If you had $10 . . . what would you do?

If you had an extra $10 a month . . .

What would you do?
Go to lunch with a friend, pay someone to wash your car, buy dessert for the weekend BBQ,  buy popcorn and drinks at the movie house . . .

We all do that every day, don't we?

But here's an idea for you . . .


Warning:
The following is going to hurt your heart.

Yes, that's right . . .

you better stop right here if you aren't prepared for a little heartache.


Watching the following video just about destroys me  . . .  I can barely make it through without just breaking down into a puddle . . .

Take a minute and take a look . . .




Our Beloved Children from Liahona Children's Foundation on Vimeo.

(These are my photos and do not represent the Church, or the Liahona Children's foundation in any way . . . but my own personal photos I've collected along the way here in Honduras)

My Thoughts for Missionary Families and Others . . .

Many many members of the Church have served missions in developing countries of the world.  Many families have members now serving in developing counties.  Many many families hear about the heartache, the challenges of these members of the Church, and others,  through the reports of their missionaries.  Many wonder what they could possibly do to help when they are so far away . . . .

Well,  I have some information for you -





Malnutrition is a serious problem throughout the developing world.  It literally stares us in the face daily in our missionary work here in Honduras.  And it pulls at my heart strings daily.  Many severely malnourished children suffer lifelong cognitive and physical defects, leading to increased levels of poverty and decreased potential earning power.  Which in turn become a vicious cycle in the next generations.

Because of the success of the Church's (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) missionary program in bringing many people into the gospel in developing countries, it is not unusual to find severely malnourished children among the Latter-day Saints in these countries.  Honduras certainly being one of the most humble countries that is an example of malnourishment amongst it's very youngest members of the Church.





Someone Should do Something Right?

The Liahona Childrens' Foundation was created about six years ago to address malnutrition among Latter-day Saint children worldwide.  It is a federally recognized 501 (c) 3, non-profit organization, independent of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Although it is administered by faithful Latter-day Saint members, and is funded by members of the Church in the United States and other countries.

Malnutrition is a hidden condition and not easily detected, but through weights and measures based on Standard Growth charts set by the World Health Organization, the Foundations volunteer screeners can accurately identify children in need of nourishment assistance.  Re-screenings later on show that the children receiving the supplements show significant progress in a short amount of time.

Branches, wards and Stakes all over the world are currently in need of supplemental health to provide nourishment to severely malnourished children in their units.  The cost of preventing such cognitive and physical problems related to malnutrition is surprisingly reasonable . . . less than $100 a year to provide the supplemental nutrients needed to feed the brain and body during this critical period of growth and development.





The incredible returns . . .
from such a minimal investment are amazing.  You can see in the video the hope, and peace and joy that these families experience at the physical assistance for their little ones, but in turn they have the opportunity to become healthy, contributing members of the Church in their areas, branches, wards and stakes, contributing many times over the initial amount needed to provide such nourishment.

I am only suggesting . . .
that if you are searching for means to make a difference in the life of many of the members of the Church throughout the wide wide world . . . you consider taking a look at this organization and see if it is something that you can support.

I can share my own thoughts with you with every bit of energy that I possess, that the situations you see in this video, and the other videos available on their website occur everyday of the week in many homes and families throughout the world, and certainly it is widespread throughout Honduras where we are serving.

The Liahona Children's Foundation is beginning screenings this week in Honduras,  to begin to supplement and help children and families, members of the Church and their friends.  Their mission is to nourish the potential of children to lead healthy and productive lives.

Also - You can read more at this magazine article linked below:

Addressing Malnutrition in the Modern Church, the Work of the Liahona Children's Foundation.

www.liahonachildren.org

It is so easy to donate. (click here!) You can make a single contribution, you can make an ongoing contribution. You can write a check, pay with paypal, use a credit card. If you feel this is an organization you can support, why not take just a moment and make a contribution.  Truly . . . it's easy and only takes moment.