Elder James E. Faust expressed gratitude for the "reaffirmation of the course of welfare in a worldwide Church" detailed in the new lead ers' guide, "Providing in the Lord's Way," and presented by President Thomas S. Monson during the Regional Representatives Seminar.
Elder Faust of the Council of the Twelve is a member of the Church Welfare Services Executive Committee. He was joined by Presiding Bishop Robert D. Hales and Sister Elaine L. Jack, Relief Society general president, in reviewing the contents of the guide and its supplement, "Church Welfare Resources," which will be used in the United States and Canada.Elder Faust reiterated the definition of the Lord's storehouse in the guide: "The Lord's storehouse receives, holds in trust and dispenses consecrated offerings of the saints."
"The Lord's storehouse includes the time, talents, skills, compassion, consecrated materials and financial means of faithful Church members," he explained. "These resources are available to the bishop in assisting those in need."
Bishop Hales said seeking out the poor and needy and administering to their relief is "essential for the salvation of each member of the Church."
"Who are the poor among us?" he asked. "The poor among us are those who are in need of physical, mental, emotional or spiritual care. We are all poor, and during various periods of our life we are in need of help."
Sister Jack outlined six things Relief Society leaders should do to attend to the "welfare of souls": develop a partnership with local priesthood leaders; contribute to ward and stake welfare meetings in meaningful ways; fulfill assignments as members of the ward welfare committee; use the Relief Society program to assist in welfare responsibilities; study, know and apply welfare principles and guidelines; minister charitably.
