many people have benefited from the generous donations. In all of my experiences, there has never been any expectation or ulterior motive. Church members are always the first to respond because they recognize that these are our brothers and sisters and have genuine concern for their well being.

Laurie Johnson | 2:38 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007

To the respondent "ME", I feel sad, that per your statement: "Why is it that we as a Country are always helping everybody else, but when you sit back and watch, does anybody ever help us, when we are in a bind?" I'm sorry to see that you feel there isn't help in this country in times of need? Perhaps from the government, but surely not from the church....

Do you not catch the LDS NEWS alerts, or read the stories of these kinds of service in the Ensign? The church IS there for people in time of need. Even if they DON'T belong to the church. No matter where the disaster. If our people can get into the country or town, they will. These people after all, are our brothers and sisters, even if they don't belong to The Church of Christ of Latter Day Saints. If they live in the U.S. or anywhere else in the world.

My warmest regards to all the sweet spirits in whatever situation they are blessed to be going through. May God bless each and every one of you to with all you stand in need of.

Just Me | 2:38 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007

It will will a hipocrosity to do good work helping people in need just to convert them into the mormon religion.

Arlaveen | 2:38 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007

Don't worry "Just Me", from my life long experiences within our church, let me tell you that our leaders teach us over and over to give and serve (within our means)and be generous to all who need our help - without ulterior motives (conversions.)Our resources are limited but we do love our fellow men throughout the world enough to help where and how we can to try to relieve suffering and lift heavy hearts. If we didn't help can you imagine what what many would say? - Also we work with other relief organizations including the Catholic church and some Muslim relief organizations and who knows how many other groups so that the donations of goods and services are delivered in the most efficient ways possible.

Arlaveen | 3:16 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007

I'm not sure what your that sentence means "Just Me" but it sounds like you still have concerns about the sincerity of the humanitarian aid being done by the LDS church. I invite you to do some research on this. You could even volunteer at one of the church canneries or tour some of the welfare facilites at Welfare Square (I'm from Arizona so I don't know the details- but it should be fairly simple to do.) Also, just wanted to share something from my own experience. I served a spanish speaking mission in California 15 years ago. We were asked as missionaries to do at least 4 hours of community service a week. My companion and I would often change into our work clothes and do anonymous service. For example we would pick go to a park or an empty lot or someones yard (with their permission) and pick up garbage, clear out weeds etc. It just feels good to help.

Huh? | 9:54 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007

This is just for "Just Me". One of the earlier posts suggested that you do some research on the LDS church's history on giving and responding to natural disasters. You may find that enlightening. As a former bishop in Georgia I was intimately involved in relief efforts with the church after tornados and floods. We offered our help to anyone regardless of their religion. The people in my ward gave thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours. Most of that went to Southern Baptists that really dislike us. We didn't baptize one of them. We didn't ask one of them to take the missionary discussions. We did it because that is what the Savior would have us do.

Melissa | 12:22 p.m. Aug. 26, 2007

Regarding "Just Me"'s comments: The WORLD was with the US after the 9/11 attacks -- unfortunately our administration squandered the goodwill.

Vonda | 8:41 a.m. Aug. 27, 2007

I am also a mom of a missionary in Peru (due home in Oct), who lived in Pisco for many months and is currently in San Vicente de Canete. His mission is now a service mission to help tear down the ruined homes etc. He is not doing it to convert anyone but to help those in need regardless of their interest (or lack of)in the gospel. Does "Just Me" have the same opinion of any other church that steps forward in aid to others? We give help not only directly but also indirectly via Red Cross, Catholic Charities etc. It will be great if later they will be interested in at least hearing about the gospel and deciding for themselves if it is true and good for them but that is not the concern now. We help because Christ told us to and if "Just Me" believes in His words, he will help others too.

LadyBluEyes | 1:18 p.m. Aug. 27, 2007

'Just Me'

I love you. I truly do. I wish I could ease your pain but can only pray that our Heavenly Father sees your need and comforts you.

We don't help everyone to convert them - no, that's not who we are. Remember the Good Samaritan story? He didn't help the broken and robbed person to convert him to whatever religion he was - he only helped to help. Sometimes that's all it is about; we help because we can, even when it isn't convenient. We don't help to convert - I cannot emphasize that enough. We love. That's who we are and when you love, you want to be there to help and comfort, not with the expectations of anything in return.

So, I wish I could help you understand but I can only pray that our Heavenly Father will ease your concerns.

May he bless you with the comfort and peace you seek.

A Canuck | 4:14 p.m. Aug. 27, 2007

Canadians have helped Americans for centuries. We generously make deals for you to use our natural resources cheaper than we use them. We help out family and friends who live in the USA in any and every way possible. We send firefighters to help fight your fires, environmentalists to help clean up your chemical spills, roughnecks to help cap your oil wells. We build parts for your rockets, invent improvements for your aeroplanes, discover medicines for your better health,and send you our doctores, nurses, businessmen, artisans, actors and athletes. We were there at 9/11, in New Orleans, and many other areas of need. And we are not the only country that contributes in such ways. We live in a global world. Noone stands isolated and alone anymore not even the great US of A.

Anonymous | 4:50 p.m. Aug. 27, 2007

I live far away in N. Ireland and am amazed that when People are in dangerous situations and in dire circumstances that there are organisations who readily and spotaneously respond to their immediate assistance.
Nothing is asked in return and I am proud of the humanitarian record of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who respond in all Charity towards our fellow Man in Need!
Everyone in the Church, young and old, are taught and encouraged to assist in any way they can to sustain the effort to help and not to question what Race, Colour or Creed is involved.
I pray for all who are in need or who are suffering, and my thoughts go to all who are mourning loved ones at this Time!
I believe that your Article will touch the Hearts of all your Readers and that it will encourage them to find ways and means to seek to help all those throughout the World who are in Need!!

Bob of the California foothills | 10:03 p.m. Aug. 27, 2007

Absording the news of the earthquake's devasation the homes and business of those in Peru mades me reflect.
Such an earquake or perhaps a major fire or possibly flooding could happen in my back yard, in my front yard.
I am reminded that forces beyond our control can strike any time, any place.
I suppose I should and I suppose I shall do more than meditate on this tragedy. I can and will contribute to the LDS Church's humanitarian aid sources since so little goes for administration.
Then, I have to think what can I do more for those not only in Peru but those in the mid-west who have lost much by the recent floods. Then I must do.
Who then is our neighbor?

softmeadow | 10:45 p.m. Aug. 27, 2007

My son returned from his LDS mission 9 months ago after serving in Chincha and Chincha Alta and Ica -- right where the earthquake hit. My husband who served in mission in Peru 35 years ago, has been doing humanitarian service along with my son and myself and others for the last 12 years. When the earthquake hit, it was just a natural thing for them to go and see what they could do to help. Since we had a network already in place from our humanitarian headquarters in Cusco, it happened very quickly. They took 5 men from Utah and met with others in Lima. They ordered 20 pre-fabricated homes 10' x 20' to be sent to Lima; purchased new stoves, food for two weeks and bedding for these families. There are so many families out of homes, but they met with many of them and chose 20 families to help in the two weeks they are there. They email me and say that the devastation is worse than they thought and they wish they could do more. I am so proud of them for taking the time to go help - as well as everyone in St. George who donated money toward this great cause.

Tony F | 3:45 a.m. Aug. 28, 2007

What a sickness pervades the world; that some people believe that nobody does something for nothing anymore. Fortunately that is entirely untrue. Many people of many faiths and those without any faith at all are prepared to give whatever they are able just because it is a humanitarian thing to do.

Something exists in each of us that, if not toally ignored or damaged, helps us realise that we are all here together and giving, whilst not expecting anything in return, actually brings more in return than we could ever imagine. We are happier, more contented, free from guilt and worry as well as realising how extrodinarily blessed/fortunate/lucky to have much more than many.

For those with doubt - try it as I and many correspondents here have. You will surely find and receive a lot more than you give.

Peruvian mom | 10:34 a.m. Aug. 28, 2007

My heart goes out to those mothers of the missionaries who are serving right now in my country... My son served in Colombia, was neighbor with guerrilleros and I remembering praying so hard for him... But my missionary never showed any fear, I was glad the Lord blessed him with courage. And I am sure those missionaries are helping the ones in need now, not only because they want them to join our church but because it is a commandment, they as each member of the Church have to do our best to give hope to our fellow brothers and sisters in need. Thanks to all who give their time and support to my countrymen.

Mother of former missionary | 11:54 a.m. Aug. 28, 2007

My son served a mission in Peru 4 years and has gone to Peru with a group to help in the rebuilding efforts. When he was asked to go he prayed about it and told me "mom I have to do this i know it's the right thing" he didn't know how he would pay for it, how he could afford to take the time off from work and school. He just had faith that if the Lord wanted him to go he would help him find away. We sent a flyer around our neighborhood here in St George and within a few days we had collected over four thousand dollars to help the Peruvian people. They are now putting together 20 prefab homes in Chincha. What a great country we live in!

Peru 1 | 4:29 p.m. Aug. 28, 2007

I want to thank all for all your prayers and the help that we peruvians are getting from the LDS Church and from other nations such as: Germany, Spain, Monaco, etc. I am also a member of the Church and have been resided in Torrance, California for 27 1/2 years. I left Peru when I was 17 years old. It is very hard for me to watch the news from SurPeru and see all the victims that are now homeless, children sleeping on the ground, not enough blankets, not enough food or water. I just keep asking myself: Why is this happening in my beautiful country?
To the Mother of former missionay, thanks so much for all your efforts in helping my people.
My family and I and all my relatives that reside here in the U.S collected money and send it downthere. Now we are continuing to do so and collecting donations in kind.
Again thanks to those who are taking their time in helping my people in Peru.

andres cerna | 9:39 p.m. Aug. 28, 2007

Thank you very much to all the people and organizations that are helping peruvians in all areas affected by the earthquake. That shows the kind of hearts you have.
Thanks.

from Chile | 6:30 a.m. Sept. 1, 2007

I feel touched reading all these comments and happy for being a member of LDS Church. I know we are just following Jesuschrist`s example and I wish everybody did ,surely this would be a better world to live in. I have never been to this beauiful country ,but I met my mission president in Colombia Cali mission in 1997 and his family , so I love them more than before, Peruvians are special children from our Heavenly Father.Thanks for what you all do to help ,you are a great example and

poor brisbane mum | 11:04 a.m. Sept. 1, 2007

To all my brothers and sisters who doubt the charitable works of the LDS Church, or assume that this is done due to alternative motives, I pray that you may be kept safe from a disaster similar to these unfortunate Peruvian souls, because the church will be there for you in the same instance, regardless of what your opinions are about the church, and whether you convert or not. I am a mum of five children living in Brisbane, Australia, who faithfully pays tithe offerings for causes such as this, regardless of my own financial challenges to support my own children. I hope that what little I give may someday be of use to you should you be in the same boat. What I give isn't much, but I know a little goes a long way when we all give. I am poor, but I have the basic needs to survive (shelter, water,food & clothing), which is more than what these poor people have right now. I am grateful to belong to an organization that helps those less fortunate than myself. I am comforted to know that the church will be there for me should I require similar assistance, whether I am a member or not. God bless all those who have passed on and those who are suffering, including those who are assisting with aid. To all the mums of missionaries who have or are serving missions in Peru, I hope that one day my children may follow your children's footsteps and be of service to their fellow men without any prejudice, as the good Samaritan did. May God bless you all, whatever race, background, religion, rich or poor, age, status, believers and non believers. May we continue to follow the examples of Jesus Christ.

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Jason Swensen, Church News

Pisco, Peru, is a scene of ruins, dust, grief and desperation in the wake of the nation's devastating earthquake. Cleanup and healing are under way, however.