Women's Broadcast Focuses on Christian Charitable Service

Carole Mikita reportingThe women of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gathered for a worldwide satellite broadcast this evening. The focus of tonight's meeting was Christian charitable service.

The program was broadcast by satellite to four-million church members. Their leaders say they comprise the largest women's charitable organization in the world.

Church founder Joseph Smith organized the Relief Society in Nauvoo, Illinois in 1842. His wife, Emma, was the first president. The modern world, the women leaders say, needs even more such help.

Bonnie D. Parkin/ Relief Society General President: "I rejoice at the accounts of righteous women, serving and being served. Through service, both the server and the servant experience the love of the Lord."

Kathleen H. Hughes/ First Counselor, Relief Society General Presidency: "To be consistently charitable is a life-long quest, but each act of love changes us and those who offer it."

Anne C. Pingree/ Second Counselor, Relief Society General Presidency: "Our individual efforts to become instruments in the hands of God have not been easy and have stretched us spiritually."

And special thanks to Relief Society members for aid in the hurricanes.

Pres. James E. Faust/ Second Counselor, First Presidency: "To express our appreciation to all who have helped in any way in the recent disasters which have happened and are still continuing in our country, in order to preserve life and property."

Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley/President, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: "May the spirit of love which has motivated its members for a century and a half continue to grow and be felt over the world."

The women were told to have confidence in their abilities to reach out to all people.

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