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Show LDS Church Leaders Offer a Program to Alleviate Suffering SALT LAKE CITY - A seven -point program to alleviate hunger and suffering has been emphasized by the First Presidency of the LDS Church in a holiday statement. The statement, signed by Church Preidsent Spencer W. Kimball and his two counselors President N. Eldon Tanner and President Marion G. Romney, will be read to the 3.3 million members of the Church in worship services throughout the world. The First Presidency said in the statement: "In this holiday season we urge members of the Church everywhere to contemplate the words of theSavior: " 'Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.' (Matthew 25: 40) Much Suffering "There continues to be much hungering and suffering generally in the world. In the months ahead there could be more. "We therefore suggest that you be even more mindful of the needy in your area as well as throughout the world. Specifically we suggest that you and your family observe more diligently these teachings of the Church: "1. Fully observe the monthly 'Fast Day.' Generally this means to abstain from food and drink for at least two meals and to contribute the cost of the food thus saved, or more, to the bishop or branch president for the benefit of the needy. "2. Maintain a year's supply of food for your family. Use prudence and seek reliable information on what and how to store, and observe local laws and ordinances in storage procedures. "3. Conserve energy. We reaffirm our suggestion to LDS Church members a year ago to join car pools, observe prescribed speed limits, lower thermostates where feasible, and eliminate unnecessary consumption of electricity or fuel. "4. Do not waste food. While millions in the world hunger, other millions eat too much and otherwise waste food. Teach your children to use food frugally. "5. Strive for greater productivity in your employment. Give more than your employer requires. The Lord said to Adam, 'By the sweat of thy face shall thou eat bread, until thou shalt return unto the ground' (Moses 4:25) and the same applies to all of Adam's descendants. It is a blessing that we are required to work, and we should do it willingly and without complaint. "6. Guard your health. Get adequate exercise and rest. Observe the Word of Wisdom. Eat wisely. Avoid excesses. Teach your chldren good health habits. "7. Strengthen your family. Observe daily family prayers and the weekly family home evening and rriake an effort to see that family members keep all the commandments. "These are times to remember, perhaps more than ever before, that inner strength, happiness, and peace come through keeping the commandments of Him whom we honor at Christmas time." Fast Day; cited in item 1 by the First Presidency, is observed worldwide by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, generally on the first Sunday of each month. It was instituted shortly after the Church was organized in 1830. Money contributed as a Fast Day offering is administered by local Church leaders for the benefit of the needy. None of the contributed money is drained off for administrative costs. The Word of Wisdom (item 6) is a law of health observed by Mormons since it was promulgated as a divine revelation by Joseph Smith, the Church's first president, on February 27, 1833. Its affirmative provisions give directions for the prudent use of meat and grain by both man and animals. Other, more familiar, . provisions of the Word of Wisdom are commands to abstain from use of tobacco, liquor, tea, and coffee. I |