Inspired program: Welfare plan of God
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At the end of an address featured in a Church DVD and pamphlet on self-reliance, President Thomas S. Monson issues a clarion call:
"To all within the sound of my voice I declare that the welfare plan of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is inspired of Almighty God. Indeed, the Lord Jesus Christ is its architect. He beckons to you and to me, 'Behold, I stand at the door, and knock; if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him' (Revelation 3:20).
"May we hear His voice, may we open to His presence the doorways of our hearts and may He be our constant companion as we strive to serve His children."
President Monson's address, titled "The Way of the Lord" and included in the "Basic Principles of Welfare and Self-Reliance" DVD and pamphlet, concerns a subject dear to his heart — the welfare program of the Church. Elder Robert D. Hales of the Twelve, Presiding Bishop H. David Burton, and Sister Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president, also presented messages in the DVD.
"One might ask, concerning those who assist in the welfare program, 'What prompts such devotion on the part of every worker?'" said President Monson. "The answer can be stated simply: An individual testimony of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, even a heartfelt desire to love the Lord with all one's heart, mind, and soul, and one's neighbor as oneself."
President Monson said that is what motivated a personal friend who was in the produce business to call and offer a semitruck and trailer filled with citrus fruits for those who would otherwise go without. He asked then-Bishop Monson not to tell who sent the food.
"Rarely have I seen the joy and appreciation this generous act brought forth. Never have I questioned the eternal reward to which that unnamed benefactor has now gone.
"Such kind deeds of generosity are not a rarity but are frequently found."
One such example is of an elderly single man named Louis, who, due to a crippling disease, had never known a day without pain nor many days without loneliness, said President Monson.
"I entered his well-kept home; the temperature in save but one room, the kitchen, was a chilly 40 degrees. The reason: not sufficient money to heat any other room. The walls needed papering, the ceiling to be lowered, the cupboards to be filed.
"I was troubled by the experience of visiting my friend. A bishop was consulted, and a miracle of love, prompted by testimony, took place. The ward members were organized, the labor of love begun."
Louis called President Monson and told him to come see what had happened to him. "I did and indeed beheld a miracle."
The sidewalks had been replaced, the porch rebuilt, a new door installed, the walls papered, the roof replaced, and the cupboards filled.
"All who participated in this moving drama of real life had discovered a new and personal appreciation of the Master's teaching, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive'?" (Acts 20:35).
