At the beginning of his address to the regional representatives, President Monson, second counselor in the First Presidency, introduced a new publication, "Providing in the Lord's Way: A Leader's Guide to Welfare." He also introduced a new "Church Welfare Resources" supplement, which contains policy and instructions relating to canneries, welfare farms and other projects and storehouse operations, that will be used in the United States and Canada.

"In these tumultuous times in which we live," President Monson emphasized, "we must pursue anew our learning and our teaching of divinely given welfare principles."As he acquainted regional representatives with the new leader's guide, President Monson cited four scriptural passages, each of which is illustrated in the publication with a reproduction of a masterful painting. First, he referred to John 5:4-8, which tells of the man who was healed at the pool of Bethesda.

He next quoted the Savior's declaration: "For inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." (Matt. 25:40.)

He then related the story of the widow's mite, recorded in Mark 12:41-44, which tells of the widow who "did cast in all that she had, even all her living" into the treasury.

The final scriptural account was that of the rich young man who asked what he must do to inherit eternal life. When he claimed that he already kept the commandments, the Savior told him, " . . . sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me." (Luke 18:18-22.)

Explaining other highlights of the new publication, President Monson read from the guide a definition of a storehouse: "The Lord's storehouse receives, holds in trust, and dispenses consecrated offerings of the Saints. In form and operation, the storehouse is as simple or sophisticated as circumstances require. It may be a list of available services, money in an account, food in a pantry, or commodities in a building. A storehouse is established the moment faithful members give to the bishop of their time, talents, skills, compassion, materials, and financial means in caring for the poor and in building up the kingdom of God on the earth."

President Monson spoke of news headlines, such as a report that the job slump could outlive recession, an announcement that a major corporation plans to cut its work force worldwide, and the report that another company was offering early retirement.

"All of these are significant danger signals. Church welfare initiatives by ward and stake leaders should concentrate on helping people overcome those causes of welfare, which the individual or family can remedy. . . .

"Latter-day Saints have the responsibility to provide for themselves and their families. Individual members, however, may find it necessary to receive assistance beyond that which the family can provide, in which case they may turn to the Church for help. Where possible they should work in return for the assistance which they receive."

President Monson told the regional representatives as they learn and teach the welfare principles found in the scriptures and reproduced in the new publications:

"Let's not be surprised if there echoes in our ears, those words of our Lord and Savior, `Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, my brethren, ye have done it unto me.' "