1950–1951

The Yanagida Family

Tithing and faith in Jesus Christ

Toshiko and Tokichi Yanagida lived in Japan. They believed in Jesus Christ and had joined His Church. But life in Japan was hard at that time. A war had destroyed many homes and buildings. Toshiko and Tokichi wanted to build a house for their family, but they were very poor.

Saints, 3:543

The Yanagidas knew the Lord wanted them to pay tithing, but they weren’t sure they could. Toshiko asked a missionary what they should do. “Tithing is so hard for us,” she said. The missionary promised that if they paid their tithing, the Lord would help them reach their goal of owning a home.

Doctrine and Covenants 119; Saints, 3:543–44

Toshiko and Tokichi weren’t sure. They barely had enough money to buy school lunch for their son. But they decided to trust the Lord and pay tithing.

Saints, 3:543–44

The Lord blessed the Yanagida family. Soon they were able to buy land and start building a home.

Saints, 3:544

One day an inspector came. He said there was a problem with their land, and they could not build a house there. He told the workers to stop.

Saints, 3:544

The Yanagidas were so sad. They told the missionaries what happened. The missionaries said they would fast and pray with the Yanagidas.

Saints, 3:545

Later, another inspector came. He said the problem with their land could be fixed. The Yanagidas could build their home. “You two must have done something good,” the inspector said to Toshiko and Tokichi. They knew the Lord had blessed them. They were glad they had trusted Him and paid tithing.

Saints, 3:545