Why the Bishops Storehouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Aims to Help the Poor, Not Sellers
It's a common misconception that the Bishops Storehouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a place where members can purchase food and supplies at a discount. In reality, it's a mission-focused storehouse where members and volunteers come together to support those in need within their community. Let's explore why its operations are centered around helping the poor rather than engaging in commercial transactions.
The Nature of the Bishops Storehouse
The Bishops Storehouse is not a store in the traditional sense. It's a repository for food and other necessities collected through the tithing and fast offerings of members. These offerings, collected monthly, are used to support the community, particularly those who are in financial distress or need assistance.
How It Works
On the first Sunday of each month, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are encouraged to fast and pay tithing. In addition to this, they are encouraged to contribute a fast offering, which is often the amount they would have spent on meals during the fast. The fast offerings collected by each congregation stay in that area, allowing congregation members to go without food to feed their community.
Operation and Distribution
The Bishop of the ward oversees the operation of the storehouse and prayerfully approves requests from members and non-members to receive goods from the Storehouse. Depending on the congregation, some have market-like buildings where approved families can pick up what they need, while others must make orders that are filled by the warehouse.
Volunteers gather at the warehouse to fill orders and help deliver them, ensuring that the resources are distributed efficiently and equitably.
Personal Experiences with the Bishops Storehouse
As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I have firsthand experience with the Bishops Storehouse. During a time when my husband was off work due to a medical condition and we were facing hospital bills and a significant loss of income, the storehouse provided a lifeline. It kept us from starving when we faced a critical period.
No member would want to take away this aid by trying to buy food set aside for the poor. Instead, we have made it a point to be as generous as possible with each fast offering, so that others can also benefit from this compassion.
Motivations for Donations and Volunteer Work
The motivations for donations and volunteer work are deeply rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. The following verses from the Bible and Book of Mormon illustrate this:
Matthew 5:41–42
“And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.”
Mark 10:17–21
”And when he was gone forth into the way there came one running and kneeled to him and asked him Good Master what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life. And Jesus said unto him Why callest thou me good there is none good but one that is God. Thou knowest the commandments Do not commit adultery Do not kill Do not steal Do not bear false witness Defraud not Honour thy father and mother. And he answered and said unto him Master all these have I observed from my youth. Then Jesus beholding him loved him and said unto him One thing thou lackest: go thy way sell whatsoever thou hast and give to the poor and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come take up the cross and follow me.”
John 13:34
“A new commandment I give unto you That ye love one another as I have loved you that ye also love one another.”
Mosiah 4:16–21
“And also ye yourselves will succor those that stand in need of your succor ye will administer of your substance unto him that standeth in need and ye will not suffer that the beggar putteth up his petition to you in vain and turn him out to perish. For behold are we not all beggars Do we not all depend upon the same Being even God for all the substance which we have for both food and raiment and for gold and for silver and for all the riches which we have of every kind. And behold even at this time ye have been calling on his name and begging for a remission of your sins. And has he suffered that ye have begged in vain Nay he has poured out his Spirit upon you and has caused that your hearts should be filled with joy and has caused that your mouths should be stopped that ye could not find utterance so exceedingly great was your joy. And now if God who has created you on whom you are dependent for your lives and for all that ye have and are doth grant unto you whatsoever ye ask that is right in faith believing that ye shall receive O then how ye ought to impart of the substance that ye have one to another.”
In essence, we engage in these acts of service because they are expressions of reverence for God, who has given us everything we have, and a display of our love and appreciation for Jesus Christ. These actions are not for personal gain but for the greater good of our community, aligning with the teachings of Jesus Christ and fostering a spirit of compassion and charity.