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LDS Church assists the needy with 'best food money can't buy'
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Ronnie Bray | 7:31 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009
The Church Welfare System is an inspired and essential programme.
a little deceiving | 9:02 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009
It amazes me it always appears to members and others who see articles like this
that everyone who needs this within the church never goes without or is never
turned away. The fact is, most Bishops will not ok a member using these
benefits until all other resources have long since been used up, so many who use
it have already lost their home or gone without for many weeks before they ever
see these shelves. This isn't a complaint about the system, it IS an
inspired program and is run with love. But it doesn't keep members from
experiencing going without, and struggling severely for extended periods of
time.
Richard | 9:10 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009
Living in California and reading this very positive article warms my heart.
The Lord truely loves all of us, regardless of our political, social or religious
beliefs.
The Lord truely loves all of us, regardless of our political, social or religious
beliefs.
Comments continue below
Anonymous | 9:39 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009
i agree with 'A little deceiving" that it does take time before people
ever see these "shelves". You don't just waLk into one of these
places without a bishops refferrsl.
We must remember... | 9:39 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009
We must remember that the purpose of the Welfare System is to maintain
life...not a life style. I understand that in many cases the Bishop will ask
that all non-essential expenses be eliminated as a cost cutting measure while
aid is being give. I think this helps the indivudal understand what is a
necessity and what is a luxury...not always an easy distinction in our wealthy
society. God bless the Welfare system.
A MEMBER WHO HAS NEEDED HELP | 9:45 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009
I AM SO GREatfol to the church and there help if i didnt have the help. the
relief socity president keeps it so confidental. i am so glad the lord has the
welfare program not only the food but desert industry as well. i am not
ashamed and neither is my family. i am so thank you for running this article
A grateful recipient | 9:52 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009
To " a little deceiving, Over a long life of membership in the Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, I have had on occasion had to ask my Bishop
for assistance during times of severe distress. It has never been long in
coming. I have received counsel on how to prepare and protect my family and
myself from repeatedly needing this assistance which I certainly commend and
heartily recommend to any folks in similar circumstances. Whether assistance
came as employment assistance, a working vehicle from the local junk yard or
food when we needed to relocate halfway across the country at our own expense,
the help we needed was supplied in ways that respected our personal integrity
and fed our souls. The friendship and compassion that permeates this Church is
truly amazing. We have traveled to many different places in the world in the
course of our employment and that friendship and compassion can be found where
ever "two or three are gathered in His Name".
Wants VS Needs | 10:16 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009
Hey Bishop - I can't make my $6,000 mortgage payment. If you don't
help us we'll be homeless.....
Maybe this is the lesson the Lord intended for that family. I'm sure nobody died of starvation.
Maybe this is the lesson the Lord intended for that family. I'm sure nobody died of starvation.
laurie | 10:27 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009
how does one find these places for help ? we just lost our home in lv and am
living with friends in a small house and we are hurting we are not members of
the morman church but would like to get famaliar with the morman religion can
some body please tell me how to be blessed thank you laurie
Michael | 10:27 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009
As a member of the Church, the doctrine that the Lord cares about our physical
well-being makes me happy. It gives whole new meaning to the phrase, "Give
us this day our daily bread." We can probably all do better at being
grateful for what we have.
SFC RET DENNIS | 10:41 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009
a little deceiving I don�t know where you get your info
but you are wrong, I�ve seen the program in action, I know
how it works and what the Bishop go�s through to insure
that "only" the needy get help.
1. You are asked if there are any family members who can help.
2. The Bishop over your finance with you. (There are those who do try to take advantage of the program)
3. Then the Bishop decides on how much help the member needs.
I know because IV have had a need for help a few times over the past 26 years. Not the whole 26 years just on occasions and was glad it was there. When I was kid I would go with my dad to the church welfare farm and help out, IV even helped at the cannery and store house so I do know how it works, no one starves that I have ever seen.
1. You are asked if there are any family members who can help.
2. The Bishop over your finance with you. (There are those who do try to take advantage of the program)
3. Then the Bishop decides on how much help the member needs.
I know because IV have had a need for help a few times over the past 26 years. Not the whole 26 years just on occasions and was glad it was there. When I was kid I would go with my dad to the church welfare farm and help out, IV even helped at the cannery and store house so I do know how it works, no one starves that I have ever seen.
Anonymous | 10:52 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009
MANY NEED SPECIAL HELP IN THE CHURCH. ONE WAY OR ANOTHER.
TiRo | 11:27 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009
To Laurie - go to LDS.org or look in your local phone book
Anonymous | 11:40 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009
Serving as a ward clerk (or asst. clerk) gives one insight into who and how
often people receive help from the Church. It would be "deceiving" to
imply that someone needs to be homeless before the Church helps. ALL the
bishops I've worked with have been VERY generous and liberal with the
resources at their disposal. There are probably exceptions out there, but I bet
they are few and are far out numbered by those that err the other direction.
Very often the whole story would probably vindicate the Bishop in cases where he
might superficially appear to be stingy or hard-hearted. For example, people
might ask for help but decline to fullfil the service that the Bishop asks for
and thus they decline the help as well.
awesomeron | 12:10 p.m. Jan. 5, 2009
This program is the One Program I admire most about the Church. That some of the
Money given actually goes back to the Members of the Church through various
programs to include this one.
I think a Church with its own Welfare System, Family Service, and Food Label is truly outstanding.
Rhis is almost unheard in other Churches where the Tithe Money goes to pay staff and build larger buildings.
When you bring your Tithe to the Store House you deserve to get something back besides We Will Pray For You.
The Bishops I have known have been very responsive to the needs of the people.
This is Organization and networking and helping one another and that is what God wants us to do.
I think a Church with its own Welfare System, Family Service, and Food Label is truly outstanding.
Rhis is almost unheard in other Churches where the Tithe Money goes to pay staff and build larger buildings.
When you bring your Tithe to the Store House you deserve to get something back besides We Will Pray For You.
The Bishops I have known have been very responsive to the needs of the people.
This is Organization and networking and helping one another and that is what God wants us to do.
John Pack Lambert | 12:13 p.m. Jan. 5, 2009
To Laurie,
Since you have internet access I think the fastest way is to go to Mormon.org and go to the "worship with us page" and then find out ward is nearest you. You might be able to call now, or wait until Sunday for meetings. There will probably be some people there on Tuesday or Wednesday night at the building you can contact.
I served a mission in Las Vegas and knew of several bishops who had worked out plans to extent aid to people who were not members of the church, some of which we were teaching.
Depending on your situation the church also has a program called Deseret Industries which aids people in developing skills for employment.
I am sure if you go to the ward on Sunday you can get some help, and if you go on Tuesday or Wednesday evening you have a good chance of meeting someone who can at least give you direction on what to do next.
Since you have internet access I think the fastest way is to go to Mormon.org and go to the "worship with us page" and then find out ward is nearest you. You might be able to call now, or wait until Sunday for meetings. There will probably be some people there on Tuesday or Wednesday night at the building you can contact.
I served a mission in Las Vegas and knew of several bishops who had worked out plans to extent aid to people who were not members of the church, some of which we were teaching.
Depending on your situation the church also has a program called Deseret Industries which aids people in developing skills for employment.
I am sure if you go to the ward on Sunday you can get some help, and if you go on Tuesday or Wednesday evening you have a good chance of meeting someone who can at least give you direction on what to do next.
A former bishop | 12:37 p.m. Jan. 5, 2009
As a bishop, the biggest problem I encountered was that people waited way too
long to get help. The help I'm referring to is not necessarily the help
from the Bishop's storehouse, but help from the Lord's storehouse - a
much larger storehouse that provides skills, contacts, employment assistance,
education, budgeting help, household management assistance, helping hands,
compassion, and true doctrine. It's awesome to have resources to put out
the fire of a crisis, but it is inspiring to see the constant miracles brought
about by stretching to live true temporal and spiritual self reliance principles
and then leaning upon the grace of our Lord who opens up the windows of heaven
in so many different ways.
It is well established truth that people who are willing to make changes in their lives as well as take advantage of many different resources available, will find solutions to their problems with the Lord's help. Every bishop, however, will get a little teary thinking about those who only want bread or a rent payment. If we could better help people see how prosperity is governed, the bishop's storehouse would diminish as a small portion of the Lord's greater and more magnificent storehouse!
It is well established truth that people who are willing to make changes in their lives as well as take advantage of many different resources available, will find solutions to their problems with the Lord's help. Every bishop, however, will get a little teary thinking about those who only want bread or a rent payment. If we could better help people see how prosperity is governed, the bishop's storehouse would diminish as a small portion of the Lord's greater and more magnificent storehouse!
Brother Chuck Schroeder | 12:45 p.m. Jan. 5, 2009
When I just read "a safety net for those in need provided by the 13 million
members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints", I thought that
back in 2006 for a example there was a new figure of 14 million member's
"world wide", not just here in America alone. So IF those
figure's were wrong of 13 million members, I demand a correction. Those 13
million members on the first Sunday of the month have a fast and test meeting,
and give what they were to spend on 2 meals to this fund. But not all gets it if
they are in need. I know, I have been a member for over 1/2 century.
2009 Homeless | 12:51 p.m. Jan. 5, 2009
We lost our home too, because of some lying business partner I worked with, who
as well caused our business to fail. We are "now" 39 years old and
thought at this age we would be safe and set for life in our business. However,
due to a lying fraudulent scammer who was also LDS , and WHO WE THOUGHT WAS OUR
FRIEND turned out to be our worst enemy and caused us to loose our home. I say
to everyone out there to be careful with "bad business partners". They
can ruin your reputation, life and land you homeless, and possibly even in jail.
Nice article | 1:18 p.m. Jan. 5, 2009
I have enjoyed all of the opportunities I have had to work in the LDS Welfare
Program. Hooking up irrigation pipes in a foot of mud at the bottom of an eight
foot trench was particularly fun. I have never had to use the system, but I am
glad that it is there if I ever need it. The Bishops do a lot in administering
the program, but their effectiveness would probably drop off by more than half
without the help of the Relief Society president. Those good sisters are
particularly effective at identifying the needs and appropriate response. And
in case anyone is interested, the Church discretely circulates flyers on system
"frauds" to conserve these consecrated resources for the truly needy.
The government will never have a welfare program like this because you
can't pay someone to do the job of the Bishop or Relief Society President.
LDS Member | 2:15 p.m. Jan. 5, 2009
This is the best and most efficient help program in existence. Other aid
organizations collect money and resources, then take a cut and pay large staffs
to operate the system. This system depends almost entirely on volunteered funds
and labor. Therefore bishops consider the food and cash sacred, and are
encouraged to refuse service to those who are unwilling to return labor or
service as requested by the bishop.
The only problem I have is that it is a, "don't ask and don't tell system," concerning those in the country illegally. This enables the "undocumented" to remain in the country as more and more are unable to find work. Otherwise they would be for forced by economics to leave and return primarily to Mexico. However, I do understand why the bishop supports illegal aliens, just as he is permitted to help non-mormons who are suffering.
The only problem I have is that it is a, "don't ask and don't tell system," concerning those in the country illegally. This enables the "undocumented" to remain in the country as more and more are unable to find work. Otherwise they would be for forced by economics to leave and return primarily to Mexico. However, I do understand why the bishop supports illegal aliens, just as he is permitted to help non-mormons who are suffering.
Brother Chuck | 2:28 p.m. Jan. 5, 2009
Can you provide the documentation for your figures that somewhere someone
claimed there were 14 million? I have never heard that and consider myself
well-read. You might want to check before opening your mouth.
Re: Homeless in 2009... | 3:15 p.m. Jan. 5, 2009
I am sorry for your current financial situation. I am curious how your trust in
another LDS member has any effect on the Welfare system this article is trying
to highlight.
Why do people feel that they have to take an opportunity to bring up a past or present negative experience whenever a positive article is written about the church. Perhaps I am being to over-sensitive here....
Why do people feel that they have to take an opportunity to bring up a past or present negative experience whenever a positive article is written about the church. Perhaps I am being to over-sensitive here....
Wallyworld | 3:30 p.m. Jan. 5, 2009
If you have ever volunteered at the Bishops storehouse you may be surprised on
how many people you know use it.
Judge not, less the shoe fits | 4:07 p.m. Jan. 5, 2009
Re-3:15 Homeless in 2009, Your false sympathy for this homeless person's
was not there. Did you ever think that perhaps this particular person may have
wanted to let their feelings out about things being bad for them, and without
being pounced on by someone like you? I doubt they need your kind of sympathy.
And just possibly they are LDS as well, and possibly do need church assistance.
Been there | 4:32 p.m. Jan. 5, 2009
When we first arrived here we did ask for help from the church with getting a
bed, some dishes and food. The bishop came across ice-hearted until he learned
that WE paid our security deposit(which had been increased by $200) and first
months rent. He also knew that we were getting to ready to apply for foodstamps.
He did assist us. We haven't had to ask for help since and yes we are proud
of that.
We know that there are ward hoppers out there. I had a friend in Maine who did it. We are not one of them and I know that the bishop was worried that we might be. We also live in a transition ward. We can get help if needed with food, medicines but not rent.
We know that there are ward hoppers out there. I had a friend in Maine who did it. We are not one of them and I know that the bishop was worried that we might be. We also live in a transition ward. We can get help if needed with food, medicines but not rent.
Steven | 5:24 p.m. Jan. 5, 2009
What an awesome program where needs are met with no individual moneys or renown
going to individuals who contribute in labor and money to this system. I laud
the LDS church for their untiring and often seemingly unappreciated efforts in
this area.
Brother Chuck Schroeder | 5:29 p.m. Jan. 5, 2009
Re: Brother Chuck | 2:28 p.m. Jan. 5, 2009
Can you provide the documentation for your figures that somewhere someone claimed there were 14 million? I have never heard that and consider myself well-read. You might want to check before opening your mouth
In a reply to you, those figures came right off of LDS.org also in their News Letter to.
AND - You might want to check before opening your mouth.
When I just read "a safety net for those in need provided by the 13 million members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints", I thought that back in 2006 for a example there was a new figure of 14 million member's "world wide", not just here in America alone. So IF those figure's were wrong of 13 million members, I demand a correction. Those 13 million members on the first Sunday of the month have a fast and test meeting, and give what they were to spend on 2 meals to this fund. But not all gets it if they are in need. I know, I have been a member for over 1/2 century.
I have been around longer than you to.
Can you provide the documentation for your figures that somewhere someone claimed there were 14 million? I have never heard that and consider myself well-read. You might want to check before opening your mouth
In a reply to you, those figures came right off of LDS.org also in their News Letter to.
AND - You might want to check before opening your mouth.
When I just read "a safety net for those in need provided by the 13 million members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints", I thought that back in 2006 for a example there was a new figure of 14 million member's "world wide", not just here in America alone. So IF those figure's were wrong of 13 million members, I demand a correction. Those 13 million members on the first Sunday of the month have a fast and test meeting, and give what they were to spend on 2 meals to this fund. But not all gets it if they are in need. I know, I have been a member for over 1/2 century.
I have been around longer than you to.
Luke | 6:09 p.m. Jan. 5, 2009
We are truly a blessed people.
Cindy | 6:14 p.m. Jan. 5, 2009
Re- Been There, Not all Bishops are ice hearted but unfortunately some are. I
have experienced both kinds of Bishops. One greedy one who was stingy and
selfish in other things as well. Where the poor bishop we had was kind, giving
and very compassionate. Not all Bishops are the same. It's always nice to
have a good bishop cause it helps with building a stronger testimony. Some can
run some members off with a pompous attitude.
Ernestine | 7:18 p.m. Jan. 5, 2009
There are scammers out there, working the system...taking advantage of the
members of the church, some who sacrifice to pay the fast offering. I'm
sure some of the sacred funds have gone to those who were undeserving, but
generally it helps people who are trying to get back on their feet, or who have
fallen on bad times. When my father died, my mother needed some assistance
until she went back to school to be able to get a job. We are grateful. Members
of the church who are able are expected to earn their way, live providently and
help others if they can. I am extremely angry at the Ponzi schemers who bilked
people out of their homes in Utah. I want these people caught, and the money
returned to these poor people who invested with them. Many of the people
working in that company didn't know that the head guy was taking all their
money and yet they got all their friends and relatives involved. Isn't
anyone doing anything about this?
jefejivaro | 9:46 p.m. Jan. 5, 2009
to Brother Chuck Schroeder...
It seems like a rather odd thing to hyperventilate about, but here are the exact membership numbers from lds.org:
- Latest membership count from LDS Newsroom = 13,193,999
- Membership count from April 2006 Statistical Report given at General Conference = 12,560,869
So I'm not sure from where you were getting your 14 million number, but it's not from the Church's statistical reports. So "demand" to your heart's content--there is no "correction" to be made.
It seems like a rather odd thing to hyperventilate about, but here are the exact membership numbers from lds.org:
- Latest membership count from LDS Newsroom = 13,193,999
- Membership count from April 2006 Statistical Report given at General Conference = 12,560,869
So I'm not sure from where you were getting your 14 million number, but it's not from the Church's statistical reports. So "demand" to your heart's content--there is no "correction" to be made.
awsomeron | 12:10 a.m. Jan. 6, 2009
Yes! You have to watch who you fly with, and if at all possible fly alone.
Being LDS does not make a person, honest, chased, loyal or anything else they are supposed to be. The Church is littered with broken hearts in both Business and Personal Relationships and sometimes both as Both Eternal Partners brought a lot to the table.
I am not going to say that you cannot trust anyone, as that is far from true. However something to good to be true often is just that.
It is not about the numbers of times that you fall down it is about the number of times you get back up. Each failure is a building experience for the next success.
We must take full accountability for any actions of our self and others, that may have caused us to fail, either in business or personal relationships.
This kind of stuff happens through out Christendom and through out secular life.
At 39 you wanted to be set for life, you should have bought Wal-Mart Stock all you could get your hands on right out of high school. It split 9 times in 25 years.
Win Some, Lose Some, Next.
Being LDS does not make a person, honest, chased, loyal or anything else they are supposed to be. The Church is littered with broken hearts in both Business and Personal Relationships and sometimes both as Both Eternal Partners brought a lot to the table.
I am not going to say that you cannot trust anyone, as that is far from true. However something to good to be true often is just that.
It is not about the numbers of times that you fall down it is about the number of times you get back up. Each failure is a building experience for the next success.
We must take full accountability for any actions of our self and others, that may have caused us to fail, either in business or personal relationships.
This kind of stuff happens through out Christendom and through out secular life.
At 39 you wanted to be set for life, you should have bought Wal-Mart Stock all you could get your hands on right out of high school. It split 9 times in 25 years.
Win Some, Lose Some, Next.
Anon 808 | 12:41 a.m. Jan. 6, 2009
If a person lost their home it was most likely because they had an ARM and when
it became an ARM and a LEG, they just could not pay even after Tithing
Stopped.
I received a Food Order once when I had only been in the Church a couple of years, My Wife had just had our Son (now 20) and things where tight. My Wife�s VT's just decided we needed one and we got one. I was amazed at what was available, being used to seeing if people got anything from their church it was usually a small box of food, and of course that offer to "Pray for you." Some times Members would take a needy family shopping so I do not want to put it down completely.
People saw what People saw in those days and did what they needed to do. We where about his errand to the limit of their understanding.
The Bishops storehouse is a Wonderful Place and the Church Welfare Program a Wonderful Program. Designed to help the Saints and Others.
I have not needed help in a long time, but I am so glad we have the Welfare program.
I received a Food Order once when I had only been in the Church a couple of years, My Wife had just had our Son (now 20) and things where tight. My Wife�s VT's just decided we needed one and we got one. I was amazed at what was available, being used to seeing if people got anything from their church it was usually a small box of food, and of course that offer to "Pray for you." Some times Members would take a needy family shopping so I do not want to put it down completely.
People saw what People saw in those days and did what they needed to do. We where about his errand to the limit of their understanding.
The Bishops storehouse is a Wonderful Place and the Church Welfare Program a Wonderful Program. Designed to help the Saints and Others.
I have not needed help in a long time, but I am so glad we have the Welfare program.
As one who has received | 1:55 a.m. Jan. 6, 2009
assistance through the Bishop's Storehouse I can tell you what an inspired
program it is. The spirit in the storehouse is very special. Christ resides
there. It was he who said that when you have helped another it is the same as
helping God himself. Our circumstances were such that we were having a
difficult time supporting two sons in the mission field at the same time. Their
missions overlapped for one year. The bishop allowed us to use the bishops
storehouse for foodstuffs and in return we used the money saved to support our
sons in the mission field. When the first one came home then we did not use the
bishops storehouse anymore. We were humbled by this experience. We were
grateful for the ingenious way in which our loving bishop was able to help us
support both of our boys on their missions at the same time. I also volunteered
weekly at the storehouse to help others get their food items. I tell you again
what a sweet spirit of love and fellowship is there. The Bishop's
storehouse is a wonderful place.
lds regards money as sacred | 2:28 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
I've heard of top lds leaders regard money that is donated to be sacred
funds.
It's really sad that money had become sacred by the mormons. It has taken new meanings of the love of money.
Money is and never was a sacred entity. Money is money, no more, no less.
Christ would never consider money to be sacred. In fact, it's a downgrade to the true meaning of the word, sacred.
Christ is sacred. His love for us is sacred. The atoning blood is sacred. Now, these are the true sacred things. And to place money in the same bed as Christ and calling it the same is a true mockery of that which is Holy, beautiful, sanctificate, and indeed sacred.
Money is never Holy, nor is it beautiful, sand for sure it's certainly isn't sacred. What an atrocious application of it's meaning by lds leaders, just so the church can manipulate money to their will, by giving annotations to money as if it's has anything to do with Holiness, and sanctity.
The lds church is another testimony that man's doctrines permeates and deglorify the truth of God, and His omnipotent Holiness.
It's endlessly sad.
It's really sad that money had become sacred by the mormons. It has taken new meanings of the love of money.
Money is and never was a sacred entity. Money is money, no more, no less.
Christ would never consider money to be sacred. In fact, it's a downgrade to the true meaning of the word, sacred.
Christ is sacred. His love for us is sacred. The atoning blood is sacred. Now, these are the true sacred things. And to place money in the same bed as Christ and calling it the same is a true mockery of that which is Holy, beautiful, sanctificate, and indeed sacred.
Money is never Holy, nor is it beautiful, sand for sure it's certainly isn't sacred. What an atrocious application of it's meaning by lds leaders, just so the church can manipulate money to their will, by giving annotations to money as if it's has anything to do with Holiness, and sanctity.
The lds church is another testimony that man's doctrines permeates and deglorify the truth of God, and His omnipotent Holiness.
It's endlessly sad.
sister act | 2:31 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
I appreciate this program too. I have never used it, but am glad it is available
to those who are in need. I also am glad there are resources available through
the church for those looking for employment skills, relationship help, and
empolyment oportunities. Especially, since the economy is in difficult times
now. Thanks to all bishops who take the time to help people with their
situations and the members/non-members who contribute their time and money to
help others!
GTO | 7:19 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
If the government would adopt this program, just think how good it would work!
You need welfare? Great, here is a trash bag and a rake. Put in your required
hours cleaning up trash along the highways (etc) and then you come by the
storehouse and pick-up your rent check or food order! Plus, on the first Sunday
of each month, you fast for two meals, turn the money you would have spent on
food to pay for the food other's will receive. Costs the tax payers very
little if anything, the roads (etc) will be cleaner,--everyone wins!
My bishop Prefered I Was Homeles | 10:06 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009
Enter comment3 years ago, a gentleman came by to buy my all paid for house for
$10,000, because I couldn't pay for the property tax on it, the county was
going to sell it to the highest bidder, and a shark smelled blood and wanted to
make huge profit on my then less then fortunate situation. He would've made
a nice $140K net profit, even after paying the taxes.
The city told me that bishops have helped homeowners who are about to lose their homes due to unpaid property taxes, and that I should talk to my bishop, which I did.
He refused to help. Just, told me to get a loan, and even though I am self employed, and getting a loan is difficult, he refused to understand, even though he is also self employed and wouldn't have gotten a mortgage had it not for his wife's income, he still refused.
After paying my tithing, my fast offerings and other contributions for years, I gained a strong testimony that I needed to leave the church.
He prefered I was homeless. This can't be God's will for me.
So I left the church, and have been prosperous ever since.
The city told me that bishops have helped homeowners who are about to lose their homes due to unpaid property taxes, and that I should talk to my bishop, which I did.
He refused to help. Just, told me to get a loan, and even though I am self employed, and getting a loan is difficult, he refused to understand, even though he is also self employed and wouldn't have gotten a mortgage had it not for his wife's income, he still refused.
After paying my tithing, my fast offerings and other contributions for years, I gained a strong testimony that I needed to leave the church.
He prefered I was homeless. This can't be God's will for me.
So I left the church, and have been prosperous ever since.
Thankful in Nevada | 2:11 a.m. Jan. 23, 2009
Over the years, we've had to seek assistance twice. We are now seeking it
again and I can say that we're not almost on the street but have hit a hard
patch with cuts in pay making groceries difficult but still maintaining the rest
of our bills.
If not for the church, we would not be eating this month. We also make just under $400 too much a year to qualify for any other help.
Our option would be to keep creeping further and further behind until we did qualify for welfare and then some.
The storehouse and the services help feed our family and keep us off the government dime.
If not for the church, we would not be eating this month. We also make just under $400 too much a year to qualify for any other help.
Our option would be to keep creeping further and further behind until we did qualify for welfare and then some.
The storehouse and the services help feed our family and keep us off the government dime.
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Douglas C. Pizac, Associated Press
People pick out food items at LDS Church's Bishops' Storehouse at Welfare Square in Salt Lake City.
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