Lesson for April 24, 2016

Lesson for April 24, 2016 Today our lesson was given by Kristine Hansen about talks from the April Conference this year from the women’s conference, oh Sister Burton’s talk, President Eyring’s talk, and Brother Kearon’s talk. Our own people have been refugees and the people of Quincy, Illinois welcomed them. The Savior was a refugee as a baby. Elder Kieron said it is estimated that there are 60 million refugees in the world today and half are children. They’ve overwhelmed many communities. It is overwhelming to us to know what to do to help them. Many of them are well educated and had to leave all they had. Some of these people will be established and will become leaders where they live. In the past, when Brigham Young heard there were people out on the plains suffering, he stopped conference and sent people to rescue those people. The women stripped off petticoats and stockings and sent them to the sufferers. They then prepared food and places for them and set up means to help their hurts. People said they took pleasure in helping people who were suffering. Kristine gave out handouts to help us see what had been said by our Church leaders about helping refugees. One talk said we may contribute to the Church humanitarian fund and invite us to do such projects. President Eyring said we will be guided by love of God that helps us love others, and knowledge of what to do, and a desire to be closer to the Savior. The Lord feels the comfort we give to others as if given to Him. Sister Burton said we should contribute to the “I Was a Stranger.” We should do what we have strength to do. See that all these things do not make us run faster than we have strength. There are about 60,000 refugees in Utah alone. There is going to be a world refugee day on June 4, 2016 at Liberty Park. Think globally—act locally. Sister Burton said she knew of a Relief Society president who organized a quilt drive and drove them to Kosovo to relieve others. But on the way home she received the impression that she had done well, but that she should go home and serve her neighbor. It is important that we can serve locally. It is also important to donate the right things. Money is always important so it can be used for what is needed, then nothing goes to waste. Use good sense. The Church works with local agencies to see what is really needed. Elder Kearon said that the Saints in Europe and Great Britain are offering services to help resettle and give them medical services, as well as education. If you have the ability to go to some of these places, you can give aid. All those who have given aid are like the people of Alma. We can’t be judges of these people, but need to offer aid. Refugees can be humble and ready to contribute to their new homes and maybe even accept the gospel. Kristine offered a list of things people can do to help refugees. This list will be posted on the Relief Society Facebook page. The list comes from Sharon Eubank who is a representative for the Church for refugee organizations. Also, you can give money to the Church’s Humanitarian Fund. Learning the stories of these people will change you. We have found refuge, so let us come out of our safe places and offer refuge to others. We can give whatever. It doesn’t have to be out of our ability to give. A little will make a difference.