(Press Release from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)
SALT LAKE CITY ? The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is asking its 12 million members worldwide to donate generously to support humanitarian aid for disaster victims in southern Asia.
The First Presidency issued the following statement today:
'In association with other relief agencies, the Church is extending substantial humanitarian aid to the stricken people of southern Asia. We have representatives on the ground who are assessing needs and who are administering help.
'This coming Sunday, 2 January 2005, will be our regular fast day. In the present circumstances, we urge our people to remember in their prayers those in the devastated areas and to contribute most generously in fast offerings, which will make it possible for the Church to increase its aid to those whose suffering is so great.?
As part of their religious practice, Latter-day Saints regularly fast on the first Sunday of each month. Church members donate the value of the two meals skipped during the fast (or more if their means allow) to their local congregation leader. These ?fast offerings?are then used to care for the poor and the needy.