” . . . church leaders insist that it’s not because membership is a requirement for receiving humanitarian aid (Karen refugees). It isn’t. The church hands out resources with or without LDS baptism to an impoverished refugee population forced to flee its homeland of Burma, now known as Myanmar, to escape a government-back genocide.

It has enlisted the help of five missionary couples and several volunteers with that Karen-speaking branch to ensure those Burmese families don’t go hungry, don’t lose their homes and don’t find themselves without proper clothing when temperatures plunge.

The LDS Church’s humanitarian efforts have raised concerns outside the faith by those who wonder whether refugees — many of whom adhere to the Baptist faith because of the 18th century ministry of Adoniram Judson among the Karen — are converting to Mormonism because of the assistance.

While the LDS Church does give priority to members when handing out work assignments and hours at its humanitarian center, . . . it provides assistance to members and nonmembers alike.”

“Church officials say that as of December, a fund established to help increase access to education for young Mormons has helped more than 40,000 men and women across 42 countries.

The Perpetual Education Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is for members between the ages of 18 and 30. Founded in 2001 by then-church President Gordon B. Hinckley, the fund provides low-interest loans to individuals seeking education or training and a viable job in their local community.

Program director Elder John K. Carmack says that applications to the fund have increased by 50 percent over last year.

The program is funded through donation from church members. It is modeled after a church fund from the late 1800s that assisted Mormon converts emigrating to the U.S.”

“This is a dramatic move and very important message,” said Jan Shipps, an Indiana-based American religion historian who has spent decades studying the LDS Church. “It’s not that Mormons haven’t already been caring for the poor and needy with its humanitarian program. It’s just that this moves it to the top of their priorities, along with proselytizing and temple work.”

As reported in the SLTrib, Dec 10, 2009

“If we could only broaden our concept of “neighbor” to a global scope there might be some home for humanity after all.”

Kopishchke gives an example of Mormon church members making baby caps to send to the country of Jordan, and it does demonstrate the compassion that could potentially be released. But he needed to put an emphasis on the plight of members living in Developing Countries. And stress, in stronger terms, the need to do more.

We need to remember that the percentage of Mormons in Developing Countries is high and growing. We have a responsibility to our Mormon neighbors living in foreign countries and in poverty (both physical and spiritual).

“Church Humanitarian Services further contributed by sending 10 shipping containers of medical equipment and supplies, which were unloaded along the way at each country (visited).”

“”Heavenly Father loves all of His children, said Melissa Elmer, a registered nurse from Highland, Utah, USA. “He will put people in our lives who will touch us, and He allows us to touch others.”"

I wonder if the Mormon Church might buy their own hospital ship?