By MALI HEGDAHL
Camille Fronk, assistant professor of ancient scripture, spoke about worldwide service as part of Women’s Month at a lecture on campus Thursday.
Fronk’s message, entitled “Liberal to All, Whether Out of the Church of In the Church,” focused on helping people throughout the world.
She used the example of the ancient people of Nephi as recorded in Alma chapter 1 of the Book of Mormon.
“They were liberal to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, whether out of the church or in the church, having no respect to persons as to those who stood in need,” she read.
People must have faith to help people around the world, no matter who they are, Fronk said.
She said it is important to remember the two great commandments. Individuals must first love God and then love their neighbors.
There is a great need for people to help around the world and locally, she said. Approximately one quarter of the world’s population lives without basic shelter, she said.
Fronk said there are many ways for women to help, even though there are many challenges for them.
She referred to a United Nations study on women.
“While women make up approximately half of the world’s population, they do approximately two-thirds of the world’s work. They earn approximately one-tenth of the world’s income and own approximately one-hundredth of the world’s property.”
Fronk said that it may be easy for people to see ways in which women are hampered from doing many things in the world. She said she would rather focus on opportunities women have to decrease suffering around the world.
She also said she wanted to show how women have improved conditions all over the world.
Fronk has traveled to several countries in her efforts to improve and help the lives of others. She has helped establish schools and houses for small villages all over the world.
Fronk said the joys that come from serving are great.
There are many ways to help locally. She said that local elementary and middle schools, libraries and nursing homes are possible places to serve.
