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Be Thou Not Commanded in All Things
In the recent October general conference, President Dallin H. Oaks spoke on service. At the same time, members throughout the world were preparing for the International Day of Service. The scriptures tell us that “When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God” (Mosiah 2:17).
President Oaks also shared this truth from the Doctrine and Covenants: “Behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant. . . .
“Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness.
“For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward.” (Doctrine and Covenants 58:26–28)
President Oaks said, “As members of the restored Church, we need to be more aware and more appreciative of the service of others.
“The Church of Jesus Christ is committed to serving those in need, and it is also committed to cooperating with others in that effort.”1
In Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, Sister Louise Zobell and Brother Doug and Sister Charlotte Palmer, while on vacation from Canada, recognized a need and began bringing humanitarian supplies to share on their periodic visits. Feeling the joy of serving, they officially organized the Dominican Starfish Foundation for the benefit of those in need. About the same time, Sister Pearl and Brother Lynn Giles began their involvement in the Dominican Republic under similar circumstances, with their efforts officially being organized as the 2014 PAL Humanitarian Charity.
Kate Bateman, a Canadian and friend of the Church, arrived in the Dominican Republic as a visitor too, but upon losing her documents on the beach, she ended up staying longer than planned. The community cared for Kate in her time of need and the bond that was forged prompted her to return to Puerto Plata with suitcases full of school supplies. When the children saw the supplies, they naturally thought she was their teacher, so that is who she became. Joined by Sister Zobell, the Palmers, the Giles and others, her school was expanded, and more children were served.
The efforts of humanitarian service attracted other good people and as a result, Sister Amarilis Urena and her charity, Fundación Amor, became a critical new partner of their team. It was in 2015 that these groups officially combined their efforts and with Sister Urena facilitating the activities in Puerto Plata, miracles began to happen. With the help of others in the community, their service includes building over 180 homes, buying and improving a school building, providing an education for 160 disadvantaged students, and funding the curriculum and materials needed for nine teachers.
With the school fully functioning, the feeding of many hungry children in a kitchen with inadequate equipment became a challenge. Working through humanitarian missionaries, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints became involved, providing funds to upgrade a single propane stove to a full-size stove/oven and supplying a fridge, freezer and kitchen utensils that would facilitate the school in providing the children a daily meal.
During a celebration with the community, the founders gathered for a brief moment and Sister Amarilis Urena shared her testimony of how the lessons of the restored gospel had allowed them to come together, blessing the community and each other with a glimpse of the Lord’s way of loving all His children. She expressed her love for all assisting with the project and testified of the truthfulness of the gospel. Inspired by the spirit of service, they continue their efforts to bless others.
Our lives are blessed when we can see the Spirit touching each other for good. It is important to remember the source of the Spirit in our lives. Share your testimony today as you give thanks to all those giving service.