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strength put forth, the little study as to the best methods, call loudly
for reform.—
The Ministry of Healing, 193
.
Even the poorest can improve their surroundings by rising early
and working diligently.... It is by diligent labor, by putting to the
wisest use every capability, by learning to waste no time, that they will
become successful in improving their premises and cultivating their
land.—
Testimonies for the Church 6:188, 189
.
Establishment of Industries—Attention should be given to the
establishment of various industries so that poor families can find em-
ployment. Carpenters, blacksmiths, and indeed everyone who under-
stands some line of useful labor should feel a responsibility to teach
and help the ignorant and the unemployed.
In ministry to the poor there is a wide field of service for women as
well as for men. The efficient cook, the housekeeper, the seamstress,
the nurse—the help of all is needed....
Missionary families are needed to settle in the waste places. Let
farmers, financiers, builders, and those who are skilled in various
arts and crafts go to neglected fields to improve the land, to establish
industries, to prepare humble homes for themselves, and to help their
neighbors.—
The Ministry of Healing, 194
.
Help Men to Help Themselves—By instruction in practical lines
we can often help the poor most effectively. As a rule those who have
not been trained to work do not have habits of industry, perseverance,
[199]
economy, and self-denial. They do not know how to manage. Often
through lack of carefulness and right judgment there is wasted that
which would maintain their families in decency and comfort if it were
carefully and economically used. “Much food is in the tillage of the
poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment.”
We may give to the poor, and harm them, by teaching them to be
dependent....
Real charity helps men to help themselves.... True beneficence
means more than mere gifts. It means a genuine interest in the welfare
of others. We should seek to understand the needs of the poor and
distressed, and to give them the help that will benefit them most. To
give thought and time and personal effort costs far more than merely
to give money. But it is the truest charity.—
The Ministry of Healing,
194, 195
.