I have felt enormous distress over the genocide in Syria and throughout the world. My biggest grief is that I feel helpless to do anything of consequence to assist those who are suffering or make a real difference in the attitudes of those who continue to argue and inflate hostility toward one another.

This weekend, I read an article that gave me hope. The LDS Church is already on the ground in Jordan, and mobilized to help with relief efforts in the refugee camps there! When I read this, I realized that there are wonderful humanitarian groups which leverage resources in effective ways to relieve suffering, and I already participate in one of the best: LDS Humanitarian Services. I want to tell you a little about this amazing group. First of all, it uses 100% of donations for humanitarian needs. Money comes from fast offerings and humanitarian fund donations. Did you know that you don't need to be Mormon to contribute? There are five different crises throughout the world right now, and resources are stretched thin.

A quick summary from Wiki about LDS Humanitarian Services:
"All of these initiatives require manpower and while there are some full-time employees in administrative and clerical functions, there are also thousands of volunteer humanitarian missionaries. In emergency situations, local members and full-time missionaries who would normally devote their time to proselyting will participate in relief efforts, but in many of these more permanent initiatives the LDS Church uses senior-aged missionary couples.

"These couples are retired church members who devote six months to two years of their time to go anywhere in the world, typically at their own expense, to participate in these projects. Because of this volunteer force, the church is able to use 100 percent of money and goods donated in helping those in need. These missionaries often serve in activities related to their former profession. Doctors and nurses will serve medical missions either in the Neonatal Resuscitation programs or special missions to countries in need of dentists, eye doctors, surgeons and so forth. People with agricultural or engineering backgrounds will serve on the clean water initiative or else help farmers in developing countries.

"Other members who are still working and raising families frequently donate time, money, and in-kind donations to help in these ventures. Members can volunteer at local canneries and farms to help produce food for the needy. They can volunteer to create the medical kits needed for doctors and new mothers in developing nations and many help make blankets for needy families. Many of these local initiatives are organized by the Relief Society. This volunteer force allows the LDS Church to reduce operating expenses and serve more people with their resources."

For more information, see the LDS Humanitarian Services website.

Or drop in for a tour at the main Humanitarian Center or at Welfare Square, the Church's social services hub, both in Salt Lake City.

Or get in touch with that neighbor of yours who's a Mormon.

FYI, today is Fast Sunday (usually the first Sunday of the month). All members will meet together for a special fast and testimony meeting after fasting for two meals. (All visitors are welcome to come also.) Money saved from going without is donated to humanitarian efforts--some of it will assist neighbors who are suffering, and the rest will go to larger relief efforts like this. 100% will be used in providing relief in this way. What I have to offer in time and means is a drop in a huge bucket, but it feels good to participate in something that truly makes a positive difference.