Mormon Gem - Fast Offerings

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"The concept of fast offerings appears as early as the time of Isaiah when, speaking of the true fast, he encouraged people to fast and 'to deal thy bread to the hungry, and . . . bring the poor that are cast out to thy house' (Isaiah 58:7). The Prophet Joseph instituted the practice of collecting fast offerings for the poor in Kirtland, Ohio; and later at Nauvoo, Illinois, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles sent a general letter to the Church defining 'the principle of fasts,' stating: 'Let this be an ensample to all saints, and there will never be any lack for bread: When the poor are starving, let those who have, fast one day and give what they otherwise would have eaten to the bishops for the poor, and every one will abound for a long time; and this is one great and important principle of fasts approved of the Lord. And so long as the saints will all live to this principle with glad hearts and cheerful countenances they will always have an abundance' (History of the Church, 7:413)."

Thomas S. Monson, "Be Thou an Example," Ensign, Nov. 1996, 45--46

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'to deal thy bread to the hungry, and . . . bring the poor that are cast out to thy house' (Isaiah 58:7)

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In the book of Matthew in the Bible, we have another account of gratitude, this time as an expression from the Savior. As He traveled in the wilderness for three days, more than 4,000 people followed and traveled with Him.

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Either scenario is a possibility as the needs are assessed for both the local church population as well as the missionaries, most of whom are expatriate Americans. Missionaries were part of relief efforts in Haiti following the earthquake there 14 months ago and took on humanitarian aid roles following Hurricane Katrina in 2008 and the tsunami originating in the Indian Ocean in 2007.

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Dinner in the Hampton dining room at Scripps College at 6 p.m. will be provided for all who register by March 11.

Elder Wickman will deliver the keynote address at 8 p.m. following the dinner.

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We have experienced many times the intense inquiry and attention that comes when a member, or members, of the faith are the focus of public attention. Such attention is in some ways simply a result of Church growth. With more than six million members in the United States, many of our members are now in public life. We welcome and encourage questions about our faith, but we will respect the bright line between talking about the Church and talking about candidates for public office.