First Presidency Designates Special Purpose for December Fast

In December, the First Presidency released the following announcement to all members of the Church.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

As has been true in ages past, we have witnessed the devastating effects of hurricane, flood, earthquake, and drought in various parts of the world. Our hearts are drawn to those who have and are suffering the severe effects of such calamities. An extended drought continues in the western area of the United States and Canada. Others have felt the results of severe weather in their locales. In such circumstances, we counsel our members to be faithful in keeping their covenants, including observances of the Sabbath day, paying an honest tithe and a generous fast offering, and fasting with a prayerful heart. The words of the Lord to the Prophet Isaiah counsel us:

“Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?

“Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? …

“Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. …

“And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought … and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.” (Isa. 58:6, 7, 9, 11.)

We call upon all members of the Church, in connection with the observance of the regular fast day in December, to petition the Lord for moisture in drought-stricken areas and for relief for those who are suffering from the effects of other calamities. We suggest that our people everywhere be most generous in their fast offering contributions so that means are available to assist the poor and needy, the sick, and the afflicted.

Through a faithful observance of all of our Heavenly Father’s commandments, we can draw upon His promise: “I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise.” (D&C 82:10.) It is our prayerful desire that members of the Church receive the blessings of happiness and peace promised to the obedient as we move forward in an era of enlarging and strengthening the work of the Lord.

Sincerely your brethren,

Ezra Taft Benson

Gordon B. Hinckley

Thomas S. Monson