Doing Good in Paris
These two disciples show how they follow the Savior.
Photographs by Christina Smith
With so many challenges and people around the world who need help, do you ever wonder if there is anything you can do to help that will really make a difference?
During His mortal ministry, Jesus “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38). As His disciple, you can follow His example and do the same. Yes! There is a lot that you can do to make a difference.
That’s what siblings Elodie, 14, and Micah, 12, from Paris, France, have discovered. Here are some ways they follow Jesus Christ and “go about doing good” around them.
Focusing on Those in Need
“A disciple of Christ always relies on the Savior,” Elodie says. “A disciple of Christ loves Him and is grateful for what He has done for them. A disciple of Christ tries to follow in His footsteps.”
Elodie follows the Savior by being “anxiously engaged in a good cause” (Doctrine and Covenants 58:27). “My friends and I organize events to raise funds for less-privileged people or countries in distress,” Elodie says. “The money goes to buy clothing, books, toys, toiletries, and food. We also raise awareness for people who may not know about these things to see if they would like to help. We try to take a stand and help other people.”
In fall 2022, Elodie and her friends supported a charity organization in France that helps women with difficulties finding jobs or who need help supporting their families. They held a fashion show to raise money. They donated the funds to the organization in hopes it will support women in need and make a difference in their lives.
“It makes me feel happy that I am able to change something that was going wrong for somebody else,” Elodie says. “It’s also fun to get together with people to try to figure out how to get others involved and help them see that they can participate and also make a difference.”
Being a Friend
“A disciple of Christ keeps Christ in the center of their hearts and their lives,” Micah says. “They try to be like Him.”
Micah serves as an ambassador at his school. An ambassador helps new students. They give school tours, show how the curriculum works, and help new students fit in.
“I helped one of my friends when he first came to our school,” Micah says. “During lunch, he asked me questions about school, and I answered them. I tried to make him feel comfortable. It’s nice to stand up for friends who might be feeling down, sad, or lonely. It makes me feel like I’m becoming more like Jesus Christ.”
When it came time for Micah to be baptized several years ago, his mom asked who he wanted to invite to his baptism. Micah invited seven friends, and they all came! “I was happy that I was supported by everyone,” he says.
During the next few days, Micah’s friends asked him about his baptism and the Church. “I brought scriptures and talked with them about what the Church is about,” Micah said. “It was really cool to tell them what the Church means to me and my family.”
Finding Strength to Do Good
By remembering and following the Savior, Elodie and Micah find the strength to do good.
“Relying on Jesus has really helped me,” Elodie says. “With Him by my side, I can share the gospel, spend time with family, build relationships, participate in youth activities, grow my testimony, prepare to serve a mission, and continue to gather Israel.”
Micah also finds strength in standing as a disciple of Christ. “If I’m not sure about what to do in certain situations, I ask myself what the Savior would do. If the Savior would do it, then I should do it too,” Micah says. “Before, I felt too shy to tell anyone about my beliefs. I thought, ‘Oh, they’re going to make fun of me.’ Going to church, going to the temple, and helping others lets my friends know that they know the real me.”
Elodie reminds us that “Jesus Christ gave all of His time, all of His effort, and all of His love to others.” Remembering this has helped Elodie in many ways. “When my friends and I organize charities, we try to mirror what Jesus did His whole life,” she says. “We do what He would do if He were here. This reminds me that I am a disciple of Christ.”
Jesus Christ “is the ‘strength of youth.’” That means He is your strength. He will strengthen you just as He has for Elodie and Micah. With Him, you “can do all things” (Philippians 4:13) and go about doing “much good” for your friends, family, and others around you.