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LDS, Islamic relief supplies touch hearts

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Nan B.W. | 3:43 p.m. Oct. 6, 2009
I am so grateful there is a SMALL way I can help. I have sent a check to Humanitarian Services, and can do so again. We can also all pray for the people there, and be thankful for our own blessings.
Frederick Gerard Gene Depardeu | 3:58 p.m. Oct. 6, 2009
It is good to see two religions combining resources to help people in need.
God speed | 4:06 p.m. Oct. 6, 2009
May we all be helpful and extending ourselves to the relief effort for those areas devastated by calamities this past month. Samoans are some of the most giving and loving individuals I have seen, and very family oriented. May you find some peace and comfort at this time.
Comments continue below
Unpossible | 4:27 p.m. Oct. 6, 2009
According to many of the persons who commented on the story about President Monson's recent conference admonition to help others, Mormons never do anything to help persons who are not members of the church, let alone work with any other religion.
To: "Un"possible | 4:51 p.m. Oct. 6, 2009
When did President Monson say we should only help only the LDS members??

Wow, are you off track.

Go back and read. You're living in some distant past belief/attitude that you probably heard from
some anti-Mormon anti-Christian negative droll.

In times of Disasters, the LDS Help ALL of God's
Children regardless of denomination, race, creed, color, etc.

When the Welfare System started many decades ago, it basically did help the LDS community.

When the Humanitarian Services began more recently,
THEY HELP EVERY-BODY that is affected by Disaster.
In this case they are working jointly with an organization from another Religious group. Working Hand-IN-Hand with others to help in Disaster Relief!!
RE: Unpossible/Palagi sister | 4:54 p.m. Oct. 6, 2009
I am deeply saddened by your remark about President Monson. If you read in the article, it states that 2-dozen LDS members died, and there were injuries of "scores other". however, it also stated that the Humanitarian help that is being provided is enough for 2,000 people for 3-4 weeks, using about $500,000 in relief supplies. I believe that this aid will be distributed to the many kind people of Samoa, regardless of their religion. There are also many different volunteer Humanitarian Aid groups that will be helping, not to mention the missionaries that will be there to help build the islands of Samoa back to how it was, originally. I do not think they are going to help the LDS members, and snub those that are not of our faith. That is not the purpose.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Samoa! May you find comfort at this challenging time
Alofa tele to you all.
Re: To "Un"possible | 5:00 p.m. Oct. 6, 2009
Reading is Fundamental: President Monson never said that, and my comment didn't claim he did.

The Deseret News story in question about President Monson's conference talk produced numerous cynical comments from bitter anti- and ex-Mormons who claimed that the church and its members were self-centered and self-righteous, never helping anyone who wasn't already a member or interested in joining the church.

"Unpossible" is sarcastic internet-speak for "impossible".
Frederick Gerard Gene Depardeu | 5:07 p.m. Oct. 6, 2009
These supplies will be given to those in need WITH NO PROSELYTIZING and no one will be asked what religion they are.

The LDS Church's organization efforts get them into areas affected sooner than most relief organizations can pull off.

Those bashing on these efforts are probably the same people that sit by an do nothing except complain.

I am impressed that not only did the LDS Church do this, but partnered with Islamic Relief to carry this out. We ll need to help each other, even the do nothing complainers.
Anonymous | 5:08 p.m. Oct. 6, 2009
I beleive "Unpossible's" coments were pointing out that contrary to comments posted on another story, the church indeed helps others and does work with other religions. He in fact is agreeing with you.
To Unpossible Replies | 5:18 p.m. Oct. 6, 2009
I think that what Unpossible meant is that some others made comments on a previous article stating that Mormons only help Mormons, etc., and this is proof that they were wrong. It was just worded in confusing way.
Anonymous | 5:23 p.m. Oct. 6, 2009
Guys, you need to understand his comment before you attack him. Unpossible was refering to comments on a previous article who stated the Church only helps it own, etc... He was using sarcasm to make a point that those people were ignorant.
Jessie | 5:32 p.m. Oct. 6, 2009
President Monson doesn't need to be defended. He knows how much we love, appreciate, support, and admire him. The L.D.S. Church has responded to this disaster as well as many others; quickly, quietly, and without all of the fanfare. The Somoan people will come back stronger than ever. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints are people of love, charity, faith, and service. We lift where we are planted. God speed.
Goodness of Mormon church | 5:42 p.m. Oct. 6, 2009
How can those who are filled with so much bitterness against the Mormon church ignore the the goodness in their massive welfare program to people around the world? Yes, Mormons, like others, don't always live up to their religion, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Dave from Midvale again | 5:47 p.m. Oct. 6, 2009
TO: "Un"Possible (@4:27PM)

I have lived through the mountain of lies heaped upon the LDS people for year and years. . . and it's getting a OLD.

I am a ward executive secretary in the valley. I seen first hand the long line of NON MEMBERS getting the assistance they need from the Church. I have personally helped many of them.

I'm sure you haven't heard of Mormons with Helping Hands. I was part of the relief effort with Hurricane Charley a few years ago back in Florida. I lived in the Tampa Bay area and got a call, after Charley took a swipe through Florida, and was asked to go south to Port Charlotte to help out.

Before we set out to homes in the area (ANYONES HOME, NOT JUST LDS) a group of about 100 of us removed limbs and brush from around the LDS Chapel there, since it was going to be command center. Down the street there was an independant Baptist church. The minister was by himself trying to clean up. In mass we went down and cleaned it all up. One story amoung many.
joy | 5:49 p.m. Oct. 6, 2009
There you are again Unpossible but only under another blog name. You must wake each morning to check out this site to see what negative comments you could put on today and then chuckle. Sad to say you are only hurting yourself.
You know better so I won't waste my time defending the church because you already know the truth. How would it be to be you? Such a sad person.
Justin | 6:01 p.m. Oct. 6, 2009
This is great. The help is desparately needed.

I just get sick of the LDS Church turning these disasters into PR opportunities!

Jesus said,

"Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward."
Hannah | 6:07 p.m. Oct. 6, 2009
To anyone who might think that the LDS church does nothing to help people of other religions, it's just not true. I live in Georgia, and my husband and brothers-in-law have frequently been called upon to help after disasters here in the south. The past two weekends our church called volunteers to go door-to-door in flooded areas around Atlanta, Georgia. My husband was one of 2,000 LDS volunteers in one area one day, and I don't think he worked in a single LDS home. It was hard, messy, smelly work, pulling out rotting sheet rock and doing whatever else needed doing. He was sore for days afterward. But he was glad he could help. Our ward also made trips to help after Katrina, and I know church members closer to that area who spent even more weekends there, often camping on church grounds but helping people regardless of religion.

Fools Mock... | 6:10 p.m. Oct. 6, 2009
The fact is the Church does a tremendous amount when disaster strikes. I would call upon those who are so vitriol towards the LDS Church to look unto themselves before pointing fingers. We should cast out the beam in our own eye before pointing out the sliver in others...

We as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are constantly being watched. We have a responsibility, not only for our own salvation, but for the continued effort of missionary work, to not be hypocritical in our actions. In other words, we need to DO as we SAY. In order for us to have any success, we have to be examples in our communities and neighborhoods we live in. Our daily interactions need to be representative of the values we hold so dear. Too many act as though no one is watching.

Those who are so critical, I would ask why? Why throw so much hate and anger towards a group of people who struggle everyday just like you? We are all in this together. We should be looking for ways to build each other up rather than to tear down, don't you think?
Clyde | 6:19 p.m. Oct. 6, 2009
Justin, the Church isn't doing this as a PR opportunity. It is simply letting members know where their donations are going. I, for one, am glad to know and enjoyed the story. If the Church didn't disclose where the relief was being sent, you would complain it was being secretive. It is pathetic that you find something to criticize about a relief effort.
shawilli | 7:01 p.m. Oct. 6, 2009
I am most pleased to see that the church is leading out by sending in supplies to those who have been so hard hit by this natural disaster. I am pleased that the church has once again partnered with Islamic Relief to help in the transportation of the relief supplies, what a wonderful thing it is to see true charity in action. The lives of those affected by this disaster will be comforted and will slowly rebuild their lives and will draw comfort and strength from knowing that they are loved and remembered by so many others. The church will be busy helping to rebuild homes and to assist those who have been displaced by this event, member and non member alike will be helped and that is one of the wonderful aspects of LDS welfare. The spiritual and the temporal needs will be met and lives will be impacted and life will slowly return back to normal, all because people helping people, it's called charity or in otherwords - the pure love of Christ.
Anonymous | 7:20 p.m. Oct. 6, 2009
If the aid isn't publicized, then the cries will go out, "The LDS Church never helps others!"

When it is publicized, people say, "It's just for PR!"
CindyEspinoza | 7:22 p.m. Oct. 6, 2009
These kinds of news stories help get the word out about the humanitarian organization of the LDS church. Did you critics stop to think that maybe, just maybe, disaster survivors take comfort knowing that this organization is part of the response? Or that maybe partner organizations learn about the LDS efforts in news stories and then contact them to coordinate with their relief plans? How sad to denigrate the selfless sacrifice of humanitarian relief organizations.
Curious in Cali | 7:52 p.m. Oct. 6, 2009
The Church partnered with Islamic Relief???

What do these two churches have in common?
To Justin | 8:06 p.m. Oct. 6, 2009
The Church just helps, and the media can choose to publicize it or not. Every time the bitter anti- types criticize my church, it makes me want to dig deeper into my pocket and donate even more. So please continue to help motivate me to do my part.
Re: Curious in Cali | 8:37 p.m. Oct. 6, 2009
A desire to help those in need.
njp | 9:07 p.m. Oct. 6, 2009
As a past Relief Society President, I cannot tell you how many non-members we extended help to, but I can tell you that it was many. Often we have helped not only our community with many projects, but we also have sent hundreds of boxes of humanitarian supplies at our own expense as members of this ward to Salt Lake to be distributed. I often wonder where some of these people get their information. It boggles my mind, but it doesn't discourage!!
Futball Maniac | 9:32 p.m. Oct. 6, 2009
"Curious in Cali | 7:52 p.m. Oct. 6, 2009
The Church partnered with Islamic Relief???
What do these two churches have in common?"


1. Why does it matter?
2. They want to help people in need regardless of religion
Bill | 9:42 p.m. Oct. 6, 2009
To those that criticized unpossible please reread what he was saying. As others have posted he was making a comment based on where others criticized the Church for only helping its own and not anyone else. They also were trying to convey that President Monson wants us to do more if we can to be of service to others. The Church never does any of this for PR as some have stated. Now Brad Pitt, Britney Spears, Angelina Jolie and others who do a lot of service, now they do it for PR because it keeps their names out there. However, they also are trying to use their star power to help others, but they also have their reward.
To: Curious in Cali.. | 10:51 p.m. Oct. 6, 2009
What do the two organizations have in common? The same thing the Red Cross and the Red Crecent have in common. The desire to help those affected by disaster.
Islandkween - Samoa | 10:54 p.m. Oct. 6, 2009
Hey Unpossible ... you must be speaking from personal experience ... Sorry you feel that way but you know what? Get over it! What have you done to help people in time of need? Whether you like it or not, the LDS and Islam Relief organizations are responding ASAP! Now that is definitely ACTIONS speaking LOUDER than words! Thank you for sharing your thoughts/opinons but I am much more grateful to the LDS church and Islam Relief org. for what they are sending back to Samoa right now. Wonderful article ... and great photos!!
Cambodian girl | 11:46 p.m. Oct. 6, 2009
Would everyone please settle down? Why is it when anything that is written negative (or perceived negative) about the church that the members feel like they have to rush to the church's defense? Haven't you learned by the example of the leaders not to respond all the time to your critics? The church remains silent on most occasions letting the critics speak for themselves. I have been embarrassed many times by the statements or retorts written by members. No body wants to read a Sunday school lesson on the comment section of an article. Do you honestly thinking you would change anyone's mind or think anyone would care? Maybe I'm wrong but,the Gospel speaks for itself in it's doctrine. It is beautiful and glorious. MOST intelligent people can see through the retoric of those who criticize. As members we need to just settle down and let those who are truly seeking the truth do some research on their own.
Alan | 1:03 a.m. Oct. 7, 2009
People are dead and missing and all many of you can come up with is caustic remarks about the LDS church? Be a part of the soulution and kick this vitriolic drivel and put personal issues aside. A country is in terrible pain. Be grateful for your relative safety and I bet if you ever were in a similar situation, you would care less from who or where the aid came from, you'd be pretty grateful.
unconditional love | 6:40 a.m. Oct. 7, 2009
lets all have unconditional love in a time of hardship, theres a problem lets not add to the fire. Thanks for unconditional love shown from everyone, we are all Gods children no matter our belief. Lets lighten one anothers burden
lost here | 6:42 a.m. Oct. 7, 2009
what is the Mormon church logo? Seriously. UMC has a flame on a cross. Catholicism has a cross. What is the Mormon church logo?

I do not know it.
Anonymous | 7:06 a.m. Oct. 7, 2009
Hey, people! It would help if you all would realize that sarcasm is very seldom successfull in print! People do not have the advantage of the tone of face, the raised eyebrow, the facial expression, etc. Even very gifted writers are often misunderstoondwhen they try to be sarcastic. (Example: Jonathan Swift's "A Modest Proposal"!)

So, don't try to be sarcasticc, cutsie, or "whatever" on these posts. Be straight forward in what you have to say. As Nephi wrote, speak plainly so that you can be understood. But if you persist in trying to be sarcastic, etc., please have the common sense not to become upset if/when people misunderstand!
Donna | 7:18 a.m. Oct. 7, 2009
I believe the logo is the Church's name, with JESUS CHRIST, paramount, in the centre.
Chris | 7:23 a.m. Oct. 7, 2009
To lost here,


Does it really matter? And by the way, everything that is sent from the church bears The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. No need for a logo i think.
To "lost here" | 7:29 a.m. Oct. 7, 2009
I think you're confusing the word "logo" with "icon" or "symbol." Dictionary.com says that a logo is "a graphic representation or symbol of a company name, trademark, abbreviation, etc., often uniquely designed for ready recognition."

The logo of the LDS Church is its name, printed in three lines in a certain serif font in all caps, with "JESUS CHRIST" slightly larger and in the center.
Jon | 8:55 a.m. Oct. 7, 2009
P.S.
God bless Tasi and his family as well as all others effected by these disasters. A thanks to all who donate tithes and fast offerings and humanitarian contributions.
Anonymous | 9:05 a.m. Oct. 7, 2009
Regardless of the many negative comments, my financial contribution will dealt with today. Blessings on all those who are suffering.
Captain Jonathan Beauregard III | 10:15 a.m. Oct. 7, 2009
People are helping people, the rest of the details don't matter.
Big babies | 10:15 a.m. Oct. 7, 2009
Why don't you all quit whinnig!
Typical Anti-Mormon #926c | 11:40 a.m. Oct. 7, 2009
I am an athiest, an agnostic, or a member of a faith that despises Mormons. When I was little, a Mormon kid excluded me or did something else I didn't like. Now I look for opportunities to put Mormons down on forums like this, because it makes the child inside me feel powerful.
Wait a minute | 12:33 p.m. Oct. 7, 2009
I don't believe that all in the Islamic Religion are haters. The radical Islamics are, but I also believe that there are many good people who are Islamic.

Just like there are many good people of all faiths, there are those who choose to be hateful and mean. I agree with one of the other posts that said: We are all in this together. Shouldn't we be building each other up rather than tearing each other down. Or something like that.

Maybe we whould all be thankful that this humanitarian aid wasn't needed at our doorstep and prepare for our turn. After all, we live on a major fault line. Earthquake, not a matter of if but when!

Oh, and maybe it wouldn't hurt to spend as much time praying (however you pray) for those who have lost loved ones and the injured. (The material things can be replaced, but the loved ones can't be replaced.) as we spend on the internet giving totally useless comments that either offend or hurt others.
Herb Gravy | 12:40 p.m. Oct. 7, 2009
My goodness, folks. Please read what "Unpossible" said. It was not confusing at all! He said, "According to MANY PERSONS WHO COMMENTED (caps mine)....". He/she was not stating his (her) opinion, but those of others who had commented on President Monson's talk.

Why take issue with someone who agrees with you? It is easy enough to find someone who doesn't.

"Unpossible", you are the man! (or woman).
JAYEG | 2:11 p.m. Oct. 7, 2009
Re: Alan

You are right...people are dead, and people are missing.

But the mean, hateful, negative and 'caustic' remarks have not been solely limited to "anti's".

Look at how many participants have misinterpreted what 'Unpossible' said?

I find it interesting, and enlightening, how many 'valiant defenders of the faith' resorted to personal attacks against another defender of the faith...simply because they misconstrued what he/she was saying.
JAYEG | 2:17 p.m. Oct. 7, 2009
Regarding Wait a minute @ 12: 33 p.m.

Amen...and amen.
Alapati | 3:49 p.m. Oct. 7, 2009
Dear Mormon lovers and haters,

Please pray for those wonderful people in Samoa, whether they are LMS, LDS, Catholic, Luthern, Methodist or whatever. Mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers died horrific deaths, and their mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers are left to grieve. God bless ALL who are doing so much to help repair the devastations to land and hearts that has taken place.
Get Real | 5:58 p.m. Oct. 7, 2009
To Alapati,

What good would praying do? God knew the tsunami was coming. He may have even created it. A fat lot of good it does to pray for help from the being who either caused it or sat around doing nothing while it happened!

Religious groups exploit disasters like this as free advertizing and they take advantage of disaster victims by trying to convert them. They have hidden agendas. Don't trust them.

I have a better recommendation: Provide help and funding to those NON-RELIGIOUS groups that are sending assistance!

Try These:
The National Emergency Response Team (NERT)
The National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA)
The Northwest Medical Teams International
The Points of Light Foundation
The United States Service Command
The Volunteers in Technical Assistance
The Volunteers of America
The American Red Cross
Big John | 6:16 p.m. Oct. 7, 2009
Why does it take a disaster to bring religions and people together?

God bless Samoa and its people.

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Image

Tasi Toala, left, is comforted by Mike Fuoco after talking briefly to the media about the loss of eight family members in Samoa and a missing sister. Tasi helped with the shipping of 150,000 pounds of relief supplies donated by the LDS Church and Islamic Relief Worldwide. He wrote a note, "My heart goes out to my family" on one of the boxes at the Million Air Cargo terminal waiting to be loaded onto a DC-10 to be flown to Samoa.

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