Earthquake and tragedy in Japan

                                      Why does God allow evil and suffering to occur? 

                                        
  
   This is a question that is going through peoples minds with the recent disaster in Japan.  Does this question have an answer though.  Through the scriptures we learn of several of the answers to this question. 

   First off we read in 2 Nephi 2 in the Book of Mormon "For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so...righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad."(2 Ne. 2:11)  There will always be opposition, on a personal level and on a larger level.  This is how we grow, we each have experiences that test our faith.  They are there so we can become stonger and better, and ultimately closer to our Father in Heaven.   

                                                                 
        
         There is another verse in the Book of Mormon in Alma 62:41 that says "But behold, because of the exceedingly great length of the war between the Nephites and the Lamanites many had become hardened, because of the exceedingly great length of the war; and many were softened because of their afflictions, insomuch that they did humble themselves before God, even in the depth of humility."  It is interesting that each of these people went through the same trials, and they were big trials.  Some chose to harden their hearts and some chose to soften and humble their hearts.  When we are faced with trial and opposition, which do we do?

    "Nevertheless the Lord seeth fit to chasten his people; yea, he trieth their patience and their faith.

 Nevertheless—whosoever putteth his trust in him the same shall be lifted up at the last day. Yea, and thus it was with this people." (Mosiah 23:21-22)   I know that this is true, each and everyone of us has our own trials and tests of faith.  Disasters and tragedies happen but if we put our trust in God, we will be lifted up at the last day.  May we all be humble and have faith and trust in Lord.

Humanitarian Services

   With the recent happenings in Japan, with the earthquake there, I have decided to write a post today about the humanitarian efforts of the church.        


                                                             


    The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints provides relief and development projects for humanitarian purposes in countries all over the world. Projects operate without regard to the nationality or religion of the recipients. Humanitarian service may include emergency response to natural disasters, such as an earthquake or a tsunami, or man-made disasters, such as the effects of war and famine.   Within hours of a disaster, the Church works with local government officials to determine what supplies and food are needed. Materials are then immediately sent to the area.  After urgent needs are met, the Church looks for additional ways to help with the long-term needs of the community.  


         Donations, principally from Church members but also from people around the world, are used to make relief projects possible. One hundred percent of the donations given to the Church’s humanitarian services are used for relief efforts. The Church absorbs its own overhead costs.   The Church  provided immediate  assistance in December 2004 to the tsunami-hit areas of Indonesia, Thailand and Sri Lanka. The Church sent food and emergency supplies from the United States to the devastated areas.  In some areas, Church leaders, missionaries and Church members have worked to help individuals return to their livelihoods. Fishermen, farmers and weavers have been given the necessary tools that allow them to work and provide for themselves, their families and their communities.

     I am so grateful to be a member of this church, I know that as we serve others we are only serving our God.  May we all help out in whatever way we can to assist those who stand in need of our help.