|
|
Caring for the Poor and Needy
Lord's Storehouse
The Lord’s storehouse receives, holds in trust, and dispenses consecrated offerings of the Saints. In form and operation, the storehouse is as simple or sophisticated as circumstances require. It may be a list of available services, money in an account, food in a pantry, or commodities in a building. A storehouse is established the moment faithful members give to the bishop of their time, talents, skills, compassion, materials, and financial means in caring for the poor and in building up the kingdom of God on the earth.
The Lord’s storehouse, therefore, exists in each ward. The bishop is the agent of the Lord’s storehouse. Guided by the inspiration of the Lord, he distributes the Saints’ offerings to the poor and needy. As the bishop administers the resources of the Lord’s storehouse to help the poor and needy, he ensures that organized Church welfare assistance does not replace personal, compassionate caring of individuals one for another.
"The Lord’s Storehouse includes the time, talents, skills, compassion, consecrated material, and financial means of faithful Church members. These resources are available to the bishop in assisting those in need" (Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, Sept. 1986, 5).
|
|
|
|
