Through its inspired welfare program, the Church and its members strive to emulate the Savior's example "as we seek to relieve suffering and foster self-reliance," Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin explained Sunday afternoon.

Elder Wirthlin of the Quorum of the Twelve said the Church's welfare program is well known throughout the world. "People from all walks of life travel to Church headquarters to see firsthand how the Church cares for the poor and needy without creating dependence on the part of those who receive or bitterness on the part of those who give."

Citing the "ever-increasing needs of an expanding Church," he said that in North America today, there are 80 Church farms, 80 cannery facilities, more than 100 bishops' storehouses to assist more than 10,000 bishops and branch presidents and 50 Deseret Industries operations. Worldwide, he added, 160 employment centers help more than 78,000 people find jobs each year, and 65 LDS Social Services offices help member couples adopt children and provide counseling to those in need.

Elder Wirthlin explained, "The temporal and the spiritual are linked inseparably. As we give of our time, talents and resources to tend the needs of the sick, offer food to the hungry and teach the dependent to stand on their own, we enrich ourselves spiritually beyond our ability to comprehend."

He said the Church does not limit relief efforts to its members. "In a little over a decade, the Church has shipped more than 27,000 tons of clothing, 16,000 tons of food, and 3,000 tons of medical and educational supplies and equipment to relieve the suffering of millions of God's children in 146 countries in many parts of the world. We do not ask, 'Are you members of our Church?' We ask only, 'Do you suffer?' "

Elder Wirthlin said that in addition to helping others, families and individual members should review their own level of self-reliance. He urged them to ask: "Are we wise stewards of our money? Do we spend less than we earn? Do we avoid unnecessary debt? Do we follow the counsel of the Brethren to 'store sufficient food, clothing, and, where possible, fuel for at least one year?' Do we teach our children to value and not waste what they have? Do we teach them to work? Do they understand the importance of the sacred law of tithing? Do we have sufficient education and adequate employment? Do we maintain good health by living the Word of Wisdom? Are we free from the adverse effects of harmful substances?

"If, in honesty, we answer 'no' to any of these questions, we may wish to improve our self-reliance plan."

He said prophets have provided fundamental guides to members, which include avoiding covetousness, working and avoiding idleness, getting all the education one can and contributing a generous fast offering.

"When the welfare program emerged from its humble beginnings in the midst of the Great Depression, few imagined that, 60 years later, it would have blossomed and flourished to the point where it blesses literally millions of the world's needy."