Study Guide for "Helping the Poor and Distressed"

In his talk "Helping the Poor and Distressed", President Dallin H. Oaks discusses the importance of service, particularly in assisting those in need. He highlights the efforts of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as other organizations and individuals worldwide. President Oaks emphasizes the principle of free will in doing good and the power of cooperation in serving humanity.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

What is the role of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in helping the poor and distressed?
How does President Oaks view the efforts of other organizations and individuals in serving the needy?
What is the significance of free will in doing good according to President Oaks?
How does President Oaks describe the Church's collaboration with other humanitarian organizations?
What examples does President Oaks give of individuals and organizations serving humanity?

Topics

Understanding the Church's Role in Humanitarian Work

President Oaks highlights the significant contributions of the Church to humanitarian work, both in terms of financial aid and volunteer hours. He also mentions the personal services given by Church members in their individual capacities.

Our 2021 expenditures for those in need in 188 countries worldwide totaled $906 million—almost a billion dollars. In addition, our members volunteered over 6 million hours of labor in the same cause.

They do not include the personal services our members give individually as they minister to one another in called positions and voluntary member-to-member service.

What is the extent of the Church's humanitarian work as mentioned by President Oaks?
How do Church members contribute to humanitarian efforts individually?
How can you contribute to the Church's humanitarian efforts in your own capacity?
Can you recall a time when you participated in a service project? How did that experience impact you?

Appreciating the Service of Other Organizations and Individuals

President Oaks underscores the importance of recognizing and appreciating the humanitarian efforts of other organizations and individuals. He shares examples of various people and groups who have made significant contributions to helping those in need.

Despite all that our Church does directly, most humanitarian service to the children of God worldwide is carried out by persons and organizations having no formal connection with our Church.

God is using more than one people for the accomplishment of his great and marvelous work. … It is too vast, too arduous, for any one people.

Why does President Oaks emphasize the importance of recognizing the service of other organizations and individuals?
What examples does President Oaks give of other organizations and individuals serving humanity?
How can you show appreciation for the service of other organizations and individuals?
How can you collaborate with or support other organizations in their humanitarian efforts?

Emphasizing the Principle of Free Will in Doing Good

President Oaks discusses the principle of free will in doing good, emphasizing that individuals should be "anxiously engaged in a good cause" and act of their own accord to bring about righteousness.

Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;

For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward.

How does President Oaks interpret the principle of free will in doing good?
What does it mean to be "anxiously engaged in a good cause"?
How can you apply the principle of free will in doing good in your life?
What good cause are you currently engaged in or would like to be involved in?

Recognizing the Power of Cooperation in Serving Humanity

President Oaks talks about the power of cooperation in serving humanity, citing the Church's collaborations with other organizations like the United Nations World Food Programme, Red Cross and Red Crescent agencies, and Catholic Relief Services, among others.

The Church of Jesus Christ is committed to serving those in need, and it is also committed to cooperating with others in that effort.

We recently made a large gift to the United Nations World Food Programme. Over the many decades of our humanitarian work, two organizations stand out as key collaborators: projects with the Red Cross and Red Crescent agencies in dozens of countries have provided the children of God crucial relief during natural disasters and conflicts. Likewise, we have a long record of assistance with Catholic Relief Services.

Why does President Oaks consider cooperation important in serving humanity?
What examples does President Oaks give of the Church's collaborations with other organizations?
How can you foster cooperation in your service efforts?
What opportunities do you see for collaboration in your local community or organization to serve those in need?

Following the Example of Jesus Christ in Helping the Poor and Distressed

President Oaks concludes by testifying of Jesus Christ and urging everyone to follow His example in helping the poor and distressed. He cites a verse from the Book of Mormon that describes the righteousness of a people who did not turn away anyone in need.

I testify of Jesus Christ, whose light and Spirit guide all of the children of God in helping the poor and distressed throughout the world.

And thus, in their prosperous circumstances, they did not send away any who were naked, or that were hungry, or that were athirst, or that were sick, … and they … were liberal to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, whether out of the church or in the church.

How does President Oaks connect the act of helping the poor and distressed with following the example of Jesus Christ?
What does the Book of Mormon verse cited by President Oaks teach about serving those in need?
How can you follow the example of Jesus Christ in helping the poor and distressed?
Reflect on a time when you were able to serve someone in need. How did that experience bring you closer to the Savior?