How many people does it take to make a difference?

As I watch the news and see the devastation the earthquake in Haiti has left behind, my heart becomes full of sorrow and compassion for these people.  Aerial photos of Port-au-Prince shows that most of that city has been flattened.  Video news coverage show many bodies of the dead lying everywhere you look.  The look in the eyes of these people just tear at my heart strings.  And I find myself mourning for these people who I don't even know. 

There are so many buildings and homes that have crumbled to pieces with many people inside.  And many of these buildings and homes people have not even been able to get to, to check for survivors.  Time is running out for these people that may still be alive underneath all that rubble.  It breaks my heart.

The need in Haiti is huge.  Not only do they need things like medical supplies, doctors, rescue workers, police, and military to assemble order; they are in dire need of the basic needs like food, water, clothing and shelter for these people.  I am also sure there will be many, many children who will be orphaned who will need families. They will also need many people to help them rebuild.  This could literally take years. 

I am so grateful that I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, who provides humanitarian relief when calamities such as this strikes.  It also makes me feel good to know that my donation of time in making needed items such as quilts, clothing and toys are sent to people who are in need no matter where they live or what their religious beliefs are. 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has once again answered the call and needs of the Haitian people.  They are sending thousands of pounds of food and water, tents, tarps and medical supplies as well as emergency supplies, including personal hygiene kits and supplies for newborns.  They are also sending a team of doctors to assist in Haiti. 

I am so blessed to be a member of this church.  And I am glad to know that my small donations of time, money or items can do some good for someone else who is in need.  If you are interested in donating to the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saint's Humanitarian Services you can go here for information in how to do that. 

No matter what God you serve or how you worship, it is imperitive that we take care of one another. Not only during times of great calamaties, but everyday.  "When ye are in the service of your fellow man, you are in the service of your God". (Mosiah 2:17)

There is much you and I can do to make a difference in someone's life each day.  It doesn't have to be during times of great hardship.  It could be a simple smile or a listening ear.  How many people does it take to make a difference? "To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world." - Josephine Billings.

Will you stop to help someone in need, or will you turn away? 

Albert Schweitzer, humanitarian, once said "I don't know what your destiny will be, but this I know: the only ones among you who will be truly happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve."

I have given the subject of serving others a lot of thought lately.  I know there is so much more I can do for others around me whether they are family, neighbors, friends or people in my community.  And so I have decided that my goal for this year will be to find ways to serve others more.  And I would like to encourage you to do the same. 

What do you think?  If you would like to join me in making this your goal this year, let me know.  And let me know about ways you have given service to others or some ideas of ways I can be of service to others.

I may not be able to do something as huge as going to Haiti and volunteer my service there.  But I can definately do more here at home, in the community where I live.