To preach and teach and work

Hats off to all those who are chipping in to help with the clean up and relief efforts all over!

It's not just Mormons, either. One of my favorites is the story of the chainsaw-wielding nun, who is helping clean up after Irma.

Thank you, and God bless!

A place for everyone

When disaster strikes, there are lots of ways to help. Do what you can where you can — and remember, a little bit of fasting and prayer can't hurt!

Called to serve

Thousands of volunteers are helping in Texas, and many more are on their way. There are ways you can help, such as donating to relief organizations (see the links in Wednesday's post). Missionaries serving in the area will be deployed to help as soon as it is feasible.

If you can't donate, the very least you can do is send your prayers!

Time for Helping Hands

I was in Texas just a few weeks ago, in the San Antonio area, so I've been watching Hurricane Floyd and the aftermath with a certain degree of anxiety.

A few years ago, Sis. Kerry Jo and her companion experienced a typhoon. It's a storyline that seemed to relate to current events, so I plan on running those for the next couple of days.

In the meantime, you may be wondering what you can do to help. A friend of mine from Texas says, "You can donate funds to the Humanitarian Aid Fund of LDS Philanthropies. One hundred percent of every dollar is used to help those in need without regard to race, religion or ethnicity.

"Furthermore, ANYONE in the Houston or surrounding areas can contact The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints via a hotline to request help in cleanup efforts related to damages from the hurricane and subsequent flooding. There is no charge for these series. They are mobilizing thousands to come and help with cleaning, mucking out homes, clearing limbs, whatever needs to be done.

"This has been done in many cities throughout the world. Last 5,000 were mobilized to Louisiana. It may take a week or two, but bishops in the area have already submitted an estimation of homes damaged and preparation is underway.

"By calling the hotline number, you will be put in contact with a volunteer who will take down the information you need and create a work order, and then send a volunteer crew out to help as soon as feasible.

"Obviously there is still difficulty getting crews into the neighborhoods, but this will allow us to start the rebuilding process, and they will come as soon as they are able. Volunteers may come from Mormon Helping Hands, Catholic Charities and others."

The hotline numbers are:

(800) 451-1954

(844) 965-1386