Philadelphia is the cradle of liberty, the birthplace of a government "of the people, by the people and for the people." It also is a city with an ever-changing skyline and, like many large urban areas, inner-city challenges such as poverty, unemployment, broken homes and drug abuse.

Recently, inner-city welfare initiatives have been undertaken by local Church units in Philadelphia and other sizable cities.Under the direction of the First Presidency and Council of the Twelve, inner-city mission districts have been formed in Philadelphia, Atlanta and New York to help bring the spiritual and temporal blessings of the gospel to those in need. In other areas such as Chicago, Washington D.C. and Newark, N.J., inner-city wards and branches function for the same purposes as part of established stakes.

In each area, efforts are being focused on job preparation; employment placement; language skills for immigrants; basic self-reliance skills such as time management and budgeting; and educational tutoring for children, youth and adults; along with sharing the truths of the gospel to those interested in hearing them.

Church units in these cities also address challenges such as solving transportation needs, finding reliable day-care facilities and assisting with finding suitable housing.

In Philadelphia, priesthood leaders made the decision to form in June 1991 the Philadelphia Pennsylvania Metro District, under the jurisdiction of the Pennsylvania Philadelphia Mission. It originally included seven branches in the inner-city neighborhoods, allowing inner-city residents - many who lack private transportation - to attend meetings and experience the blessings of the gospel in their lives. Since that time, five additional branches have been established in the district.

As inner-city initiatives have gotten under way, mission Pres. Jay A. Ferrell and Pres. Richard H. Morley, who succeeded Pres. Ferrell in early July, have met with leaders in the inner-city community to coordinate efforts. District Pres. Luis A. Sopena and other local leaders have been involved in these meetings, as well.

"Every other week we invite community leaders to meet with priesthood and Relief Society leaders to review projects and coordinate our efforts," explained Pres. Sopena. "The community leaders take five or 10 minutes to go over projects they would like us to participate in, such as cleaning up a park. This has helped both the Church and the community in ways that are unbelievable."

One such community leader is Horace Small, director of the Philadelphia Anti-Drug and Anti-Violence Network.

"I think The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was not something that was very well known to people in Philadelphia," he said. "But it's now probably the fastest growing denomination in the city. From where I sit, I'm hard-pressed to think of anyone else that has done more in the war on drugs and violence than the LDS Church.

"The Church has opened its facilities to the community and done a tremendous job working with the homeless. The missionaries help a lot with programs for latchkey children. They are amazing. You see these young men working in neighborhoods where the police won't go.

"People who come into contact with the Church find friendship, they find camaraderie, they find hope. When things need to happen, we get straight answers and things get done. This church has come down here and turned heads. It has made a difference in the lives of hundreds of people."

Pres. Sopena said that the infusion of gospel principles into the lives of inner-city residents is inspiring to see.

"We are doing very well," Pres. Sopena said. "People who have been members only a year or so are now serving as priesthood leaders. The impact has been primarily on the Black, Asian and Latino populations."

Two missionaries laboring in the Metro district are Elder Clyde and Sister Marie Brown, a full-time missionary couple currently living in the heart of Philadelphia.

"As we teach people the gospel of Jesus Christ, as they become converted and live its teachings, and as the full program of the Church is slowly assimilated, people's lives improve spiritually and temporally," explained Elder Brown. "As they remain faithful, children are blessed and they, in turn, pass those blessings on to their children. Cycles of poverty, illiteracy and other problems can be broken. It's wonderful to see the changes that come into people's lives."

The Browns' full-time assignment is working with those who are unemployed.

Branches meet in rented buildings until there is sufficient growth to consider construction of meetinghouses. Between 60 and 70 missionaries are kept working within the city, not only proselyting but also providing service in a number of welfare-related areas. A key concept is having young elders act as wholesome role models to youth so the young people can see that drugs and crime are not the way to go.

"Today, those branches are growing as faithful missionaries energetically take the gospel to residents in their own languages (English, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Portuguese, Spanish)," Elder Brown noted. "In addition to receiving the blessings of the gospel, some needy members are helped to overcome their financial difficulties through a variety of means. An LDS Employment Services office was recently established to serve the inner-city branches and non-member residents as well. Not only is it to help those who need employment, but also to help upgrade skills of those needing better employment. There is a lot of emphasis being given to this program."

Local leaders noted that the problems faced by inner-city members and non-members can basically be summarized into five categories:

1. Drugs and related crimes. These problems have created a climate of fear and security consciousness. Some people isolate themselves from the outside world due to these concerns.

2. Poverty. Many residents struggle to pay basic bills including rent, electricity and heat, and to have enough food for their children. Few have automobiles due to the expenses involved.

3. Illiteracy. Some have failed to stay in school and have difficulty getting good jobs. Being unable to read also hinders scripture study and full participation in Church meetings.

4. Uncertain value systems, with little positive reinforcement and few positive role models. Many come from broken homes. Single-parent homes are commonplace.

5. Continuation of government welfare traditions in families. Welfare children grow up and have children who promulgate the cycle of poverty. The work ethic is sometimes lacking, and often people feel trapped in and by their impoverished conditions.

To battle these challenges, missionaries and members are teaming up to carry out a host of initiatives under the direction of priesthood leaders:

1. Missionaries are teaching the gospel to all who will listen. A recent lengthy feature article with photographs in the Philadelphia Inquirer detailed missionary efforts in the inner-city, explaining proselyting efforts and also mentioning the other types of service that missionaries render, as well.

2. Inner-city, Church-sponsored Scout units are open to members and non-members alike, providing the positive benefits of Scouting to boys and young men.

3. A district family history center and employment center have been established, providing assistance in family history research and upgrading employment skills.

4. Church leaders meet regularly with community leaders to coordinate efforts, building bridges of good will in the process.

5. Missionaries assist as volunteers in a variety of programs, including a latchkey program for children of working parents, children who otherwise have no place to spend time besides on the streets; providing assistance at recreation centers, where missionaries help with homework and activities and provide positive role models to children; literacy training; language training; clean-up campaigns in cooperation with local residents; volunteer work at the Holsey Soup Kitchen; and helping at homeless shelters.

For the Browns, who will be released in late August and return to their home in Tacoma, Wash., serving in the heart of Philadelphia has touched their hearts.

"It's been a very enlightening, but a very rewarding experience," reflected Sister Brown. "We wouldn't have missed it for anything and have no regrets about the time we have spent here. We're grateful we came to help spread the gospel. We will leave with mixed feelings; our lives will never be the same." - Mike Cannon