Saturday, October 11

By Kendra Friend of Independence, Missouri, USA

God, the Eternal Creator, weeps for the poor, displaced, mistreated, and diseased of the world because of their unnecessary suffering. Such conditions are God’s will. Open your ears to hear the pleading of mothers and fathers in all nations who desperately seek a future of hope for their children. Do not turn away from them. For in their welfare resides your welfare.

—Doctrine and Covenants 163:4a

Our prayers are still with the people in Central America, where several days of torrential rains in October 2011 led to flooding and mudslides. We lost lives, crops, homes, and infrastructure. The storm is still affecting the community.

Apostle Carlos Enrique Mejia reported: “The country that has suffered the most damage is El Salvador where, according to official figures, 1,300 millimeters of rain fell in seven days. This is equal to three times what falls during a typical winter month, and is double what fell during Hurricane Mitch in 1998!”

Said Gonzalo Mejia, president of the Central America Mission Center: “It was devastating to see several families lose everything and other families remove mud from inside their homes.”

A team provided basic needs and mattresses and prepared 100 care packages. Your contributions to the Abolish Poverty, End Suffering Mission Initiative helped support a $10,000 relief grant to one of the hardest-hit areas. Thank you for your generous response.

Prayer for Peace God who hears our cries above the storms, thank you for the community’s response to those who suffer. Keep us vigilant that we may be aware of poverty and need. As we share our funds, may we also share Christ’s peace.

Spiritual Practice: Generous Offerings Spend time meditating on the act of giving an offering. Begin by asking God for the spirit of generosity. Pray and reflect with these questions: How do I feel when I bring my offering to a worship setting and share it? What deep reasons motivate me to give? What is my best understanding of A Disciple’s Generous Response? Considering my financial circumstances, do I feel I am giving to my true capacity? In other words, am I giving the amount I am capable of giving without risking the needs and well-being of my family? Is God asking me to be more generous? How will I respond?

Peace Covenant Today, God, I will listen for the voice of Christ leading me to lost lambs.