Follow The Prophet – The Words & Deeds of God's Living Prophet, President Thomas S. Monson

Doctors carefully examine the injured in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. © Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

Most of us are very aware of the terrible earthquake which shook Haiti 10 days ago, and of the massive relief efforts that are underway to help the suffering and Haiti recover from the disaster. Our prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, and counselors Henry B. Eyring and Dieter F. Uchtdorf, in a statement today said:

…we are appealing to members to donate to Church Humanitarian Services as their means allow in order to help our Haitian brothers and sisters.  Many have already contributed and others are anxious to do so.

Members may donate money to the Church’s Humanitarian Services by either filling out a donation slip at church, or may donate by credit card or bank withdrawal by filling out the form on the Church’s Humanitarian Services Emergency Response website at the following link:  http://give.lds.org/emergencyresponse

In addition to donations of money, the First Presidency has asked members to keep the Haitians in our prayers:

We invite our people everywhere to supplicate God for a spirit of calm and peace among the people as urgent aid and reconstruction efforts continue.

See more information at the following links:

First Presidency Statement on Haiti
First Presidency Appeals to Church Members to Help People in Haiti
Despite Challenges, Church Aid Reaching Needy; More Is on the Way
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Partners With Islamic Relief USA to Send Food and Medical Supplies to Haiti – News Release
Church Aid Continues to Arrive in Haiti – News Release
Church Sending Team of Doctors to Assist in Haiti – News Release
Church Sends Additional Aid to Haiti Earthquake Victims – News Release
Church Response to Haiti Earthquake – News Release

The mega-savant Kim Peek passed away earlier this month, December 19, 2009, of an unexpected heart attack.  He was 58 years old.  He is most recognized as the inspiration for the Oscar-winning feature film “Rainman” starring Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise.

The Mormon Times reports that Kim was a very dear friend to President Monson and they often talked with one another.  The First Presidency of the Church sent a letter to the family that was read at the funeral.  The Deseret News reports:

[The letter] noted that “Kim’s charm and wit will be greatly missed,” and he was hailed by church leaders as “an influence for good in the lives of many.”

I personally remember seeing Kim at a school assembly at Mount Jordan Middle School back in the early 1990s.  I was amazed at his memorization abilities and humility.

See more information about Kim Peek’s passing at the links below:

Mormon Times – “‘Rain Man’ has been a missionary his whole life”
Deseret News – “Family eulogizes Kim Peek as an intellectual gift to others”

President Monson's Christmas Cane. Photo by Jeffery D. Allred/Deseret News

President Monson just published a short story of a black cane with a silver handle that he keeps as a reminder of Christ. The Church News reports his words:

At home in a hidden-away corner, I have a small black walking stick with an imitation silver handle. It once belonged to a distant relative. Why do I keep it for a period now spanning more than 70 years? There is a special reason.

You see, as a very small boy I participated in a Christmas pageant in our ward. I was privileged to be one of the three wise men. With a bandanna about my head, Mother’s Chickering piano bench cover draped over my shoulder, and the black cane in my hand, I spoke my assigned lines:

“Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him” (Matt. 2:2).

I don’t recall all of the words in that pageant, but I vividly remember the feelings of my heart as the three of us “wise men” looked upward and saw the star, journeyed across the stage, found Mary with the young child Jesus, then fell down and worshipped Him and opened our treasures and presented gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

I especially liked the fact that we did not return to the evil Herod to betray the baby Jesus, but obeyed God and departed another way.

The years have flown by, the events of a busy life take their proper places in the hallowed halls of memory, but the Christmas cane continues to occupy its special place in my home; and in my heart is a commitment to Christ.

This article can be found at the link below:

Church News – “President Thomas S. Monson: Feelings of heart recalled”

First Presidency signs 2009 Christmas Message

Every year the First Presidency, including President Monson and his counselors, releases a Christmas message.  The Church News reports this year’s message:

Christmas is a glorious time, simple in origin and deep in meaning. It is rich in memories, charitable in spirit, and beautiful in tradition and custom. It has an attraction to which our hearts are readily drawn.

At this season of the year, we remember that our Heavenly Father gave us His Son, Jesus Christ. We also remember that His precious Son gave us His life, the Atonement, and victory over the grave.

Therefore, let us give to our Lord and Savior the gift of gratitude by living His teachings and following in His footsteps. During His mortal ministry, He “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38). As we do likewise, the Christmas spirit will fill our hearts.

Remember that the annual First Presidency Christmas Devotional will be broadcast tomorrow evening.

See more information about this message at the following link:

Church News – “First Presidency Christmas Message”