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Dear Sisters and Brothers,
All through the last week, you donated coats and other items for the annual Winter Clothing Drive. On Friday, an army of volunteers sorted, organized, and neatly folded or hung, the more than 2000 donated items in preparation for Saturday’s community event.
An hour before the event began, Saturday, there was already a line of neighbors waiting outside the Stake Center. When the doors opened, each entered hoping to find the things they or their children needed to protect them against the cold temperatures.
And they did find that.
But even more importantly, they were greeted with a kind smile by volunteers and members of the Community Connections Committee, who helped them find just the right item in just the right size!
In spite of differences in culture, language, or beliefs, the universal message of a kind smile spoke volumes…
“Welcome, my sister or my brother.”
“We are all children of God”.
“How can I help you?”
Coincidentally, or not, just the day before the event, I happened to notice an article and video about the church’s recent outreach efforts to the followers of Islam on the church web page. When I read the article, I did not realize our Winter Clothing Drive, the following day, would be a tangible example of this outreach in action.
And yet it was!
A large number of those who attended and received your donations were Muslim sisters and brothers.
I have always felt there was alignment between your wonderful service efforts in the community and the direction we are receiving from our general leaders, but Saturday’s event seemed to perfectly epitomize the three-word message of the gospel of Jesus Christ… Love, Share, Invite!
Saturday’s event once again reminded me of the Savior’s admonition,
”...Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” (Matt 25:40)
Joseph Smith described the results of our charitable efforts when led by the Spirit. He said,
“By union of feelings, we obtain power with God.”
Thank you to all who participated in any way. It is an absolute delight for me to be associated with a group of people who are serving neighbors and building a Zion community. Every sincere offering we make is patterned after the infinite sacrifice of our Savior…freely given in love. So, while there were many smiles in the Stake Center on Saturday, I have the feeling there were many more beyond the veil.
May we each “obtain power with God” in our personal lives, as we work together to follow the Savior’s example.
All my love,
President Gardner
P.S. The next time you go to the temple...don’t forget to snap a photo and send it to me…:) It is not too late.
jeffgardner10@gmail.com
801-783-6381
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